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Citing automation concerns, U.S. dockworkers plan midnight strike

United States dockworkers plan to strike at midnight on Monday, with demands including higher wages and protections against automation. Affecting major ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, the strike involves workers in the International Longshoremen's Association, whose demands have not yet been met.

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September 30, 2024

United States dockworkers plan to strike at midnight on Monday, with demands including higher wages and protections against automation.

Affecting major ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, the strike involves workers in the International Longshoremen's Association, whose demands have not yet been met.

According to CNBC the situation could stop container traffic from Maine to Texas, affecting nearly half of American container shipping, and costing the economy up to an estimated $5 billion per day.

Affected industries include retail, where companies are preparing for the holiday sales rush.

If a strike does occur, CNN Business warns of potential shortages or price hikes resulting for categories like chocolate, fruit, alcohol, and potentially some cars.

"Typical the peak shipping season runs from July through early November. They certainly moved up their timing this year, to start in late May or early June," Jonathan Gold, VP of supply chain and custom policy for the National Retail Federation, told CNN.

"A one-day shutdown takes three to five days to recover from," Gold added. "The longer it goes, the worse it gets."

While a sitting president has the power to intervene in strikes via the Taft-Hartley provision, President Biden has stated that he does not wish to do so.

"It's collective bargaining," Biden said Sunday in a statement quoted by Reuters. "I don't believe in Taft-Hartley."