The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) recently negotiated a new collective agreement for 2019, which will affect thousands of workers across the United States and Canada. This agreement is an important landmark in the ongoing relationship between employers and employees in the maritime industry.
The ILWU was established in 1934, and it has always been committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members. The collective agreement negotiated in 2019 is no exception, and it includes a number of important provisions that will benefit workers in the industry.
One of the key features of the agreement is the increase in wages for ILWU members. The agreement provides for a 3.1% wage increase in the first year, followed by a 2.8% increase in the second year and a 2.5% increase in the third year. This is an important boost for workers who are often engaged in physically demanding and essential work.
In addition to wage increases, the agreement also addresses a number of important issues related to workplace health and safety. The ILWU has long been a champion of safety in the workplace, and the new agreement includes provisions designed to protect workers from injury and illness. This includes provisions that require employers to provide training and equipment to workers, as well as regulations on chemical exposure and dangerous equipment.
The collective agreement also includes provisions designed to protect workers from discrimination and harassment. This is an important issue in any workplace, but it is particularly important in the male-dominated world of the maritime industry. The agreement includes specific provisions that prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, and sexual orientation.
Finally, the agreement also addresses the issue of automation in the industry. With advances in technology, many employers are exploring ways to automate various tasks within the industry. The ILWU has been vocal in its opposition to automation that would displace workers, and the new agreement includes specific provisions designed to protect workers from being replaced by machines.
Overall, the ILWU collective agreement negotiated in 2019 is an important step forward for workers in the maritime industry. It provides important protections and benefits for workers, and it is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the ILWU to protecting the rights of its members.