June 15, 2023 – A tentative labour deal between dockworkers and port employers was reached yesterday (Wednesday), after more than a year of contentious negotiations. The agreement would run six years between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents more than 22,000 dockworkers, and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), representing employers at 29 ports. The tentative agreement must be approved by the dockworkers and operators, and could take several months. A joint statement between the ILWU and PMA read, “recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating.” President Biden praised the agreement, saying it showed how collective bargaining works and congratulated the port workers. There is no word yet on how this will affect the ILWU Canada negotiations which are still ongoing.