The importance of our seven seas remains a hot issue in terms of monetary gain, survival, and the autonomy we hold as workers. This past week, the United States was called to address a few of these concerns during the 2024 port strike.
How Did We Get Here?
The average dock worker is known for many things; all of which specifically affect our daily lives. The goods that we see on our shelves are there thanks to The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
These brave individuals, known as Longshoremen or dockworkers, move the cargo daily received from the seas. Their days consist of operating machinery, assembling cargo and documenting what comes into the country.
The ILA felt that this vital job deserved better compensation and task delegation from its 36 ports. For a long time, they were negotiating with the corporations who received their services. During the first week of October 2024, the contract expired with no new negotiations met.
On October 1, the union decided to go on strike, resulting in the ILA’s first major production halt since 1977.
Who Does This Effect?
From the average American to the world’s billionaires, the strike affects a large range of people. When 45,000 workers go on strike, there is bound to be a trickle-down effect. Luckily, with the help of the community, the world began to see a change.
What Changes are Being Implemented?
The ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance agreed to a tentative deal regarding the salaries of its employees. They will have until January 15 to negotiate a new contract. Without this agreement, the ports would have withheld the nation’s supply of goods such as cars, food and other amenities.
This period of history showcases the importance of unions, the election’s major role in the country’s functioning and history’s importance in context.
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