04:01 AM EST, 01/09/2025 (MT Newswires) -- A union representing tens of thousands of US dockworkers and a trade association representing shippers said Wednesday they have reached a tentative agreement for a new six-year contract, averting a possible Jan. 15 work stoppage.

The International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Alliance said they will continue to operate under their current deal until members of the union and the maritime alliance separately ratify the deal.

The two sides described the proposed contract as a "win-win agreement" in a joint statement. "This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coasts ports - making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong."