Search

A potential dockworker strike threatens to close ports on the East and Gulf coasts, disrupting supply chains and impacting the economy just weeks before the presidential election. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing about 45,000 dockworkers, has suspended negotiations over a new contract and plans to strike on September 30 if no agreement is reached. The ILA is dissatisfied with the Biden administration's involvement in settling negotiations on the West Coast and is seeking a higher wage increase. The Biden administration may not have the option to force longshoremen back to work, and their only recourse may be to pressure foreign-based ocean carriers into accepting an unfavorable settlement. [Extracted from the article]