NORTH BERGEN, NJ (September 7, 2026) As our great International Longshoremen’s Association prepares to celebrate Labor’s National Holiday – Labor Day 2026 – we champion our unprecedented bargaining triumphs, historic family protections, and an aggressive, unified strategy for a prosperous future through 2026 and 2027.
Landmark Successes of the Six-Year USMX-ILA Master Contract
I am proud of the unwavering solidarity of the rank-and-file membership, which permanently solidified the USMX-ILA Master Contract, running through September 30, 2030, as “the greatest Collective Bargaining Agreement in the history of Organized Labor,” spotlighting record-shattering achievements:
- Historic Wage Gains: Members are entering the third year of the contract on October 1, 2026, triggering a $4.00 per hour raise, which follows an initial $6.00 raise and a subsequent $5.00 raise. Four additional annual raises are guaranteed through 2029.
- Unprecedented Automation Protections: The contract secures an astounding feature unique to global dockworker labor—full, ironclad protections against job-destroying automation.
- Substantial Benefit Improvements: Landmark returns of full container royalty funds to the ILA, accelerated wage progressions for newer workers, increased money purchase plan contributions, and the comprehensive strengthening of the MILA healthcare plan.
The Newly Negotiated Master Contract Death Benefit
I am grateful to have achieved a Master Contract Benefit for ILA members covered un the USMX-ILA Master Contract. This new benefit recognized the severe hazards longshore workers brave daily to keep the global supply chain moving, prompting the ILA and USMX to officially established the Master Contract Death Benefit.
- Maximum Security: The newly formed trust structure provides up to $2 million, entirely tax-free, to the spouse and children of any eligible ILA member who suffers a fatal accidental injury while working under the Master Contract.
- A Lifelong Promise Kept: I note this financial safety net guarantees that no grieving ILA family will ever face immediate economic ruin or lose their home following a workplace tragedy.
A Bright and Prosperous Future for 2026 and 2027
Looking forward through 2026 and 2027, I state confidently that the ILA’s best days lie ahead, provided the membership remains fiercely disciplined and active.
Global Solidarity: Backed by alliances forged at the Anti-Automation Summit and local labor support, the ILA enters 2027 stronger, and more unified than ever before.
A Happy, Healthy and Safe Labor Day 2026 to all our ILA members and their families.
