Savannah Port Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement

Port of Savannah Strike Ends: Tentative Agreement Reached, Operations Resuming

After a three-day strike, the International Longshoremen’s Association (I.L.A.) and the United States Maritime Alliance (U.S.M.X.) have reached a tentative agreement, as confirmed by the Georgia Ports Authority. The deal includes a 90-day contract extension, allowing operations at the Port of Savannah to resume on Friday.

I.L.A. members began dismantling their picket line on Thursday evening. Paul Mosely, Sr., President of I.L.A. Chapter 1414, announced the end of the strike and instructed workers to return to their duties. If ratified, the agreement will provide a significant wage increase of approximately 61% for union members.

The strike, which began on Tuesday, was driven by dockworkers seeking higher wages and protections against automation. Earlier in the week, I.L.A. President Harold Daggett requested a $5 per hour pay raise for each of the six years of the new contract.

In a joint statement, the I.L.A. and U.S.M.X. confirmed the wage agreement and extended the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, allowing further negotiations on outstanding issues. All job actions have ceased, and port operations are set to fully resume.

Georgia Ports Authority officials reported that 13 ships are currently anchored, awaiting entry into the port, with four more expected next week. The Garden City Terminal will reopen at 6 a.m., and the Ocean Terminal will start operations at 8 a.m. Vessel operations will commence between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., while rail operations will begin at 7 a.m.

Although full details of the agreement have not been released, Mosely assured workers that negotiations will continue on unresolved contract issues. He thanked the dockworkers for their dedication, stating, “We came out here, we represented, and we fought for what we believe in.”

The strike had temporarily halted operations at major ports along the East and Gulf coasts, raising concerns about potential supply chain disruptions. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.