“Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50 percent, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans, strengthen our health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation,” it said in a news release.
Several industries are prepared for the strike, having ordered goods in advance when it became apparent that a stoppage could start Tuesday, but analysts expect more serious impacts if the walkout lasts several weeks or longer. Trucking and other logistics companies raced in recent days to get as many goods as possible out of ports before a potential strike.
The vast port operations of New York and New Jersey stand to be most affected, with about 4,500 workers. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release that she urged the two sides to come to an agreement but that preparations had been made to keep shelves stocked.
“In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need,” she said. “It’s critical for USMX and the ILA to reach a fair agreement soon that respects workers and ensures a flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.”
Business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have urged President Joe Biden to intervene using the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act. Under that authority, Biden could seek a so-called 80-day cooling-off period that would force dockworkers to stay on the job.
But while the White House has been in touch with the ILA and the USMX in recent days, Biden has said he isn’t looking to invoke the law. An intervention could also unsettle relations with organized labor 35 days before Election Day, as Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris looks to maximize her union support against Republican former President Donald Trump.
“Because it’s collective bargaining, I don’t believe in Taft-Hartley,” Biden told reporters Sunday.
On Tuesday, Biden called for negotiations to continue and urged USMX to increase worker wages in line with executive compensation.
“It is time for USMX to negotiate a fair contract with the longshoremen that reflects the substantial contribution they’ve been making to our economic comeback,” Biden said in a statement.
Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, Kyla Guilfoil and Josh Cradduck contributed.