Port workers on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast have been on strike since Tuesday, and the strike action has resulted in significant delays in the shipment of goods all around the United States. Thousands of port workers are represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association, and the union and the United States Maritime Alliance are currently in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The United States Maritime Alliance represents various shipping companies, terminal operators, and port authorities. The union wants a 77 percent increase in wages, which is a $5 increase each year over the next 6 years, while the United States Maritime Alliance has stated that the maximum wage increase they can implement is a $3 increase every year. The union also wants protections against the use of automation, as port operators are increasing the use of automated cranes and trucks.
See "East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers will strike until an agreement is reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance", Ramishah Maruf, CNN, October 3, 2024