Port Strike on Hold
Workers at America’s major ports are back in the job as dock workers consider a 62% wage increase. The offer is good for 90 days as the two sides try to reach an agreement on automation and other issues.
The two-day strike at East Coast and Gulf of Mexico ports would have been devastating to the U.S. economy if it were to continue. The agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance affects about 50,000 workers. The alliance of port owners promised to pull the wage hike offer if a contract isn’t hammered out in 90 days.
The strike caused a run on toilet paper and other essentials as consumers were wary of another COVID-era supply chain disruption. Goods moving through some of the nation’s busiest ports from Maine to Texas include bananas, beer, wine, liquor, furniture, clothing, household goods, autos, and parts needed to keep U.S. factories open. A prolonged strike would have been a black mark on the Biden administration just as Vice President Kamala Harris makes a bid for the Oval Office.
“Longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing," the union said in a statement.
The port owner’s alliance, known as USMX, said it remained "committed to bargaining in good faith to address the ILA's demands and USMX's concerns."