NEW YORK (AP) – The union representing U.S. longshoremen says 45,000 of its members will walk off the job in the middle of the night and begin a strike that will likely shut down ports across the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Notified.
Further work stoppages could cause major disruptions to the country’s supply chain, and if they last for weeks, could lead to soaring prices and delays in goods reaching homes and businesses. A strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association could shut down 36 ports, which handle about half of the goods entering and leaving the United States.
The ILA confirmed over the weekend that its members would hit the picket line at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. In an update Monday, the union accused the American Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, of continuing to “obstruct the path” to a deal before the contract deadline.
“While the ocean-going shipping companies represented by USMX want to enjoy billions of dollars in rich profits in 2024, they are offering unacceptable wage packages to ILA longshore workers. We reject this,” the ILA said in a prepared statement. “ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work that keeps American commerce developing and growing.”
ILA also accused shippers of “gouging out customers” in recent weeks with steep price hikes for containers. The union said this would increase costs for U.S. consumers.
The Associated Press has reached out to a USMX spokesperson for comment.
If the strike is extended, businesses will be forced to pay delivery companies for delays and some goods will arrive late during the peak holiday season, from toys and artificial Christmas trees to cars, coffee and fruit. This could affect the delivery of everything.
For example, a strike can almost immediately affect the supply of fresh imports such as bananas. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, ports that could be affected by the strike handle 3.8 million tons of bananas each year, or 75% of the nation’s supply.
Americans could also face higher prices as retailers feel tighter supplies.
Jay Dhokia, founder of supply chain management and logistics company Pro3PL, said: “If the strike goes ahead, it will cause significant delays throughout the supply chain, with ripple effects that will undoubtedly be felt in 2025 and across the industry.” It will cause confusion.”
Dokia said East Coast ports were not the only ones at risk of disruption, as concerns leading to a strike had already diverted much cargo to the West, adding to congestion on routes and pressure on demand. He added that there was no. The impact will also be felt internationally, especially in places like the UK, where the US is its largest trading partner, he said.
ILA members are demanding higher wages and a complete ban on automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used to load and unload cargo.
The upcoming strike by ILA workers will affect ports from Maine to Texas and will be the union’s first strike since 1977. Longshoremen on the West Coast belong to a separate union and are not participating in the strike.
If a strike is deemed a danger to the nation’s economic health, President Joe Biden could seek a court order requiring an 80-day cooling-off period under the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. Then the strike will be called off.
Particular attention is being focused on what actions, if any, the administration will take, especially with a close presidential election just weeks away. However, Biden has indicated he does not intend to use this authority.
In an interaction with reporters Sunday, Biden answered “no” when asked if he intended to intervene in a potential work stoppage.
“I don’t believe Mr. Taft-Hartley because this is collective bargaining,” he said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a Monday briefing that the administration “has never invoked Taft-Hartley to call off a strike and is not currently considering doing so.” repeated. He added that government officials are still urging both sides to return to the negotiating table and negotiate in good faith.
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Krisher reported from Detroit. Associated Press writers Mae Anderson in New York, Stephen Groves in Dover, Delaware, DeAnn Durbin in Detroit and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
