Thousands of union dock and maritime workers are officially on strike—a work stoppage that could significantly disrupt the U.S. economy.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the largest North American union representing 85,000 maritime employees, rejected a counteroffer from the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).
According to USMX officials, the organization representing East and Gulf Coast longshore industry employers, proposed several wage-related offers.
“Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50 percent, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans, strengthen our health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation,” the USMX said in a statement hours before the midnight deadline….