‘No contract, no work’: Thousands go on strike at East and Gulf Coast ports

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Work at ports across the east and gulf coasts came to a halt Tuesday as 25,000 workers go on strike.  

The International Longshoreman’s Association—which represents port workers from Maine to Texas—and the US Maritime Alliance have yet to come to an agreement over contracts.  

The ILA is pushing for a 77% increase in pay over six years and promises that their jobs will be protected from automation.  

USMX provides a counteroffer of a 50% pay raise, and the protections against automation, but the union is not satisfied.  

 Greg Washington, President of ILA Local 1426, said he’s hopeful for resolution. 

“This my people’s livelihoods, and I want to keep it going, and whatever it takes to keep it going, that’s what we want. But we can’t work without a contract. So, what I’m wanting to happen is them to sit down and knock out a daggone contract and we can go back to work,” Washington said. 

Local 1766 President Charles Seaton echoing concerns over automation.  

“The ship owners want to automate the gates,” Seaton said. “We don’t want to lose our American jobs. It’s pretty simple.”  

Martime Attorney Lauren Beagen noted less than 24 hours into the strike ships are already left unable to dock.  

“There’s about 80 plus container ships already waiting off shore all along the east coast and gulf coasts,” Beagan said. 

But Beagan noted because supply chains anticipated a potential strike, it’s unlikely consumers will feel any impact in the short term.  

“I don’t think running over to your grocery store and stocking up is the play right now because there could be artificial shortages because of that increased buying behavior,” Beagan explained. “You as a consumer are not going to feel anything today, you’re likely not going to feel anything tomorrow, and you’re probably not going to feel anything by the end of the week.”  

Those on the picket line say they’ll be there as long as it takes.  

“We’ve fought for this work ever since we’ve been an organization and we’ll continue to fight for our jobs,” Seaton said.