INTERNATIONAL Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) dockworkers are to get 32 per cent pay rise. alongside a one-time "hero bonus" of US$70 million in recognition to those who worked through the turbulence of the pandemic, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), reports London's Port Technology.

These were some of the details of the six-year contract that have emerged regarding the tentative agreement announced on June 14 between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the ILWU.

With dozens of dockworkers losing their lives amidst COVID-19 while working towards generating unprecedented levels of profits for shipping carriers in that period, the dockworkers' union had initially pushed for double pay over the course of the contract, reported WSJ.

Nevertheless, a settlement was arrived at, inking a host of other provisions and improvements, and now awaits ratification by both parties.

Both the ILWU, who represents more than 22,000 dockworkers, alongside the PMA, who represents employers at 29 ports from California to Washington state, have declined to disclose further details of the agreement.

Those close to the situation, however, claim that the first year of the contract will see a 10 per cent wage increase of $4.62 an hour for dockworkers, which will be compounded with a further $2 an hour in each subsequent year thereafter.

President Biden lauded the deal, stating that dockworkers had "served heroically through the pandemic" and will "finally get the pay, benefits and quality of life they deserve."

The new deal, however, includes wage increases that will apply retroactively back to this expiry date.