The national trucking union has expressed its backing for the strike led by the International Longshoremen’s Association, which has resulted in the shutdown of 36 ports from Maine to Texas today.
In a statement today, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said, “The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, including our members in the freight industry, stand in full solidarity with the International Longshoremen’s Association as they fight for a just and fair contract with the ocean carriers represented by USMX (United States Maritime Alliance.”
O’Brien emphasized the essential role dockworkers play in the U.S. economy, stating that they “deserve top-tier wages and strong protections for the crucial work they do.”
The Teamsters president also cautioned the federal government against stepping in to halt the strike, arguing that corporations have long relied on political allies to undermine workers’ bargaining power. While the White House has encouraged continued negotiations, President Joe Biden has indicated he has no plans to intervene in the strike.
On the other hand, Eric Hoplin, CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, released a statement this morning urging Biden to take action to bring an end to the strike.
“The East and Gulf Coast port strike is putting our economy and national security at risk,” said Hoplin. “This strike isn’t just about disrupting a few shipments; it’s about stopping the supply chain and bringing the flow of critical goods to a standstill.
“The damage could reach $5 billion a day, with small and mid-sized businesses at risk due to missed deliveries and empty shelves. The Biden administration must use its authority now to stop the strike before the impact becomes irreversible.”
At midnight today, 45,000 members of the longshoremen’s union went on strike following the expiration of their current contract. The union is demanding higher wages and a prohibition on automation at the ports, which process around 40% of incoming shipments to the U.S.
In a statement Monday, the ILA said, “The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject. ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.”
