Dockworkers’ Strikes at U.S. Ports from Maine to Texas have been temporarily suspended while port officials and unions negotiate wages.
The strike began on October 1 at midnight, as the International Longshoremen’s Association demanded substantial wage increases, and an end to the automation of gates, cranes, and containers-moving trucks that are used for loading and unloading at 36 U.S. major ports.
The United States Maritime Alliance is representing these ports.
The strike is now suspended until further discussions between the two sides.
According to a person who was briefed about the agreement, the ports increased their offer of wages from 50% to 62% over six years. This person did not want to be named because the agreement was tentative. As part of the final contract ratification, union members would need to approve any wage increases.
The union began a strike on Tuesday morning after its contract expired. It was a dispute about pay and automation at 36 ports from Maine to Texas. The strike occurred at the height of holiday shopping at the ports that handle half of all cargo coming in and out of America.
The strike was a serious threat to the U.S. economic system, as it would have prevented goods from being shipped into the U.S. interior and unloaded at the port.
The old agreement between ports and unions which technically expired on September 30, is still in effect. The tentative agreement between both sides does include an extension to January 15, according to the understanding.
