Historic Strike by US Dockworkers Paralyzes East Coast Ports
In a significant labor action, more than 45,000 dockworkers across 14 ports from Maine to Texas initiated a strike at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the first such action since 1977. The strike was prompted by the breakdown of negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents maritime and port employers. The ILA is advocating for a new six-year collective agreement to address wage increases and working conditions.
Harold J. Daggett, the 78-year-old president of the ILA, has been vocal about the union's demands, which include a 77% pay increase over the six years to combat inflation. While the USMX has offered a nearly 50% wage increase and improvements in retirement and healthcare benefits, the union argues that these proposals fall short of their needs. The dispute has escalated, with Daggett warning that the strike would
