Earlier this week the International Longshoreman’s Union (ILA) and the Port of New York and New Jersey employers group reached a possible six-year agreement for the port. This deal covers the US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. With the agreement in place it will not go to the rank and file members for a ratification vote. There are still some local issues pending which must be finalized before the six year master deal is reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). This deal will mean peace at the ports all the way thru 2024 which for most of us will seem like a lifetime. Right now we are 3 months ahead of the expiration of the current contract so we it seems like plenty of time to have the local contracts finalized and the master contract signed…….until then, we will wait and see.