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IAM Local 2725 has recently reached an agreement with the U.S. Virgin Island Port Authority (VIPA) that guarantees significant wage increases for IAM members over three years.
Despite VIPA’s offer of a 2.75% pay increase for this and next year, the negotiating committee held out until workers received a higher pay increase.
The agreement provided IAM members with a 2.75% increase in 2022. In 2023, they will receive a 3% increase, followed by a 3.25% increase in 2024. These increments will lead to a total increase of 9% over the three years.
“This agreement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fair wages and working conditions for our members,” said IAM Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras. “It’s worth noting that this victory didn’t happen in a vacuum. During the negotiations, VIPA claimed that their initial offer of 2.75% was beyond their means, given that they had been paying all salaries and benefits throughout the pandemic and had to secure a loan to continue funding their operations.”
“The IAM submitted a Request for Information, and, thanks to the extraordinary work of the IAM’s Strategic Resource Department, we were able to find additional funds within the budget to negotiate higher raises,” said Vigueras. “We are excited to share that our hard work has paid off, and our members can look forward to a significant wage increase to provide for their families.”
The IAM represents approximately 60 Virgin Islands Port Authority workers, including dock masters, seamen, caretakers, custodians, and office workers.
“Working at the Virgin Island Port Authority can be difficult and demanding, and our members have more than earned this exceptional agreement,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “We want to thank the negotiating committee who did an incredible job sticking together and refused to back down until a strong agreement was reached.”
The IAM conducted training for its Local 2725 members in St. Croix and St. Thomas, strengthening its presence in the USVI.
