Union boss on US ports strike: 'I'm not playing games'

Published On Oct 1, 2024, 2:35 PM

The striking dockworkers, led by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), have halted operations at major U.S. ports, demanding better wages and protections against automation. The strike, the first since 1977, has disrupted container traffic across 14 critical ports, impacting global trade and potentially causing shortages and price increases in the U.S. Businesses are concerned about the prolonged shutdown's economic implications. While the shipping firms have offered significant pay increases, the union has not found the offers satisfactory. President Biden has called for fair negotiations but is resisting pressure to intervene directly to reopen ports.