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The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) went on strike this week, with workers walking picket lines from Maine to Texas, after they were unable to reach an agreement with the US Maritime Alliance on a new master contract.
A deadline was set for 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, prompting members of the Port of Baltimore to join other members across the country in solidarity.
The strike could reportedly cost the country billions of dollars, depending on how long it lasts.
"We continue to implore both sides to come together and negotiate an agreement that properly compensates the men and women of the ILA while maintaining cost effective and efficient cargo flows," officials from the Port of Baltimore said.
"In the meantime, the Maryland Port Administration will continue working with the ILA to ensure their members can peacefully gather outside of our marine terminals."
In total, hundreds of workers in Baltimore were on hand to strike amid the ongoing negotiations, and as of Tuesday, approximately 45,000 dock workers at 36 ports were off the job, including the Port of Baltimore and Port of Virginia.
The strike at the Port of Baltimore has also had rippling effects across the country, as the port represents, "one of (the) nation's leading job generators and is critically important to (the) national supply chain," officials said.
"The work of the longshoremen at the Port of Baltimore is critical to the supply chain of our entire nation," former Gov. and Senate hopeful Larry Hogan said. "It's important these hard working men and women know how much we value everything they do.
The ILA is reportedly seeking a $5 hourly wage increase in the new deal, and want "absolute airtight language that there will be no automation or semi-automation, and we are demanding all Container Royalty monies go to the ILA," according to President Harold Daggett.
Since the deal expired, picket lines have prevailed throughout parts of the country as the union stands strong nationwide.
"Our members don’t work typical 9-to-5 jobs; they work extraordinary hours, sacrificing time with their families," organizers of the strike stated.
"Our position is firm: we believe in the value our incredible rank-and-file members bring to this industry and to our great nation."
There is no apparent end date for the strike, which has led to contentious conversations between the unions and Maritime Alliance.
"Over the last week and more, I have spent hours on the phone and in meetings with the parties urging them to find a way to reach a fair contract," acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said.
"This country’s port workers put their health and safety on the line to keep working through the pandemic so we could get the goods we needed as COVID raged and these workers will help communities recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene," she continued.
"As these companies make billions and their CEOs bring in millions of dollars in compensation per year, they have refused to put an offer on the table that reflects workers’ sacrifice and contributions to their employer’s profits."
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