ILA strike by the dock workers’ association: As the talks continue, a possible strike by dock workers becomes apparent

ELIZABETH, New Jersey (WABC) — A strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is on the table – and with the deadline running until October 1st, there is no precise word yet on how close or how far apart the two sides are.

The potential economic impact of a strike on the East Coast and Gulf Coast is enormous, with at least 50,000 longshoremen threatening to walk off their jobs shortly after midnight on Tuesday.

The ILA claims wages have remained flat while transport companies’ profits have soared. As part of a new collective agreement, the union is calling for higher hourly wages – and a ban on automated cranes, gates and trucks.

“We must fight for what we rightfully deserve – let’s get a deal and move on with the world,” said ILA President Harold J. Daggett.

On the other hand, the US Maritime Alliance, which is committed to bargaining, claims that the union is not negotiating in good faith.

If both sides remain deadlocked, operations at the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth and several other of the country’s busiest ports could grind to a halt.

Resulting supply chain disruptions could have devastating consequences for the U.S. economy.

East and Gulf Coast ports account for more than half of U.S. container imports. If there are disruptions in recent weeks, there will be major supply chain challenges, driving up prices for products such as food, seafood, medicines, electronics and cars.

“It is estimated that a strike would cost about $5 billion per day. That would be the economic impact. So it’s substantive and it’s in everyone’s interest to sit down at the negotiating table, and you know, sit down at a mediator,” said University of Houston Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Program Director Margarett Kidd.

It is important to note that a strike could also impact Puerto Rico. That’s because 85 percent of the island’s food supply comes from the American mainland. 90 percent of these shipments go through ports with ILA personnel.

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