East Coast Port Strike Imminent: Disruption to Supply Chains Looms

The International Longshoremen’s Association union plans to commence a strike on Tuesday across U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico ports, leading to potential delays and supply chain disruptions. The union seeks better wages, while the White House remains uninvolved. Businesses fear significant economic impact.

A port strike on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico will go ahead starting on Tuesday, the International Longshoremen's Association union confirmed on Sunday. The action could lead to significant delays and disrupt supply chains.

The union accused the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) of neglecting wage issues that span half a century while emphasizing they remain resolutely against terminal automation projects. USMX, the representative body of employers in the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry, has yet to comment.

If the strike proceeds, it would mark the first coast-wide ILA strike since 1977, potentially impacting ports from Maine to Texas that handle about half of the nation's ocean shipping. Business Roundtable and other major business groups have expressed deep concern, warning of significant economic repercussions. President Joe Biden, who prefers collective bargaining over federal intervention, has stated he does not intend to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent the walkout.

(With inputs from agencies.)