Dockworkers go on strike at 14 U.S. ports after contract expires
ELIZABETH, New Jersey (WABC) -- Tens of thousands of dockworkers on the East and Gulf coasts have walked off the job after their contracts expired on October 1 at midnight.
The move has impacted 14 ports in total but the ripple effect could hurt a large swath of Americans.
On Monday, officials for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with the governor of New York, were weighing options and putting together contingency plans for the strike.
The strike could have devastating impacts on the shipping industry, including shortages and driving up the cost of goods.
The International Longshoreman Association says it is willing to stand on the picket lines for as long as it takes until a new deal is struck with the United States Maritime Alliance. The two sides have not met since June and there are currently no plans in place for them to discuss options.
The 45,000 striking workers are demanding a "fair contract," which includes a 77 percent wage increase over six years. They're also looking for a total ban on automated equipment like cranes and gates, as well as better health coverage. The USMA offered just a 40 percent pay bump.
Those port workers are responsible for 35 percent of all U.S. imports.
If a new deal isn't struck, the strike could mean delays in delivering goods like cars, fresh fruit and electronics. An extended strike could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars daily.
"Automation over our nation's ports should be a concern for everyone. The truth is, robots do not pay taxes, they do not spend money in their communities. The ILA will continue to fight until its members receive the contract they deserve," Daniel May, port worker, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, 35 ships are expected to arrive in the New York City area with goods, however, those vessels will drop their anchors and halt deliveries until the two sides agree on new terms.
In anticipation of a potential disruption to the medical products supply chain, the New York State Department of Health has communicated with hospitals and nursing homes across New York State and reminded them of the requirement to maintain a 60-day stockpile of personal protective equipment and other critical goods.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has all state stockpiles prepared to deploy any available resources including generators in the event they are needed.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is now calling on the Biden administration to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act, forcing dockworkers to stay on the job while negotiations continue.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration will not step in to stop the port strike. A statement from the White House read, in part, "The President has directed his Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to meet every day and prepare to address potential disruptions, if necessary."
"Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has developed a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to monitor and address potential supply chain impacts, from severe weather to transport service interruptions to this spring's Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore," the statement continued.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that the state has been working around the clock to ensure that grocery stores and medical facilities have the essentials they need to remain open.
The governor also noted that she hopes the two sides can come to a quick and fair agreement.
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