US Port Workers Set to Strike October 1st, Threatening Supply Chains and $5 Billion Daily Loss

Sep 29, 2024, 10:13 PM

The United States is facing a significant disruption as port workers from Maine to Texas prepare to strike on October 1st. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 45,000 dockworkers, is at an impasse with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) over wage demands and a ban on port automation. The strike, which could shut down 36 ports handling nearly half of the nation’s imports and exports, is expected to cause severe supply chain disruptions, leading to empty shelves and rising prices, particularly ahead of the holiday season. President Joe Biden has stated he will not intervene, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining. Analysts predict the strike could cost the economy up to $5 billion a day. Retailers and consumers are bracing for the impact, with fears of shortages in essential goods and increased freight costs. Some longshoremen earn $200,000 or more annually.