At least 36 major ports around the United States effectively shut down at midnight as a major labor union went on strike. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union, which represents around 45,000 port workers, says it will order a work stoppage as contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group have completely broken down over demands for a pay increase and guarantees against job automation.
The strike, if it drags out for several weeks, could cripple U.S. markets and cause shortages of a myriad of goods just before the 2024 presidential election. Some estimates indicate the strike—which would halt container ship traffic across the entire eastern seaboard—could cost the U.S. economy upwards of $5 billion per day.
This first ILA strike since 1977, under Jimmy Carter, could lead to a shortage of perishable imported foods, foreign alcoholic products, sugar, cocoa, and even furniture and appliances shipping into the United States.
COVID, PROFITS, & AUTOMATION.
Harold Daggett, who leads the ILA, has blasted shipping companies and port management operators for months for stalling on contract negotiations. Dagget says his members want a pay increase and guarantees against the automation of crane worker jobs in a new contract with the port operators. The fiery union