Looming dockworkers strike could cripple supply chain

Craig Nigrelli

SOME OF THE BUSIEST PORTS IN THE COUNTRY COULD BE ALL BUT SHUT DOWN COME TUESDAY – AS DOCK WORKERS UP AND DOWN THE U-S’ ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTS PREPARE TO STRIKE.

A SHUTDOWN COULD CAUSE SHORTAGES – AND POTENTIALLY PRICE INCREASES – THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY… RIGHT AS THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON GEARS UP.

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION IS CALLING FOR SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER WAGES – AND A TOTAL BAN ON AUTOMATION. 

AND IF THEY CAN’T COME TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES MARITIME ALLIANCE BY THE END OF MONDAY… SOME 85-THOUSAND WORKERS ARE PREPARED TO WALK OFF THE JOB.

AN AUTOMATION BAN WOULD IMPACT CRANES, GATES AND CONTAINER-MOVING TRUCKS THAT ARE USED IN THE LOADING OR UNLOADING OF FREIGHT AT 36 PORTS. 

THOSE PORTS HANDLE ABOUT HALF OF ALL U-S CARGO FROM SHIPS. 

THE I-L-A AND THE MARITIME ALLIANCE LAST HELD NEGOTIATION TALKS IN JUNE – BUT NOTHING WAS ACCOMPLISHED THEN OR HAS BEEN SINCE.

ONE ANALYSIS BY J-P MORGAN SAYS A STRIKE WOULD COST THE U-S ECONOMY UP TO 5 BILLION DOLLARS – **PER DAY.**

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN **COULD** USE A FEDERAL LABOR LAW TO FORCE THE LONGSHOREMEN BACK TO WORK – BUT ON SUNDAY HE SAID HE WAS NOT CONSIDERING THAT… HOWEVER, THE WHITE HOUSE AND TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE URGED THE I-L-A AND THE MARITIME ALLIANCE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

IF THE STRIKE DOES HAPPEN – IT’LL MARK THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 50 YEARS ALL THE I-L-A PORTS ALONG THE EAST AND GULF COASTS HAVE SHUT DOWN AT THE SAME TIME.