Vice President Harris says longshore workers’ tentative agreement ‘shows progress toward a strong contract’

Striking US longshoremen will return to work on Friday after reaching a tentative agreement with employers. Vice President Kamala Harris says agreement ‘shows progress toward a strong treaty’

The return of port workers depends on a tentative agreement that includes an improved wage offer in the form of a 62% wage increase.

Harris praised the efforts of all involved, saying, “This move shows progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining.”

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Port of Miami longshoremen strike near the port entrance demanding a new labor contract on October 1, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images)

Longshoremen give a stunning answer when asked if they support Vice President Harris

The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents 45,000 striking U.S. workers, said the union and USMX had reached a “tentative agreement on wages and agreed to extend the framework agreement until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table and to negotiate all other outstanding issues.” Problems.”

Harris, who appears to agree with the union’s decision to fight for better wages, said: “This is about justice – and our economy works best when workers share in record profits. Longshoremen deserve a fair share for their hard work delivering essential supplies to communities across America.”

Longshore workers strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas, on October 1, 2024. Officials at 14 ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts made last-minute preparations for a likely labor strike on September 30. (MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Although workers are scheduled to return on October 4, many terminals have released statements that some terminals will remain closed.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released a statement assuring the U.S. that the transition will occur in an orderly and expedient process.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for putting the country first, finding a path forward for ports to reopen and ensuring that essential goods – including those heading to areas hardest hit by Hurricane Helene are destined – will be transported again,” said Buttigieg.

The Port of Baltimore is seen as longshoremen as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) walked off the job on October 1, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“In the coming days and weeks, our department will continue to work closely with stakeholders in America’s supply chains to support an orderly process to restart these ports and promote a good outcome in subsequent contract negotiations,” Buttigieg said.

FOX Business’ Bradford Bets and Breck Dumas contributed to this report.