Dockworkers Hold Advantage In Strike Against U.S. Ports

The 45,000 dockworkers who went on strike on Tuesday at 36 U.S. ports, from Maine to Texas, may hold the upper hand in their standoff with port operators over wages and automation, according to Tom Krisher, Tassanee Vejponga, and Wyatte Grantham-Philips of the Associated Press (AP).

The longshoremen’s workload has increased, while inflation has eroded their pay. I Photo: International Longshoremen’s Association Facebook

Organized labor has gained rising public support, with recent victories across various industries, bolstered by the pro-union stance of President Joe Biden’s administration.

The dockworkers' negotiating power is further strengthened by ongoing strain on the nation’s supply chain, following Hurricane Helene, which has coincided with the peak shipping season for holiday goods.

The union also points to shipping companies’ record profits, partly due to shortages from the pandemic, as well as a more favorable contract secured by West Coast dockworkers last year.

The longshoremen’s workload has increased, while inflation has eroded their pay.

Additionally, U.S. trade has continued to grow, which plays into the union’s favor. The still-tight job market, in which workers in several industries have demanded and received a larger share of companies' profits, enhances the union's leverage.