NORTH BERGEN, NJ. — The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) issued a joint statement on Oct. 3 to announce they have reached a tentative agreement, effective immediately, putting 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.

Quickly following the resolution to the port closures, the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) praised ILA and USMX for their decision, as the meat industry relies heavily on access to those ports.

“This is a tremendous relief to everyone in the US meat and livestock industries, as about $100 million worth of beef and pork products are exported every week through East and Gulf Coast ports,” said Dan Halstrom, president and chief executive officer of USMEF. “Exports are a critical revenue stream at all levels of the US red meat supply chain, and our industry needs all US ports operating to meet the needs of our international customers and to maintain the United States’ reputation as a reliable red meat supplier.”

Only a few days ago, on Oct. 1, dock workers from Maine to Texas went on strike after their labor contract expired. The strike became the first on the East Coast since 1977.

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. The shutdown occurred at a time of year when US meat exports would typically increase.

“Our production and exports kind of accelerate, typically in the fourth quarter, and especially with our seasonal increase in pork production and exports, we’re really looking at the need to be able to handle and accommodate more, including ahead of year-end holidays,” said Erin Borror, vice president for economic analysis at USMEF.