If the strike on the East Coast of the US and Gulf of Mexico begins as scheduled, on 1 October, 2024, there will be supply chain disruptions and delays for sure. The strike under the aegis of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union, is to demand better wages and a complete ban on automation.
With over 85,000 employees as members, the ILA wants that workers should be paid higher salaries and the ports should not resort to the use of cranes or any other kind of automation when it comes to the loading and unloading of containers and freight.
The United States Maritime Alliance or USMX, whose members comprise companies from the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry, has reportedly not taken any action to improve the wages in decades.
This is the first time in about 47 years that workers will be stopping work at various ports from Maine to Texas. A strike of this nature has never taken place since 1977, say media reports.
While federal law provides for presidential intervention in cases of strikes that could put the country’s security or safety at risk, President Joe Biden appears to be steering clear of interfering.
It is not known whether negotiations are underway. If the strike does take place, the export and import of shipments will be heavily disrupted in the ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, with containers of many businesses ending up stuck.
