Big ILA port workers strike: how will it affect prices?
1 october 2024 в 16:13
Around 45,000 longshoremen of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) began a strike at midnight on Tuesday, October 1, effectively disrupting the flow of cargo ports between the Gulf Coast and the East Coast. The strike may lead to an increase in prices for certain goods. As countless American consumers try to stock up on what they can during the strike, many are wondering how long the situation will last.
ILA dockworkers began the strike against the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over wages and new technologies in the workplace. ILA President Harold Daggett released a statement explaining the strike shortly after the dockworkers stopped working.
«USMX caused this strike when they decided to keep foreign owners of ocean carriers, who make billions in profits in U.S. ports, from compensating American ILA dockworkers who do the work that brings them wealth», - said the ILA president. «We are ready to fight for as long as necessary, to stay on strike for as long as it takes to get the wages and protection from automation that our ILA members deserve».
Since USMX and ILA have not reached an agreement on wages, there is no indication of when the strike will end. Ports from Maine to Texas will be affected by the strike.
President Joe Biden was asked if he would intervene in the strike by invoking the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act. This would halt the strike. However, the president noted that he will not intervene and called on USMX and ILA to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
According to many sources, retail traders typically receive about 70 percent of goods from port shipments. Therefore, consumers are currently stocking up on fresh produce, especially fruits and seafood.
The strike may also slow down or halt the flow of European beer, wine, and spirits, as well as furniture, clothing, household goods, and other items that usually come from Europe
ILA dockworkers began the strike against the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over wages and new technologies in the workplace. ILA President Harold Daggett released a statement explaining the strike shortly after the dockworkers stopped working.
«USMX caused this strike when they decided to keep foreign owners of ocean carriers, who make billions in profits in U.S. ports, from compensating American ILA dockworkers who do the work that brings them wealth», - said the ILA president. «We are ready to fight for as long as necessary, to stay on strike for as long as it takes to get the wages and protection from automation that our ILA members deserve».
Since USMX and ILA have not reached an agreement on wages, there is no indication of when the strike will end. Ports from Maine to Texas will be affected by the strike.
President Joe Biden was asked if he would intervene in the strike by invoking the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act. This would halt the strike. However, the president noted that he will not intervene and called on USMX and ILA to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
According to many sources, retail traders typically receive about 70 percent of goods from port shipments. Therefore, consumers are currently stocking up on fresh produce, especially fruits and seafood.
The strike may also slow down or halt the flow of European beer, wine, and spirits, as well as furniture, clothing, household goods, and other items that usually come from Europe
© Artemenko Olga
