An estimated 45,000 U.S. dockworkers are striking across East and Gulf Coast ports, including the Port of Mobile.
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union members are demanding better pay and the elimination of automated technology to process trucks at port terminals.
Higher prices and delays are expected over the coming weeks.
The ILA blamed the United States Maritime Alliance.
"They want to make their billion-dollar profits at United States ports, and off the backs of American ILA longshore workers, and take those earnings out of this country and into the pockets of foreign conglomerates," the ILA said in an update Monday. "Meanwhile, ILA dedicated longshore workers continue to be crippled by inflation due to USMX's unfair wage packages. "
The members of ILA are employed at ports from Texas to Maine.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) blamed the Biden-Harris administration for a deep impact. He said the nation's supply chain will be shut down and the economy crippled.
"Everything from groceries to fabrics to metals will be impacted because of the Biden-Harris admin's FAILURE to avoid this strike," Tuberville stated on X. "Don't take my word for it, just look at the data from Oxford Economics."
Everything from groceries to fabrics to metals will be impacted because of the Biden-Harris admin’s FAILURE to avoid this strike.
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) September 30, 2024
Don’t take my word for it, just look at the data from Oxford Economics ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/r9aBY7KEVH
The Oxford Economics list includes everything from tobacco, coffee, eggs, tin products, and textiles imported through East and Gulf Coast ports that will be impacted.
However, the ILA said the Alliance is already impacting pricing by "gouging" customers.
"They are now charging $30,000 for a full container, a whopping increase from $6,000 per container just a few weeks ago," the ILA claimed. "In just a short time, they went from 6K, to 18K, then 24K and now $30,000. It's unheard of and they are doubling their $30,000 fee stuffing the same container from multiple shippers. They are killing the customers."
President Joe Biden can act under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seeking a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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