West Coast PMA ratify new five-year contract

West Coast PMA ratify new five-year contract
http://khon2.com/2015/05/20/west-coast-dock-workers-ratify-new-five-year...
By Web Staff
Published: May 20, 2015, 4:59 pm Updated: May 20, 2015, 5:00 pm

After months of dispute, West Coast dock workers have reached an agreement with their employers.

Members of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The contract, if ratified by the ILWU, is retroactive to July 1, 2014 and runs through June 30, 2019.

The contract includes wage and pension increases, health care changes and an enhanced arbitration system designed to support waterfront stability, capacity growth and productivity.

“The West Coast ports are an economic engine for the United States, supporting millions of workers and trillions in economic impact,” said PMA President and CEO Jim McKenna. “The disruptions that occurred during negotiations, and the inconvenience and hardship created by them, were regrettable. We look forward to building upon the incredible advantages West Coast ports offer and winning back the trust and confidence of the shipping community. This contract provides important tools to accomplish that.”

The dock dispute caused shipment disruptions and delays, including here in Hawaii, and cost businesses billions of dollars.

The outcome of the ILWU ratification vote is expected by Friday, May 22.