NORTH BERGEN, NJ — The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and US Maritime Alliance (USMX) issued a joint statement Oct. 3, sharing that they reached a tentative agreement, effective immediately, that put an end to the labor strike plugging up the East and Gulf coast ports.

ILA and USMX agreed on wages and an extension to the master contract until Jan. 15, 2025, ensuring that all affected ports can reopen while they continue to negotiate outstanding issues.

International Dairy Foods Association president and chief executive officer Michael Dykes, who earlier this week called for a speedy resolution, said members of the dairy industry were glad to see ports back in business.

“While the strike lasted just three days, IDFA members had to re-route and front-load shipments since early September due to concerns that a strike might occur, and truck rates increased as companies were stocking inventory for the holiday season,” Dykes said. “In addition, it will take weeks to clear the backlog caused by the strike.”

Dock workers from Maine to Texas went on strike Oct. 1, after their labor contract expired. Negotiations centered around wages and protection against automation.

Without a renewed contract, the US agriculture sector took a hit, feeling the absence of 36 ports run by approximately 45,000 dock workers.

Dykes said IDFA’s membership appreciated President Joe Biden’s administration weighing in on negotiations and urged the administration “to remain actively engaged to avoid facing similar disruptions as we enter the New Year.”