Unionized East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers have threatened to take strike action if a tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance. The International Longshoremen’s Association represents thousands of port workers, and the union is seeking a major increase in worker pay and increased job protections regarding automation. The United States Maritime Alliance represents several longshore companies, including container carriers and terminal operators. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance stalled in June, and the two parties have until the end of September to agree on a tentative contract. The union stated that if an agreement is not reached, workers will begin striking on October 1st. Strike action would result in significant delays and have a major effect on the US economy.
See "Port workers on East Coast and Gulf Coast set to strike in October if tentative agreement isn’t reached", Laura Curtis, Portland Press Herald, September 6, 2024