New York, NY – The United States is bracing for one of the largest port strikes in its history as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) prepares to halt operations.
According to reports, the ILA will halt all Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports on October 1, 2024.
This potential strike could disrupt the flow of goods nationwide, affecting everything from consumer products to industrial supplies.
The ILA, representing over 85,000 maritime workers, has been in negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) since May.
The union is demanding better wages and protections against automation, which they argue threatens job security.
“A sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if a new Master Contract Agreement is not in place,” said ILA President Harold J. Daggett.
The ports in question handle approximately 60% of U.S. shipping traffic, making them critical to the national economy.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees one of the busiest ports in the country, spoke to NBC about the potential strike.
“For the over 600,000 regional jobs our port supports and the $240 billion in goods moved through here each year, we urge both sides to find common ground and keep the cargo flowing for the good of the national economy,” said Steve Burns, a spokesperson for the Port Authority.
The ILA has been vocal about the need for fair wages and benefits.
“USMX claims to offer industry-leading wages, however, their interpretation of ‘leading wages’ is polar opposite to ours,” the union stated.
They argue that workers have faced minimal wage increases over the past three decades, with some years seeing no raises at all.
Ports from Maine to Texas are making preparations for the potential strike. Terminal operators and ocean carriers are working to bring in as many ships as possible before the deadline.
A strike could lead to significant delays in the supply chain, affecting everything from retail goods to manufacturing components.