
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA or Longshoreman), representing over 45,000 U.S. dockworkers, has agreed to suspend their strike until January after reaching a tentative deal with the U.S. Maritime Alliance. The agreement, which boosts the wage increase offer from 50% to 62% over six years, still requires union member approval. In Charleston, workers celebrated, though storm recovery remains a top concern. As Hurricane Helene continues to ravage the Southeast, port delays threaten critical storm relief supplies, with state officials urging immediate action.
Sen. Lindsey Graham and Gov. Henry McMaster requested President Joe Biden to consider invoking the Taft-Hartley Act to ensure medical supplies and resources flow into storm-impacted areas, especially as hospitals face shortages. Local leaders stressed that the port shutdown was worsening the aftermath of a natural disaster, calling the strike a “man-made” crisis. South Carolina’s Department of Public Health warned that extended delays could further cripple the region’s recovery.
Following the temporary suspension of the dockworkers’ strike, a wave of panic buying hit stores across the U.S., with Americans stocking up on essentials like toilet paper. Despite the surge in demand, the panic didn’t make sense, as most toilet paper sold in the U.S. is produced domestically and isn’t reliant on imports through affected ports. Nevertheless, fears of supply chain disruptions spurred the rush, reminiscent of early pandemic shortages. Retailers scrambled to keep up, even as experts reassured the public that toilet paper supplies were stable.
Port workers are scheduled to return to work this Friday, resuming critical cargo flows at a time when storm recovery efforts hinge on their productivity. Stay tuned for further developments as union negotiations continue into January.
In response, President Joe Biden praised the progress, calling it “critical” for securing a strong contract, while Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of fairness and dockworkers sharing in record profits.