The longshoremen’s union announced it came to an agreement with the group representing port operators across the United States, ending a three-day strike that, if extended, could have detrimentally impacted the economy, USA Today reports.
The workers will receive a 62% pay increase over six years; the union had sought a 77% increase. The two sides, the International Longshoremen’s Association union and the United States Maritime Alliance, will continue to negotiate less-pressing outstanding details, extending the existing agreement to January 15, 2025.
The union announced its 45,000 workers will return to work immediately. Over the three-day strike, at least 45 container ships were awaiting to be unloaded at ports along the Gulf Coast and the East Coast.