As port workers from Maine to Texas face an expiring six-year labor contract, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) which represents them prepares for a potential coast-wide strike on Oct. 1.

If a new contract is not reached by Sept. 30, ILA officials said it would begin its Strike Mobilization Plan, which would effectively stop work of about 45,000 dockworkers at 13 port areas that are a part of the agreement between ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents port employers and ocean shipping companies.

A strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports could disrupt the distribution supply chain and impact manufacturing lead times weeks before the presidential election. Major ports on the impacted would include New Jersey, Virginia and Savannah, GA.

Port works are calling for a significant pay increase. The Wall Street Journal reported that a person familiar with the labor talks said the ILA union’s President Harold Daggett is pushing for a 77% wage increase over six years.

MDM is monitoring this developing story. If you are preparing for potential disruptions to your supply chain, please email editors@mdm.com. Your insights could help inform our coverage for distributors nationwide. 

(Lead Photo Source: The Georgia Ports Authority)