Republicans Urge Biden to Act as US Port Strike Looms

ILA(the International Longshoremen's Association)

Republican lawmakers are pressuring President Joe Biden to take immediate action in contract talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), hoping to avoid a port strike on October 1st that could cripple US Gulf and east coast shipping. The potential strike could severely impact 14 key ports, affecting containership operations and leading to significant delays. In a letter signed by 69 Republican members of Congress, they urged the administration to step in, citing the "devastating economic consequences" if the strike proceeds.

The Biden administration has so far refrained from commenting on the potential strike. However, major shipping company Maersk warned of compounding delays each day if the strike were to occur, as backlogs mount at these vital shipping hubs.

Oil, Coal, and Grain Likely Unaffected

While a strike would mainly impact containership cargoes, industries involving oil, gas, and dry bulk commodities like coal and grain might be spared from the disruption. Most of these operations are handled in private terminals, where unionized labor is not required, offering some relief to critical sectors. Companies like Kinder Morgan, which manages liquid and bulk terminals, confirmed that they do not anticipate their operations being affected by the strike.