Thousands of dockworkers on the East Coast and Gulf Coast have reached a tentative agreement on wages, ending a major work stoppage. The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association agreed to extend their current labor contract through January 15 and continue negotiations. The strike began Monday and involved ports from Maine to Texas, marking the first dockworkers strike since 1977. The union, ILA, had been seeking a share in the profits earned by global cargo carriers due to supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic. The USMX represents major ocean freight and port operators, with both sides only mentioning wages in the agreement. The joint statement said all job actions will cease immediately, and work covered by the Master Contract will resume. The governors of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland had called for a swift resolution to the labor dispute. President Joe Biden had also been involved in the negotiations, supporting collective bargaining. The strike had caused disruptions in shipping and supply chains along the East and Gulf Coasts, impacting many industries and businesses. This is a developing story, and updates are expected as negotiations continue.
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