Biden Scrambles to Contain Economic and Political Fallout of Port Strike

Published On Oct 1, 2024, 2:51 PM

President Biden is urging port employers to reach a fair agreement with striking longshoremen amid a labor dispute involving around 45,000 workers. The strike, which follows a failed negotiation over wage increases, poses economic risks during the run-up to the presidential election, as it could lead to shortages, layoffs, and increased consumer prices. Biden is cautious about using federal law to intervene, aiming to maintain support from labor groups in key battleground states without escalating the situation.

Stock Forecasts

The ongoing strike at U.S. ports could lead to increased costs and operational disruptions for companies reliant on shipping and logistics. This may create a negative impact on stock prices for firms that operate in these sectors. Conversely, companies that provide shipping alternatives or are positioned to benefit from logistical disarray may see a positive impact.

As the strike continues, companies that specialize in alternative shipping methods, such as FedEx, could see a boost in demand and therefore have a more favorable outlook.

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Dockworkers suspended their strike at East and Gulf Coast ports after reaching a tentative deal, though it will take some time before the supply chain normalizes after the strike.

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Days after tens of thousands of longshoreman along the East and Gulf Coasts walked out, their union and their bosses reached a tentative agreement on wages.

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(Reuters) -U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports began reopening on Thursday night after dockworkers and port operators reached a wage deal to settle the industry's biggest work stoppage in nearly half a century, but clearing the cargo backlog will take time. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) workers union and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) port operators announced the deal and an immediate end to the strike late on Thursday. Shares in shipping companies in Asia fell heavily across Asia.