Brett Rowland (Center Square)
About 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike Tuesday at ports on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast, disrupting the flow of goods in what some predict could be the most devastating strike in decades.
The strike, which stretches from Maine to Texas, could affect everything from bananas to European beer to cars.
The International Longshoremen’s Association criticized the United States Maritime Alliance for rejecting the contract.
“The ocean carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy billions of dollars in bountiful profits in 2024 while offering ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” the union said. “ILA dockworkers deserve compensation for the important work that keeps American commerce moving and growing.”
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This strike is the first at the port since 1977. The strike will affect 36 U.S. ports that handle about half of U.S. maritime imports. Includes Boston, New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
Negotiations have intensified since June. There is a difference of opinion between the International Longshore Association and the Warehouse Union, which represents dockworkers across the country, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents terminal operators and ocean carriers.
East and Gulf Coast workers will earn $39 per hour after six years. The union is demanding a 77% pay increase over the next six years. They are also calling for more restrictions and bans on cranes, gates and automation of container movements used to load and unload cargo.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
