The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which covers 29 major seaports on the US west coast, has officially voted to ratify a labour contract extension with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
Extension takes the contract to July 1 2022 where it had previously been due to expire on July 1, 2019.
This endorsement by the rank and file members was what the union forecast last week based on early returns after balloting closed.
In the end, the vote was overwhelming with 67% in favour. The extension will produce wage increases, maintain health benefits and increase pensions.
Both parties hailed the deal as an assurance of stability in the west coast shipping sector.
It should mean no recurrence of the disruptive 2014/15 contract dispute.
