U.S. port workers threaten to strike again

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 47,000 cargo handlers, is poised to strike on January 15, seeking stronger protections against automation. The union is in negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) after a previous strike in October secured pay concessions. However, unresolved issues regarding automation remain a sticking point, as the ILA demands tighter regulations to prevent semi-autonomous equipment from taking over cargo handler’s roles. A strike could lead to significant economic repercussions, with estimates of daily losses ranging from $1bn to $5bn, although economists believe a short strike would have minimal impact on the overall economy. The political landscape is also complicated, as President-elect Donald Trump has shown support for the ILA’s concerns while facing the challenge of managing the strike’s fallout just before his inauguration.