Business groups call on Biden to intervene in port strike

Published On Oct 1, 2024, 2:44 PM

Business groups are urging President Biden to intervene in a major dockworkers strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, which started on October 1st, 2024. Approximately 45,000 dockworkers from the International Longshoremen's Association are striking for higher wages (77% increase) and protections against automation following the expiration of their six-year contract. Business organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, claim this strike could disrupt $2.1 billion in trade daily and potentially reduce GDP by up to $5 billion per day. They advocate for invoking the Taft-Hartley Act to resume port operations while negotiations continue for a new labor contract.