The strike by 45,000 longshoremen at the US port is likely to begin at midnight

NEW YORK (AP) — The union representing U.S. longshoremen has announced that 45,000 members will walk off their jobs at midnight a huge strike East and Gulf Coast ports are likely to close.

The impending work stoppage threatens to significantly disrupt the country’s supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices and delays for households and businesses if it drags on for weeks. The strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association could cause 36 ports – which handle about half of the goods shipped to and from the US – to cease operations.

The ILA confirmed over the weekend that its members would go to the picket line at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. In an update Monday, the union continued to accuse the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, of continuing to “block the path to an agreement before the contract deadline.”

“The shipping companies represented by USMX want to enjoy the whopping billions in profits they will make in 2024 while offering ILA Longshore workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” ILA said in a prepared statement. “ILA longshoremen deserve compensation for the important work they do to keep America’s trade moving and growing.”

The Associated Press has reached out to a USMX spokesman for comment.

If the strike is prolonged, companies would be forced to pay shippers for delays and could result in some goods arriving late for the peak holiday shopping season – possibly have an impact on the delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees, to carsCoffee and vegetables. Americans could also expect higher prices as retailers feel the pinch of supply, all in advance close presidential election.

ILA members are calling for higher wages and a complete ban Automation of cranes, gates and container transport vehicles Used when loading or unloading cargo.

The upcoming strike by ILA workers will be the union’s first since 1977. And the Biden administration has signaled it will not intervene.

President Joe Biden said “no” during an exchange with reporters on Sunday when asked if he planned to intervene to plan for a possible work stoppage that would impact East Coast ports.

“Because it’s collective bargaining, I don’t believe in Taft-Hartley,” Biden said, referring to a 1947 law that allows the president to intervene in labor disputes that endanger the country’s health or safety.