(NAFB.com) – The International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance announced an agreement on a new six-year contract. The agreement heads off the possibility of a port strike on the East and Gulf Coast ports. “We’re pleased with the tentative agreement, subject to ratification, which averts a work stoppage on January 15,” the two organizations said in a joint statement. “This agreement protects ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing the ports.” The two sides have agreed to continue operating under the current contract until the ILA can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote for its members. The U.S. Maritime Alliance membership also has to ratify the agreement. “The adoption of automation and technology was the most contentious issue between the two parties,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. “We’re pleased with the agreement.”