45,000 members of the International Longshoreman Association went on strike, shutting down 36 seaports from Maine to Texas, including in Charleston, after failing to reach an agreement. This marks the first strike in nearly 50 years for East Coast union workers who load and unload cargo. The union is seeking significant wage hikes and a ban on automation equipment that reduces the need for workers.
The strike could have a major impact on the U.S. economy, with estimates ranging from $540 million to $5 billion in losses per day. South Carolina has the lowest unionization rate in the country, but the strike has still affected operations at port terminals. The White House has urged both sides to negotiate but has declined to intervene.
Amid ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, there have been calls for the union to postpone the strike to avoid further disruption. President Joe Biden has called for fair wages for workers who have helped keep ports open during the pandemic. The strike comes as Democrats are counting on union workers to deliver votes in the upcoming presidential election.
As the strike continues, the union will still work cargo ships containing essential goods, such as military materials and perishable items. The impact of the strike on the state’s economy remains unknown, but efforts will be made to restore supply chains once operations resume. Governor Henry McMaster has acknowledged the potential impacts of the strike but believes businesses have prepared as best they can.
Source
Photo credit kansasreflector.com
