The International Longshoremen’s Association has announced the end of its port strike.
The end of the strike was confirmed by ILA Local 1422 President Charles Brave to Live 5 News. According to sources speaking with CNN and the Associated Press, the contract that expired last week will be extended until Jan. 15 to allow for further negotiations.
Over 45,000 port workers, who cover 36 ports along the East and Gulf coasts, began their strike on Tuesday. The ports covered by the strikers are responsible for significant parts of the United States supply chain, leading to fears of a supply chain nightmare before the holidays.
If it had continued, the strike would have threatened to raise prices on bananas, toys, seafood, cars, chocolate, and alcohol, among other products.
The strike was over disagreements in pay and automation. In a rare moment of unity, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump all came out in support of the workers.
“This strike is about fairness,” Harris said Tuesday. “Foreign-owned shipping companies have made record profits and executive compensation has grown. The Longshoremen, who play a vital role transporting essential goods across America, deserve a fair share of these record profits.”
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“American workers should be able to negotiate for better wages, especially since the shipping companies are mostly foreign flag vessels, including the largest consortium ONE,” Trump said.
The strike was met with criticism from many, however, due to the inevitable inflation that would result, as well as the possibility of shortages of popular commodities. Some criticized the timing as coming after the devastating Hurricane Helene, worrying it could impede rescue efforts.
