Members of the International Longshoremen's Association, who have been on strike since early Tuesday, will return to work at the ports on Friday, sources told CNN. The strike, involving 50,000 workers at ports from Maine to Texas, has disrupted the majority of containerized imports into the U.S. and hindered many exports, affecting American businesses' overseas sales.
The union and the management group, which represents shipping lines, terminal operators, and port authorities, have reached a tentative agreement on wages. Although the complete contract is not yet finalized, one source stated that both sides have agreed to extend the expired contract until January 15. This extension allows union members to return to work while final details are resolved, and the agreement is ratified by the rank-and-file.
The tentative deal must still be approved by the union's membership before taking effect. However, the union has agreed to resume work as ships remain stuck at sea, unable to unload and load goods at U.S. ports. If the members reject the deal, the strike could restart, as rejection of tentative labor agreements has occurred in the past.
