Port Strike Appears Certain as Negotiations Break Down

All signs are pointing to a labor strike impacting port operations along the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.

After months of talks, representatives with the International Longshoreman’s Association, with a membership of some 85,000 dock workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance, have not been able to come to terms that would prevent a walk-out.

On Sunday, President Biden announced that he would not intervene in the matter, referencing his respect for the collective bargaining process. In a statement, White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson remarked: “We continue to encourage the parties to continue negotiating towards an agreement that benefits all sides and prevents any disruptions.”

At issue is a labor demand for increased pay, but also stronger guarantees on the part of management that automated systems on the docks in question will be not used to replace workers.

In public comments, ILA President Harold Daggett remarked: “We have to fight for what we rightfully deserve. Let’s get a contract, and let’s move on with the world.”

In a statement issued last week, the United States Maritime Alliance said it had great respect for the ILA workers: “We have a shared history of working together and are committed to bargaining.”

But the alliance blamed the union for the current negotiation impasse, attacking ILA representatives for a “repeated refusal to come to the table and bargain on a new master contract.”

Should the ILA decide to strike, notes the Washington Post, it would result in “freezing commercial shipping on a massive scale and disrupting the national economy weeks before the presidential election.”

With the ILA workers handling cargo that includes everything from building materials to electronics, cars, and food, the strike has the potential of costing the U.S. economy upwards of $1 billion.

Altogether 36 ports, handling more than half of all U.S. container imports, would be impacted by the job action.

The last time the ILA went on strike was in the fall of 1977. That action lasted for just over two months until the end of November, with the ILA ultimately securing new wage and fringe benefit increases.

By Garry Boulard

Photo Courtesy of Unsplash

---