After three days of disruption, dockworkers across 36 East and Gulf coast ports are returning to work following a tentative agreement reached on October 4, 2024. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) secured a 62 percent wage increase as part of a deal extending their current contract through January 15, giving more time to resolve remaining issues. The strike, which caused backlogs of ships, was seen as a potential economic threat as the U.S. heads into the holiday season.
The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with nearly 300 other industry groups, including WR, urged President Biden to intervene. In a letter, they called for the use of “any and all authority” to end the strike, warning that the longer it lasted, the greater the economic damage. NRF President Matthew Shay emphasized that the supply chain disruption, exacerbated by the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, was the last thing American families needed.
Ports are reopening, but disruptions may continue as backlogged ships await processing. Challenges remain, particularly regarding automation, which the union opposes. The U.S. Maritime Alliance, representing shipping companies, continues to push for modernization to improve efficiency at U.S. ports.
