East Coast dock workers threaten strike over wage and automation issues

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A massive strike is looming at ports along the East Coast as port workers threaten to walk off the job on Tuesday if their demands for higher wages and a ban on automated cranes, gates and container movements are not met.

“We’ve always been able to work through those differences and come to some sort of agreement before the deadline,” said Kenneth Riley, international vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association. “But this time it seems to be completely different.”

For the first time since 1977, the East Coast branches of the ILA are planning a strike. In the Lowcountry, over 700 workers from ILA Local 1422 are participating.

“We will be picketing three locations,” Riley said. “We will of course be picketing at the Columbus Street terminal, the Wando terminal and the North Charleston terminal. And there will be no work on the Leatherman either.”

READ MORE | “Some residents in Colleton County are still without power following Hurricane Helene.”

Thomas Fellows, author and artificial intelligence consultant, warned of the potential impact of the strike.

“If this continues for more than a few days, there will be significant backlogs, delayed shipments and increasing costs for all of these things,” Fellows said.

Riley emphasized that workers are seeking fair treatment, which includes higher wages.

“We who are on the front lines are considered essential workers, essential workers. Then when we actually stand up for what we think we deserve, not just what we feel but what we know we deserve, then we expect that support to be what it is.” be reciprocated,” Riley said.

READ MORE | “Senator Tim Scott calls on longshoremen to postpone strike amid hurricane devastation.”

Concern about automated terminals is also an important issue.

“There could be autonomous cranes, robotic systems for unloading and loading, and logistics software that could easily take away jobs,” Fellows said.

A South Carolina Ports representative said they do not use automation, but Riley expressed ongoing concerns about job security.

“We don’t benefit from robots. Robots don’t pay taxes. Robots do not support our communities. Our minor baseball teams and so on, they don’t do that. We do it. Professionals do it. And so, in the end.” “Today we’re fighting for American jobs,” Riley said.

South Carolina Ports said it was monitoring the negotiations.

“Following a potential business interruption, SC Ports and our maritime industry partners will deploy all possible resources to enable a rapid recovery of business,” it said in a statement. “Measures would be implemented based on the operating conditions and needs of the terminal, as well as the duration of any potential disruption.”

READ MORE | “The U.S. port strike by 45,000 longshoremen will almost certainly begin at midnight.”