Delegates of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union's (ILWU) Coast Longshore Caucus voted today to recommend approval of the tentative five-year contract agreement reached on Feb. 20 between the union and employers, represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Of the 90 delegates, 78 percent voted to recommend approval, ILWU said in a statement. Copies of the agreement will be mailed to 20,000 union members at 29 West Coast ports. They will discuss the proposal at local meetings, and then cast a ratification vote by secret ballot. A final tally will be conducted on May 22, ILWU said.