Port workers on the American east coast are going on strike after all: a major problem for the supply of food, cars and containers

The dock workers want a significant wage increase to compensate for inflation. They also want a share of the profits that shipping companies make from high freight rates. The strike had been in the air for a long time, because the union had set a deadline of October 1 to find a solution, but talks with employers have stalled.

For example, the strike could bring to a standstill the delivery of foodstuffs, cars and containers via those ports. The union does make exceptions for military shipping and cruise ships. The American business community fears major damage to the economy due to the strike. Shipping company Maersk has already warned of a major impact on the maritime transport of goods, with disruptions to supply chains.

White House

The American government spoke with the union and the employers’ organization over the weekend United States Maritime Alliance to persuade the parties to reach an agreement and to abandon the strike.

President Joe Biden has said he will not intervene if the strike actually goes ahead. He could use a kind of emergency law if strikes could have consequences for national security. The president can then impose a cooling-off period of eighty days.