From Maine to Texas, dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern U.S. are now on strike for the first time in decades. And the work stoppage could snarl supply chains — leading to shortages and higher prices if it stretches on for more than a few weeks.
By Tom Krisher and Tassanee Vejpongsa, Associated PressLongshoremen Meikysha Wright and others strike together outside of the Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.
In early picketing, workers outside the Port of Philadelphia walked in a circle and chanted “No work without a fair contract.” The union, which is striking for the first time since 1977, had message boards on the side of a truck reading: “Automation Hurts Families: ILA Stands For Job Protection.” Hundreds of longshoremen strike together outside of the Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.
Monday evening, the alliance said it had increased its offer to 50% raises over six years, and it pledged to keep limits on automation in place from the old contract. The alliance also said its offer tripled employer contributions to retirement plans and strengthened health care options.In a statement early Tuesday, the union said it rejected the alliance’s latest proposal because it “fell far short of what ILA rank-and-file members are demanding in wages and protections against automation.
The strike will likely have an almost immediate impact on supplies of perishable imports like bananas, for example. The ports affected by the strike handle 3.8 million metric tons of bananas each year, or 75% of the nation’s supply, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US port strike: Over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas hit picket linesDockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas have started walking picket lines in a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on more than a few weeks.
Read more »
Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas go on strike, a standoff risking new shortagesSupply chain experts say consumers won’t see an immediate impact from the strike because most retailers stocked up on goods, moving ahead shipments of holiday gift items.
Read more »
Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas go on strike, a standoff risking new shortagesDockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas went on a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on more than a few weeks.
Read more »
Dockworkers from Maine to Texas go on strike in move that could spark economic doomDockworkers from Maine to Texas go on strike
Read more »
Expect shortages and higher prices as port workers from Maine to Texas prepare to strike TuesdayEverything from bananas to European wine and liquor, along with clothing, toys, household goods and European autos could be impacted.
Read more »
Expect shortages and higher prices as port workers from Maine to Texas prepare to strike TuesdayEverything from bananas to European wine and liquor, along with clothing, toys, household goods and European autos could be impacted.
Read more »