Thousands of Dockworkers on Strike in the US

Tens of thousands of dockworkers have gone on strike indefinitely at ports across much of the United States, threatening significant trade and economic disruption ahead of the presidential election and the busy holiday shopping season.

The BBC is reporting that members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, ILA, walked out on Tuesday at 14 major ports along the east and gulf coasts, halting container traffic from Maine to Texas.

The action marks the first such shutdown in almost 50 years.

President Joe Biden has the power to suspend the strike for 80 days for further negotiations, but the White House says he is not planning to act.

Talks have been stalled for months and the current contract between the parties expired on Monday.

The two sides are fighting over a six-year master contract that covers about 25-thousand port workers employed in container operations.

That’s according to the US Maritime Alliance, known as USMX, which represents shipping firms, port associations and marine terminal operators.

On Monday, USMX said it had increased its offer, which would raise wages by almost 50 percent, triple employers’ contributions to pension plans and strengthen health care options.

Union boss Harold Daggett has called for significant pay increases for his members, while voicing concerns about threats from automation.