Picket lines form as port strikes begin for thousands of dockworkers in New York and New Jersey

Elizabeth, NJ — More than 20,000 dockworkers stop work and are on picket lines in a port strike East and along the Gulf CoastIncluding ports in New York and New Jersey.

Billions of dollars worth of goods arrive at the port, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ensure that most operations are shut down.

“Moments ago, the first large-scale eastern dockworker strike in 47 years began at ports from Maine to Texas, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. To prepare for this moment, New York is working around the clock. Make sure our grocery stores and medical facilities They have the essential products they need,” New York Gov. Cathy Hochul said in a statement just after midnight. “It is important for the USMX and ILA to quickly reach a fair agreement that respects workers and ensures the flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.”

Hundreds of workers took to the picket line in Port Elizabeth and witnessed similar scenes Boston And Philadelphia The strike took effect at midnight.

“I hope people can get to a table soon — find a place to come,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday afternoon.

Port workers strike why?

It belongs to the International Longshoremen's Association First strike in nearly 50 yearsAffecting 14 ports from Massachusetts to Texas. Longshoremen are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, and ports handle about half of the nation's ships.

Contract talks between the ILA and the US Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping and port terminal companies, broke down on Monday.

The union representing dockworkers is demanding a 77% wage increase over six years. It also opposes fully and semi-automated terminals, which it calls impact work.

The union chief spoke to reporters in New Jersey on Tuesday morning.

“I've been looking for $5 across the board for six years, and I'm going to fight for it, because those greedy companies are making billions of dollars and they don't want to share. That's why we're here fighting now. For a deal,” said Harold J. Daggett, ILA. President and Chief Negotiator “Nobody knew what longshoremen were. They didn't get respect, but now when we find out the malls are closing because the goods can't come in, the car salesmen are going to be laid off, guess what? Everything that comes into this country comes from these shipping containers.”

“We have this where you can get a 30-year mortgage for a first-time home buyer in this country, but when my six-year contract is up, and you say, I've got automation taking your job — where does my mortgage go? “Now, I've got more people unemployed, which the top officials of this country look like they haven't done their job. When they did their job, these guys failed us.”

The US Maritime Alliance said it had offered the union a 50% pay increase, and a spokesman said the current contract contained language that said there would be no fully automated terminals. The group filed an unfair labor practice complaint to bring the other side to the table.

President Joe Biden could intervene and call for an 80-day cooling-off period, but he says he does. Don't want to interfere in a union matter.

What products will be affected?

Contract negotiations have been going on for months and, in anticipation, some goods have been moved to West Coast ports, which are not affected by the strike.

Consumer goods such as clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, cars and some grocery items such as fish, wine and fresh produce may be the first to be affected.

Strike on Monday It means there will be no shortage Housewares, at least, not anytime soon.

“New York is fully prepared,” he said. “While we prepare for the worst — and that's what we in government are supposed to do, prepare for the worst — there's also some reassuring news. We don't expect shortages of essentials anytime soon. So, for example, people don't need to rush to the grocery store and There is no need to stockpile products, as they did during the pandemic.”

The governor said pharmaceuticals are not expected to be affected, as most of them are transported by air. The state has stockpiled medical supplies and is ready to distribute them if needed.

He also said heating oil, gas and diesel are not expected to be affected and municipal waste operations will continue.