Manufacturers Call on President to Invoke Taft-Hartley Act to Stop Port Strike
Washington, D.C. – Following comments from President Biden that he will not intervene in the strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
“Manufacturers call on President Biden to intervene by invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, which will force ports to resume operations while negotiations continue.
“There will be dire economic consequences on the manufacturing supply chain if a strike occurs for even a brief period. 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.
“The president can protect manufacturers and consumers by exercising his authority, and we hope he will act quickly.”
Background:
NAM estimates find that $2.1 billion worth of trade would be at risk every day, and additional estimates have indicated that a strike would reduce GDP by up to $5 billion per day, only some of which could be recovered as goods are rerouted or after a shutdown ends.
Major Commodities Moving Through East and Gulf Coast Ports
- Imports
- 77.6% of coffee and tea
- 77.2% of beverages and spirits
- 58.5% of medical/surgical instruments
- Exports
- 62.1% of fertilizers
- 76.3% of vehicles
- 78.5% of wood pulp used in Europe for heat, diapers, etc.
- 62.5% of medical/surgical instruments
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.87 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.