Politics & Government
Strike=Higher Costs-Bananas-Cars-Manufactured Home-Housing Components
Longshoremen Strike vs. United States Maritime Alliance will likely cause shortages and higher costs; Manufactured Housing Institute is MIA
Whatever someone's stance may be on the International Longshoremen's Association (ILS) strike vs. the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), there is no doubt that ripple economic and political impacts will follow. 177 nonprofits signed a letter asking the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris (D)
Administration to intervene weeks ago. Missing from that list of nonprofits was the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). More on that in the additional information and analysis in Part III following this news brief provided by The Center Square in Part I.
Part II of this article is the letter from the coalition of 177 nonprofits that asked Biden-Harris (D) administration to bring the parties to the bargaining table, which Joe Biden (D) refused to do. It lists every one of the nonprofits that asked for the federal government to intervene.
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More details from sources across the left-right media divide are found in our report earlier today on MHProNews at this link here.
Part I
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
East Coast port strikes could bring shortages, rising prices
(The Center Square) – Some 50,000 International Longshoremen's Association members went on strike Tuesday against the East and Gulf Coast ports, snarling the flow of goods in what some predict could be the most disruptive strike in decades.
The strike, which extends from Maine to Texas, could affect everything from bananas to European beer and automobiles.
The International Longshoremen's Association blamed the United States Maritime Alliance for refusing a contract.
"The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject," the union said. "ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing."
It's the first strike at these ports since 1977. The strike will affect 36 U.S. ports handling about half of U.S. ocean imports. Included are Boston, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Negotiations have been tense since June. The disagreement is between the International Longshore Association and Warehouse Union, which represents port workers across the country, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents terminal operators and ocean carriers.
Wages of East and Gulf coast workers are a base wage of $39 an hour after six years. The union is asking for a 77% pay raise increase over six years. It is also asking for more restrictions and bans on the automation of cranes, gates, and container movements used to load or unload cargo. ##
Part II - Coalition Letter and USMX response to it, which illustrates that the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) is absent from this Document
USMX RESPONSE TO JOINT ASSOCIATION COALITION LETTER
LYNDHURST, NJ (SEPTEMBER 17, 2024) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“USMX is in strong agreement with the 177 trade associations who are calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations with the ILA to work out a new Master Contract agreement that recognizes their vital contributions, while avoiding an unnecessary and disruptive strike that would be harmful to all parties. We have tremendous respect for the ILA and its members, but it is disappointing that we have reached this point where the ILA is unwilling to reopen dialogue unless all of its demands are met.
The only way to resolve this impasse is to resume negotiations, which we are willing to do at any time.
We understand and appreciate the concern from these trade associations, who realize what is at stake if negotiations are unable to progress, and we call on the ILA to return to bargaining so we can reach a new deal before the expiration of our current agreement, something we continue to believe is possible if the other side is willing to meet.”
###
Attachment: Joint Association Coalition Letter 9-17-24
September 17, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Biden,
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers, and other supply chain stakeholders, we are writing to you again expressing significant concern about the state of negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to help them return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations. This labor contract, which covers all maritime container ports along the East and Gulf coasts, is set to expire on September 30, 2024. The ILA has repeatedly threatened a coastwide strike if a new agreement is not reached by October 1. As a follow-up to our June 25 letter, we call upon the administration to immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations and ensure there is no disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity if a new contract is not reached by the expiration date.
We applaud the ongoing focus of this administration on supply chain resiliency. This administration, more than any other, understands the need to keep our ports open and commerce flowing. We all experienced the significant supply chain congestion that was caused by COVID19 and the impacts that had on businesses, workers, consumers and the economy. While we may have addressed some of those issues, the supply chain continues to face other challenges. Most notably the ongoing impact of the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels impacting use of the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
This administration has certainly stepped in when other supply chain related labor discussions had the potential to impact the national economy. This includes efforts to help the ILWU and PMA resolve their West Coast port labor negotiations, efforts to help the Class I railroads come to agreement with their unions and efforts to resolve contract negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters. While there was an ongoing threat of disruptions during these negotiations, the administration helped to ensure the parties remained at the negotiating table to achieve a final contract. All without a major disruption to the supply chain.
With two weeks left until the ILA-USMX contract expires and the ongoing threat of a coastwide strike beginning on October 1, it is imperative that the administration engage with the parties to quickly negotiate a new deal or agree to continue negotiations while keeping the ports open and cargo flowing. A strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend.
As we have now seen in the press, there are a number of key issues that the parties need to negotiate for a new contract. However, as we have stated previously, the only way to resolve these issues is for the parties to come back to the bargaining table and actually negotiate the new contract. The administration needs to provide any and all support to the parties in their negotiations. In addition, the administration needs to be ready to step in if a strike or other action occurs that leads to a coastwide shutdown or disruption.
At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the parties return to the table without engaging in disruptive activities that could harm the economy and the millions of businesses, workers and consumers who rely on the seamless flow of goods, both imports and exports, through our East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.
Thank you for your consideration on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Accessories Council
Agribusiness Council of Indiana
Agriculture Transportation Coalition - AgTC
Airforwarders Association
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
Alliance for Chemical Distribution
Amcot
American Apparel & Footwear Association
American Automotive Policy Council
American Chemistry Council
American Cotton Shippers Association
American Down and Feather Council
American Feed Industry Association
American Forest & Paper Association
American Home Furnishings Alliance
American Lighting Association
American Pyrotechnics Association
American Soybean Association
American Spice Trade Association
AmericanHort
Association of American Railroads
Association of Food Industries
Auto Care Association
Autos Drive America
Baltimore Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
California Bean Shippers Association
California Retailers Association
California Walnut Commission
California Warehouse Association
CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry
Coalition of New England Companies for Trade
Color Pigments Manufacturers Association
Columbia River Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
Consumer Brands Association
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
CT Retail Network
Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of Northern California
Customs Brokers & International Freight Forwarders Association of Washington State
Customs Brokers & International Freight Forwarders of Washington State
Detroit Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. Fashion Accessories Shippers Association Florida Feed Association, Inc. Florida Retail Federation
FMI - The Food Industry Association
Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)
Forest Resources Association
Gemini Shippers Association
Georgia Retailers
Glass Packaging Institute Global Business Alliance
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Green Coffee Association
Greenabl Shippers Association
Growth Energy
Halloween & Costume Association
Hardwood Federation
Health Industry Distributors Association
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration
Distributors International
Home Fashion Products Association
Household & Commercial Products Association
Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference
International Association of Movers
International Dairy Foods Association
International Fresh Produce Association
International Housewares Association
International Shippers Association
International Sleep Products Association
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
International Wood Products Association
Int'l Freight Forwards & Customs Brokers
Association of New Orleans
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
Leather and Hide Council of America
Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight
Forwarders Association
Louisiana Retailers Association
Maryland Retailers Alliance
Meat Import Council of America
Meat Institute
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association
Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
Missouri Retailers Association
Montana Retail Association
Motorcycle Industry Council
National Aquaculture Association
National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI)
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
National Association of Egg Farmers
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Chicken Council
National Coffee Association USA
National Cotton Council
National Council of Chain Restaurants
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Customs Brokers and Forwarders
Association of American (NCBFAA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
National Fisheries Institute
National Grain and Feed Association
National Hay Association
National Industrial Transportation League
National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Mining Association
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
National Pork Producers Council
National Restaurant Association
National Retail Federation
National Roofing Contractors Association
National Sporting Goods Association
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association
Natural Products Association
NCA - National Confectioners Association
New Jersey Motor Truck Association
New Jersey Retail Merchants Association
New York New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association Inc.
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
North American Home Furnishings Association
North American Renderers Association
Northern Border Customs Brokers Association (NBCBA)
Ohio Council of Retail Merchants
Oregon Feed & Grain Association
Oregon Trucking Association
Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Assns. Inc.
Pennsylvania Retailers Association
Performance Racing Industry (PRI)
Pet Food Institute
Philadelphia Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
Plumbing Manufacturers International
Portland Cement Association
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)
Retail Association of Nevada
Retail Council of New York State
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Retail Merchants of Hawaii
Retailers Association of Massachusetts
San Diego Customs Brokers Association
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Shippers Coalition
SNAC International
Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates
South Carolina Retail Association
South Carolina Trucking Association
South Dakota Association of Cooperatives
South Dakota Soybean Association
Specialized Furniture Carriers
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance
Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute
Tea Association of the U.S.A., Inc.
TechNet
Texas Retailers Association
The Fashion and Jewelry Trade Association
The Fertilizer Institute
Toy Association
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
Travel Goods Association
Trucking Association of New York
U.S. Apple Association
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Fashion Industry Association
U.S. Meat Export Federation
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
USA Rice
Virginia Trucking Association
Washington Retail Association
Washington Trucking Associations
West Texas New Mexico Customs Brokers Association
West Virginia Retailers Association
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
Wisconsin Soybean Association
CC: The Honorable Julie Su, Acting Secretary, Department of Labor
The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary, Department of Transportation
The Honorable Gina Raimondo, Secretary, Department of Commerce
The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary, Department of Agriculture
The Honorable Lael Brainard, Director, National Economic Council
Members of Congress
Mr. Harold Daggett, President, International Longshoremen’s Association
Mr. David Adam, President, United States Maritime Alliance
###
Part III - Additional Information with More Analysis and Commentary
1) In our longer and more detailed report this morning on MHProNews, is a letter from the AFL-CIO. See that at this link here.
2) Note that beyond produce, retailers, importers/exporters, and automaker connected trade groups, several organizations linked to housing construction, supply chains, and commerce signed onto this letter above.
- American Forest & Paper Association
- American Home Furnishings Alliance
- American Lighting Association
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
- Forest Resources Association
- Household & Commercial Products Association
- International Wood Products Association
- National Association of Manufacturers
- National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
- National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association
- National Roofing Contractors Association
- Plumbing Manufacturers International
- Portland Cement Association
- Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Window & Door Manufacturers Association
3) Notably absent is the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). Yet, when housing-finance industry connected trade groups are doing a coalition letter, MHI is often found among them, even when the issue may be harmful to the interests of manufactured housing independents.
4) While estimates vary as to what this strike will cost the U.S. economy include $5 billion daily.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: PORT STRIKE SET TO START TUESDAY COULD COST US ECONOMY $5B DAILY The International Longshoremen's Association confirmed on Sunday that a port strike will begin on Tuesday, impacting operations along the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. This strike, which… pic.twitter.com/5OB1dx3SBP — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 30, 2024
5) Consider this Q&A with left-leaning Bing's artificial intelligence (AI) powered Copilot.
What if anything has the Manufactured Housing Institute said about the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which could disrupt supply chains necessary for building and servicing HUD Code manufactured housing?
I couldn’t find any specific statements from the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) regarding the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and potential disruptions to supply chains. However, disruptions at ports can significantly impact the supply chain for manufactured housing, affecting the availability of materials and components necessary for building and servicing HUD Code homes12. ..."
6) Even a one-day strike will cause backlogs of shipping. Perishable goods, including but not limited to fruits and food items like bananas, may well be impacted. Those losses will end up being built into costs for already inflation impacted Americans. The ILA has several valid concerns, including the impact of automation on their jobs. The businesses involved are largely foreign owned. It is all arguably part of the multi-decade madness of U.S. policies de facto encouraging the offshoring of numbers of items that could be, and often were previously, produced in the U.S. Some items, using bananas as an example, are somewhat more difficult (not impossible) to replicate in the U.S. But the harm to the U.S. economy, employees (both union and non-union), smaller investors, taxpayers, consumers, and others is difficult to summarize, because the harms are wide-reaching. Hundreds of members of both major parties have their fingerprints on this multi-decade pattern that people like Joe Biden, when a Democratic U.S. Senator from Delaware, often voted to support.
In MHVille trade media, only MHProNews has invested the time, research, and energy to share with the industry's professionals the ripple effects and ramifications of U.S. policies that were often championed by people like Democratic-supporting billionaires Warren Buffett, his ally Bill Gates, giant BlackRock, and others.
There is more on MHProNews at this link here.
7) Ironically, former President Jimmy Carter (D) turns 100 today. The last time there was a Longshoremen strike was in 1977. Carter may periodically smile as the Biden-Harris team continue to make his presidency look better by comparison.
8) There are any number of reasons why the so-called leaders involved at the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) continue to fail the independents of the manufactured housing industry. Chaos for smaller firms may harm them or put them out of business. Chaos for smaller firms can cause them to want to sell out to consolidators, who are routinely MHI members. Chaos for smaller firms, gives employees of those firms fewer options and harms earning potential. There are ripple effects.
9) Consolidators like Warren Buffett et al arguably play 4-dimensional chess. MHI's staff may be ignorant of such matters, or maybe they know. Either way, it is a bad look for MHI. Who says? Among others, AI powered Copilot.
10) While it is difficult to predict how long this strike will last, and there will be pressure to get it settled quickly, whatever occurs, there are lessons for MHVille. There are far too many ways for insiders to undermine smaller firms. Strikes and offshoring jobs can be allowed to occur precisely so that smaller firms and employees can be harmed. Open borders can be allowed to undermine the interests of millions of Americans of all ethnic groups and genders. Manufactured housing ought to be soaring. But instead, it is snoring. Sabotaging tactics are common enough so that Minneapolis Federal Reserve researchers and others have shined a light on the issue, yet MHI has remained largely silent about them and their study.
11) This writer for MHProNews has launched a series via the Patch that in several respects are a no-charge 101-level course for any who want to better understand their world and how it actually works vs. and why. See those fact-packed op-ed reports linked below, or other articles linked above, to learn more. In no particular order of importance are the following from this writer on the Patch. Stay tuned. The MHVille markets report follows these headlines from the Patch.
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https://patch.com/florida/lakeland/rcp-s-zane-kamala-harris-impossible-kamala-harris-challenge
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> Knight-‘Govt Exists to Promote and Protect Ordinary Happiness in Life’
> Doublespeak Doublethink and Insightful Orwellian Lessons from the Left
> Manufactured Housing Institute & Next Great Affordable Housing Debate?
> American Leviathan-Ned Ryun-CEO of American Majority and Voter Gravity
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> Former Famed Tampa Bay Bucs & Colts Coach Tony Dungy to Kamala Harris
> TARK-Drill Down on Tyranny vs. Faith; Freedom and Upcoming Election
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> “TANSTAAFL”–What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter to You and Yours?
> HUD Admits Decades of Delay-Finally OK Multi-Family Manufactured Homes
> ‘Mobile Home Values Rising Faster Than Single-Family’ House-Wow Fact$
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> Realtor-What Is a Manufactured Home? The Next Step Beyond Mobile Homes
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> Realtor? Journalist? Affordable Manufactured Home Production Jumps
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> A Brief History of Labor Day and Modern Insights for Employees and Pay
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> Frank Rolfe-Special Interests ‘Don’t Want to Solve Affordable Housing'
> TARK-‘I’m a Teen and Know the Solution to Affordable Housing Crisis’
> Renting? Rent too High? Odds Are DOJ Suit vs RealPage Matters to You
> New-Certified “Half Price Homes” - Affordable Housing Solution Redux
> Solution: “Would-Be Homebuyers Need 80% More Income Than 4 Years Ago”
L. A. “Tony” Kovach and his family live in a manufactured home on private property in Winter Haven, FL. He is the co-founder of ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com and
ManufacturedHomeProNews.com, trade publications serving segments of the manufactured home industry. Having worked in several segments of the manufactured home industry for over 3 decades, Kovach is a widely acknowledged and often praised expert on manufactured housing.
