Input Stories

Dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports from Maine to Texas went on strike today following the midnight expiration of a labor contract between their union, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (The Associated Press, subscription).

The NAM has long warned of the dire and costly consequences of such a work stoppage and urged the Biden administration again last night to intervene.

What’s going on: “Workers began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and automation even though progress had been reported in contract talks. The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight.”

• “The U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, said Monday evening that both sides had moved off their previous wage offers. But no deal was reached.”
• Ports where workers are striking include New York and New Jersey, Baltimore, Houston, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.

Why it’s important: Even a brief strike is likely to cause major disruption to U.S. supply chains, according to the NAM.

• “NAM estimates show a strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports would jeopardize $2.1 billion in trade daily, and the total economic damage could reduce GDP by as much as $5 billion per day,” Timmons said.
• President Biden should invoke the Taft-Hartley Act, “which will force ports to resume operations while negotiations continue,” Timmons concluded. 

Biden says: “President Biden and Vice President Harris are closely monitoring the strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports,” the White House said in a statement earlier this morning.

• “The president has directed his team to convey his message directly to both sides that they need to be at the table and negotiating in good faith—fairly and quickly.”