Dockworker Strike Suspended; Ports In NJ, NY Revving Up Again

NEW JERSEY — They’re going back to work – for now.

A massive dockworker strike that shut down cargo ports across the East Coast and the Gulf Coast this week has been suspended, with workers agreeing to return to their jobs on Friday as negotiations continue.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been trying to hammer out a new work contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents terminal operators and shipping lines. The major sticking points have included salaries and automation at the port, which workers claim will put their jobs in jeopardy.

Both sides have been posting updates on their websites. Read the ILA’s posts here, and the USMX’s posts here.

Dockworkers went on strike Tuesday, including those at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, whose combined terminals and facilities make it the largest port on the East Coast and the third largest in the nation. See Related: Here’s The Plan If A Strike Shuts Down The East Coast's Busiest Port

Experts warned that a prolonged strike would have a huge impact on many local businesses that depend on the port to keep their shelves stocked, with items such as car parts, fruits and veggies, and imported beer expected to become scarce. See Related: Dockworker Strike Starts; NJ Shoppers Will Pay The Price, Experts Say

Reports of shoppers engaging in “panic buying” quickly followed, although many of the items that disappeared from shelves – including toilet paper – are produced domestically and shipped via rail. See Related: 'Don’t Panic': What NJ Consumers Need To Know About Dockworkers Strike

Thankfully, a turning point in negotiations has apparently been reached, with both sides releasing a joint statement on Thursday:

“The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume.”

According to an update from the Port Authority of NY/NJ, terminal operators were expected have mechanics on site Friday morning to bring the terminal back to an operational status. Vessel activity will resume Friday night, with information on truck gates to follow.

See a breakdown of the New York-New Jersey port industry’s economic impact in 2023 here.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey held virtual media briefing on Friday to outline the operational restart of cargo activity (watch the video below, or view it online here).

BIDEN, HARRIS, TRUMP COMMENT ON STRIKE

President Joe Biden – who refused to invoke the federal Taft-Hartley Act to break the strike – said the decision to reopen ports is “patriotic” and shows that “collective bargaining works.”

“[The] tentative agreement on a record wage and an extension of the collective bargaining process represents critical progress towards a strong contract,” Biden said. “I congratulate the dockworkers from the ILA, who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic. And I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table.”

Vice President Kamala Harris said she “applauds all involved for their efforts.”

“As I have said, this is about fairness – and our economy works best when workers share in record profits,” Harris said. “Dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work getting essential goods out to communities across America.”

Former president Donald Trump has likewise spoken in support of the dockworkers, although he has also blamed “massive inflation” for throwing gasoline on the fire.

“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 earlier this week, referring to the Singapore-based shipping company.

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