Contract Highlights
The PMA-ILWU contract is one of the most generous collective bargaining agreements in America, supporting longshore workers, promoting modern terminal operations and ensuring a stable supply chain.
Longshore workers at the 29 West Coast ports work under a single labor contract, negotiated between PMA and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
The current contract was reached in 2023 and ratified by the ILWU following 13 months of bargaining and has been hailed as a model of collective bargaining.
The six-year contract is retroactive to 2022 and will remain in effect until 2028, bringing long-term labor stability to the West Coast waterfront.
Photo Credit: Curtis Shaw, PMA
By the Numbers
16,055
ILWU Registered Workers
$243,000
Average Annual EarningsÂ
$58,770
Healthcare Costs/Registrant
$97,680
Max Yearly Pension
2024 Figures
Key Contract Provisions
Wages
PMA and our member companies are proud to offer world-class wages to all workers at West Coast ports through the PMA-ILWU contract. The contract also includes a 32% pay increase over six years.
In 2024, full-time, registered workers earned on average $243,000. Average annual earnings for each ILWU classification are:
Longshore workers:
$225k
Clerks:
$252k
Foremen:
$359k
Benefits
The PMA-ILWU contract provides longshore workers with one of the best union benefits packages in the nation.
Key benefits in the current contract include:
Fully employer-paid healthcare coverage with no premiums
A 19% pension increase over six years, taking the annual total to $113,000 for ILWU members with the longest tenure in 2028.
A one-time $70 million bonus recognizing workers’ heroic efforts during the pandemic.
Up to 6 weeks of paid vacation and 16 holidays (including 14 paid holidays) per year.
Several automation projects have moved forward since 2008
Technology & Automation
PMA members bargained for the right to introduce modern technology at marine terminals beginning in 2002, and the right to introduce automation beginning in 2008. In return, ILWU members received significant benefits, including increased pay and pension, workforce guarantees, expanded work jurisdiction (including the maintenance and repair of automated equipment), and minimum manning levels for terminals using automated equipment.
Dispute Resolution
The PMA-ILWU contract establishes a robust arbitration system to help resolve any employment disputes on the waterfront swiftly, consistently, and fairly. Beginning with the 2014-2015 contract, a panel of three arbitrators has been appointed to review grievances in each geographic region– one appointed by employers, one by the Union, and one a professional neutral. This balanced and impartial dispute resolution process has helped reduce work disruptions, boosting the reliability of West Coast port operations and protecting the integrity of the nation’s supply chain.
