West Coast longshore workers at 29 ports have officially ratified a three-year contract extension with their employer the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). 

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union's (ILWU) Coast Balloting Committee confirmed the vote, which applies to workers in ports in California, Oregon and Washington.

The committee reviewed balloting results from all longshore local unions and confirmed a tally showing 67% of members voted in favor of the extension.

The current agreement was set to expire on July 1, 2019, and the newly approved three-year pact will extend the expiration to July 1, 2022.

The contract extension will raise wages, maintain health benefits, and increase pensions from 2019-2022, the ILWU said.

The results followed a year-long debate and democratic decision-making process which allowed every registered longshore worker to express their views and cast a ballot, it added.

“The rank-and-file membership has made their decision and expressed a clear choice,” ILWU international president Robert McEllrath said.

“During the past year we saw a healthy debate and heard different points of view, with concerns raised by all sides. The democratic process allowed us to make a difficult decision and arrive at the best choice under the circumstances.”

PMA president James McKenna also welcomed the news.

“This first-of-its-kind contract extension is great news for the maritime industry and the nation, setting the stage for reliable and productive cargo operations for years to come," he said.

"This agreement also continues to provide ILWU workers with a generous wage and benefits package during a time of great change in the global maritime business.

"With this agreement in hand, PMA looks forward to working with the ILWU to bolster the West Coast waterfront’s standing as a leader both nationally and globally."

Contentious negotiations between the two parties in 2014 and 2015 lasted for months and resulted in severe disruption at West Coast ports. The dispute was only resolved after the White House intervened in February 2015.

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