As many as 45,000 dockworkers at major eastern and Gulf coast ports are poised to strike on October 1 due to stalled negotiations since June. The potential strike could cost the economy up to $7.5bn, disrupting the supply of consumer goods and components critical to manufacturing, particularly in election battleground states. Harold Daggett, leader of the International Longshoremen’s Association, warned: “A sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if a new Master Contract Agreement is not in place.” The union is seeking a nearly 80% wage increase over six years and stricter regulations on automation. Terminal operators and ocean carriers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance, or USMX, said in August their offer contains an “industry leading” wage increase — closer to the 32% won by West Coast dockworkers last summer.
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