They requested injunctive relief, stating that the labor unions have ceased to negotiate.
The United States Maritime Alliance has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), saying that the International Longshoremen’s Association has refused to resume labor negotiations. The labor contract for U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports is set to expire on Monday.
The NLRB is an independent federal agency that enforces labor laws, especially relating to labor practices and bargaining.
A White House official stated, “We encourage all parties to come to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.” The official added, “Senior officials from the White House, Labor Department, and Department of Transportation are in touch with the parties and delivering the message to them directly.”
Should the 45,000 workers go on strike, the nearly three dozen U.S. ports would close. Over half of the ocean trade that comes into the U.S. comes through those ports, and officials are concerned about the impact a strike will have on the nation’s economy and supply chain.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For administration officials as they seek to facilitate an agreement between port employers and the labor unions.
- For wisdom for leaders in the Departments of Labor and Transportation as they support bargaining.
Sources: VOA News, Bloomberg
