Labor

Organized labor remains an important institution in moving goods through the international supply chain. Longshore labor is responsible for moving containerized and bulk freight from ocean vessels to staging areas located within port complexes. Longshore workers operate equipment used to move freight, perform clerical work used to enter cargo information and staff mechanics stations to ensure the safety of all equipment.

There exists two longshore labor unions in the United States. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) represents the interests of longshore labor along the East and Gulf Coasts while the International Longshore and Warehosue Union (ILWU) operates along the West Coast. While both unions represent the interests of longshore labor, each union has a different history and takes a different approach in maintaining industrial relations with management.

The ILWU and the West Coast
The contract, also known as the Pacific Coast Longshore Contract, is negotiated between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), representing the employers of longshore labor, or stevedores. The membership of the PMA consists of American and foreign flag ocean carriers and and marine terminal operators, entities responsible for loading and unloading cargo on board an ocean vessel. The labor agreements the PMA negotiates on behalf of its members cover wages, employee benefits, and conditions of employment for all ILWU members including longshoremen, marine clerks and walking bosses and foremen.

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The ILA and the East and Gulf Coasts
Organized labor and employers take a much different approach in managing labor relations along the East and Gulf coasts. The Master Contract, negotiated between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), representing employers along East and Gulf Coast ports, covers wages and benefits for all ILA members. However, local ILA affiliates maintain much flexibility in negotiating port specific work rules and even a certain degree of power in deviating from the wages set in the Master Contract.

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