Training & Workforce Development

Twenty-five cents per ton is allocated to the CFS Fund to support training and safety initiatives. This is one of the few funds that may be adjusted by the bargaining parties, upon the recommendation of the CFS Fund trustees, to meet changing training demands.

All disputes under this Master Contract involving containerization and ro-ro, including interpretations of this Master Contract, shall be heard initially by the Local Industry Grievance Committee (“LIGC”), which shall consist of the following: three (3) Management representatives (a representative of USMX, a representative of the local port association where the dispute arose, and a local stevedore or terminal operator) and three (3) representatives appointed by the ILA. Requests for interpretations may be brought at any time.

The LIGC shall hear all disputes within thirty (30) days after a grievance has been filed unless the Co-Chairmen of the Industry Appellate Committee (“IAC”) mutually agree to extend this period in a particular case and shall render a decision within ten (10) days after the hearing. If the Co-Chairmen of the IAC do not agree to extend this period and a hearing is not held within thirty (30) days, the grieving party shall prevail and the non-grieving party shall have no right of appeal.

Where there is a failure to render a decision on the local level or where a party desires to appeal any decision rendered on the local level, such cases may be referred to the IAC

The Local Industry Grievance Committee (LIGC) is the initial body that hears a grievance. The Industry Appellate Committee (IAC) serves as the next level of review when the LIGC cannot reach a decision, when a decision is appealed, or when a dispute involves multiple ports.

Unanimous LIGC decisions cannot be appealed.