At least 45,000 dockworkers across 36 East and Gulf Coast ports began striking after their contract expired early this morning, the first such strike in the US since 1977. The work stoppage could disrupt supply chains and cause delays; see what’s at stake here.
The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, failed to reach an agreement after negotiations stalled in June. The union seeks higher wages and less automation, while the alliance pushes for increased technology use to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The union is allegedly requesting a $5 an hour raise each year for six years, while the alliance has reportedly offered $2.50 annually. Union members with six or more years of experience currently earn up to $39 an hour.
East and Gulf Coast ports handle more than 68% of containerized exports and more than 56% of containerized imports (see map). Analysts estimate losses to the US economy could be up to $5B per day. President Joe Biden has said he is not planning to invoke a nearly 80-year-old act to order the strikers back to work.
US Dockworkers Strike added by Staff on
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An out of control Union being unreasonable and greedy. No one feels sorry for a Union that turned down a 50% pay increase.
I wonder how the Dock Workers feel if Bus Loads of illegals rolled in and took those Jobs at less Pay?