Current:Home > Contact-usUS port strike by 45,000 dockworkers is all but certain to begin at midnight-LoTradeCoin
US port strike by 45,000 dockworkers is all but certain to begin at midnight
View Date:2024-12-23 17:07:48
NEW YORK (AP) — The union representing U.S. dockworkers signaled that 45,000 members will walk off the job at midnight, kicking off a massive strike likely to shut down ports across the East and Gulf coasts.
The coming work stoppage threatens to significantly snarl the nation’s supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices and delays for households and businesses if it drags on for weeks. That’s because the strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association could cause 36 ports — which handle roughly half of the goods shipped into and out of the U.S. — to shutter operations.
ILA confirmed over the weekend that its members would hit the picket lines at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. In a Monday update, the union continued to blame the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, for continuing to “to block the path” towards an agreement before the contract deadline.
“The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” ILA said in a prepared statement. “ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.”
ILA also accused the shippers of “killing their customers” with sizeable price increases for full containers over recent weeks. The union said that this will result increased costs for American consumers.
The Associated Press reached out to a USMX spokesperson for comment.
If drawn out, the strike would led would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season — potentially impacting delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees, to cars, coffee and vegetables. Americans could also face higher prices as retailers feel the supply squeeze.
ILA members are demanding higher wages and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used in the loading or unloading of freight.
The coming strike by the ILA workers will be the first by the union since 1977.
If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. This would suspend the strike.
All eyes are on what, if any, action the adminstration might take — particularly just weeks ahead of a tight presidential election. But Biden has signaled that he will not exercise this power.
During an exchange with reporters on Sunday, Biden said “no” when asked if he planned to intervene in the potential work stoppage.
“Because it’s collective bargaining, I don’t believe in Taft-Hartley,” Biden said referring to a 1947 law that allows the president to intervene in labor disputes that threaten the nation’s health or safety.
veryGood! (8196)
Related
- New Mexico secretary of state says she’s experiencing harassment after the election
- The Valley Star Jesse Lally Claims He Hooked Up With Anna Nicole Smith
- Southern Baptists to debate measure opposing IVF following Alabama court ruling
- YouTuber charged in video showing women shooting fireworks at Lamborghini from helicopter
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says next year will be his last in office; mum on his plans afterward
- The best-looking SUVs you can buy today
- A Complete Guide to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's 6 Kids
- Man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in death of fiancee who went missing
- Martin Scorsese on the saints, faith in filmmaking and what his next movie might be
- Get Your Summer Essentials at Athleta & Save Up to 60% off, Plus an Extra 30% on New Sale Styles
Ranking
- Congress heard more testimony about UFOs: Here are the biggest revelations
- Judge says fair trial impossible and drops murder charges against parents in 1989 killing of boy
- Police seek tips after missing Georgia woman's skeletal remains found in Tennessee
- Unclaimed $2.9 million Mega Millions ticket about to expire after being sold in December
- Charles Hanover: Caution, Bitcoin May Be Entering a Downward Trend!
- Who will win Stanley Cup? Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers picks, predictions and odds
- UFO investigation launched in Japan after U.S. report designates region as hotspot for sightings
- Ford recalls more than 8,000 Mustangs for increased fire risk due to leaking clutch fluid
Recommendation
-
Ex-Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies
-
Washington judge denies GOP attempt to keep financial impact of initiatives off November ballots
-
23-year-old sought in deaths of her 3 roommates caught after high-speed chase, authorities say
-
This ‘Boy Meets World’ star credits shaman elixir for her pregnancy at 54. Doctors have some questions.
-
Sofia Richie Reveals 5-Month-Old Daughter Eloise Has a Real Phone
-
Who Does Luke Bryan Want to Replace Katy Perry on American Idol? Here's the Truth
-
A real nut case: Cold Stone Creamery faces suit over lack of real pistachios in pistachio ice cream
-
House explosion in northern Virginia was caused by man igniting gasoline, authorities say