(The Center Square) – Some 50,000 International Longshoremen’s Association members went on strike Tuesday against the East and Gulf Coast ports, snarling the flow of goods in what some predict could be the most disruptive strike in decades.
The strike, which extends from Maine to Texas, could affect everything from bananas to European beer and automobiles.
The International Longshoremen’s Association blamed the United States Maritime Alliance for refusing a contract.
“The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” the union said. “ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.”
It’s the first strike at these ports since 1977. The strike will affect 36 U.S. ports handling about half of U.S. ocean imports. Included are Boston, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Negotiations have been tense since June. The disagreement is between the International Longshore Association and Warehouse Union, which represents port workers across the country, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents terminal operators and ocean carriers.
Wages of East and Gulf coast workers are a base wage of $39 an hour after six years. The union is asking for a 77% pay raise increase over six years. It is also asking for more restrictions and bans on the automation of cranes, gates, and container movements used to load or unload cargo.
The union is asking for a 77% pay raise increase over six years. It is also asking for more restrictions and bans on the automation of cranes, gates, and container movements used to load or unload cargo.
And those costs will be passed along to the consumer. The question is, why are we so reliant on imports ?
DJT was right, produce more at home.
This could not happen at a better time,,,,the higher the prices go, the lower the democrat voter turn out will commence. If the Biden evokes Taft Hartley, he loses the union vote. If he does not, he loses the entire ticked off nation of voters. Yes there is a God, and his will prevails in the end one way or another, and his justice as well. When it comes to national wealth creation,,,,there’s no place like home. The productive American Dorothy jobs are leaving the land of Oz, clicking their Chinese heels and are about to be coming back home to Kansas, thanks to an empty headed scarecrow executive branch, full of cowardly lions unable to just do the right thing.
WHEN many make MORE THAN 40$ an hr, WHAT DO THEY THINK THEY “Deserve” to live on?
I know folks, who’d KILL TO Earn 40 bucks an hr, with GUARANTEED medical, dental etc….
Just train a few of those illegals and do away with the union.
OR mobilize the guard/seabees and reservists to do the work, to keep the ports open.