US US port strike by 45,000 dockworkers is all but certain to begin at midnight - A Rather Unique October Surprise

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FILE - Shipping containers are stacked in the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth, N.J., May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

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FILE - In this photo provided by the Georgia Ports Authority, Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, provides an update on the Port of Savannah’s progress and future trajectory to 1,200 leaders from the maritime, supply chain, business and political sectors Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, during the annual State of the Port event in Savannah, Ga. (Stephen B. Morton/Georgia Ports Authority via AP, File)

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FILE - Containers are moved at the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth, N.J., on June 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Updated 12:13 PM GMT-5, September 30, 2024
NEW YORK (AP) — The union representing U.S. dockworkers signaled that 45,000 members will walk off the job at midnight, kicking off a massive strike likely to shut down ports across the East and Gulf coasts.
The coming work stoppage threatens to significantly snarl the nation’s supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices and delays for households and businesses if it drags on for weeks. That’s because the strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association could cause 36 ports — which handle roughly half of the goods shipped into and out of the U.S. — to shutter operations.
ILA confirmed over the weekend that its members would hit the picket lines at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. In a Monday update, the union continued to blame the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, for continuing to “to block the path” towards an agreement before the contract deadline.

“The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject,” ILA said in a prepared statement. “ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.”

ILA also accused the shippers of “killing their customers” with sizeable price increases for full containers over recent weeks. The union said that this will result increased costs for American consumers.

The Associated Press reached out to a USMX spokesperson for comment.
If drawn out, the strike would led would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season — potentially impacting delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees, to cars, coffee and vegetables. Americans could also face higher prices as retailers feel the supply squeeze.

ILA members are demanding higher wages and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used in the loading or unloading of freight.
The coming strike by the ILA workers will be the first by the union since 1977.
If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. This would suspend the strike.
All eyes are on what, if any, action the adminstration might take — particularly just weeks ahead of a tight presidential election. But Biden has signaled that he will not exercise this power.
During an exchange with reporters on Sunday, Biden said “no” when asked if he planned to intervene in the potential work stoppage.

“Because it’s collective bargaining, I don’t believe in Taft-Hartley,” Biden said referring to a 1947 law that allows the president to intervene in labor disputes that threaten the nation’s health or safety.

 

[LaxerBRO]

The easiest way out of the automation question is to buy the longshoremen out. I would offer $1.5 million, a full 20 year pension, and lifetime health insurance.

Buy once, Cry once.

It might be expensive but the union stranglehold over ports need to end and the expense is relatively minimal.

 

[Toji Suzuhara]

The easiest way out of the automation question is to buy the longshoremen out. I would offer $1.5 million, a full 20 year pension, and lifetime health insurance.

Buy once, Cry once.

It might be expensive but the union stranglehold over ports need to end and the expense is relatively minimal.

That's what they did in Amsterdam, one of the most automated ports out there. There's an article that talked about it, I think it is in the first page ITT

 

[marvlouslie]

Imagine being so selfish you strike right after a devastating hurricane makes landfall. People can't get supplies? Oh well, fuck them I guess, huh?

 

[Toji Suzuhara]

Imagine being so selfish you strike right after a devastating hurricane makes landfall. People can't get supplies? Oh well, fuck them I guess, huh?

Their contract ended september 30th, the negotiations broke down since June, so they couldn't negotiate a temporary one, and nobody is gonna work without a contract. The goverment should have done something after Helena, but because it is comprised by morons, they didn't

 

[1Tonka_Truck]

Were the union to lose that many members in a rather short time period, both its credibility and its capability to enforce their demands would crater, sending them into a death spiral. The more cynical of course can point out that with fewer workers there's fewer union dues being collected, which is a direct incentive for the union leadership to act in a proactive manner in regards to automation

I'll give you 3 guesses where my money is and the first two don't count.

Their contract ended september 30th, the negotiations broke down since June

I haven't looked into it, but somebody told me the negotiations until a week ago were the ILA and USMX shooting press releases past one another.

 

[Sulla]

Fuck your ports and fuck your modernizing. It always becomes an excuse to fire people and then what do you get? Bitch work at Walmart and welfare.

Nigger they want to be paid $200,000 a year. Literally the equivalent of a Surgeon without the absurd workload.

 

[Toji Suzuhara]

I haven't looked into it, but somebody told me the negotiations until a week ago were the ILA and USMX shooting press releases past one another.

The USMX made a final offer of a 50% raise and a partial restriction on automation. They ILA rejected it

 

[Kheapathic]

Well, what are they supposed to do? Advocate to lose their own jobs where they work 12 hour days? Should tech workers cheer for H1Bs and AI to take their lower tier jobs? Should the agriculture sector and Amazon workers be happy when they get pushed out by Indians and Haitians? Why should people be happy to be fired for the sake of "line goes up"?

All the foreigners you mention would require the USA government to stop hurting itself and actually try to raise and train its homegrown talent; instead of shackling them and then crying that there's not enough competent people. I'll also tell you that AI isn't gonna be replacing anyone anytime soon, and you'll always need people to remote in or go pull a cable out of a device; no matter how much AI can or might do, you'll always need people. You're also mistaken if you think I'm only interested in "line goes up." You don't control the fucking in and out of a country's coastline then start acting like a fucking criminal. A 77% increase isn't good enough because it comes with the promise of modernization? He deserves to get locked in the freezer of his yacht and have it sunk. You know why he's so fucking strong about having as many workers as possible; because union dues pay his salary, and the more people they have and the better deal they get, they can raise union dues and with more people, that means he gets more money. Dude's a millionaire with a yacht, don't buy his shit about worrying about the workers who struggle day and night, he's one of the rich people commies would fucking eat.

Again I ask, do you walk or take the horse and buggy to work; you dishonest fucking faggot.

The easiest way out of the automation question is to buy the longshoremen out. I would offer $1.5 million, a full 20 year pension, and lifetime health insurance.

Buy once, Cry once.

It might be expensive but the union stranglehold over ports need to end and the expense is relatively minimal.

It wasn't anything that hot, but when the railroads got rid of the Brakeman position and lowered the crew to only 2 people; they bought out the contracts, but instead of making it x-amount with a pension, it was some sort of thing that was added to the person's 401k/Railroad Retirement (which is different from everyone else's retirement). The problem being, is if a 77% increase isn't enough to get the asshole to okay it, I doubt any sort of money will do the job.

 

[FieldPiece]

That guy seems kinda dumb. What did he expect crossing a picket line in Baltimore of all places? Dumbass is luckly he only got ruffed up a little bit.

He should have returned with a rifle and shot the faggots dead. Garbage men are useful. Dock workers are just Amazon staff but by the sea. Overinflated egos. Wow you know how to use a crane or boom lift, so does anyone with a brain or any experience in commercial construction. Garbage men are more important than faggots who think playing crane games IRL deserve 90 and hour.

 

[emosimp7]

All the foreigners you mention would require the USA government to stop hurting itself and actually try to raise and train its homegrown talent; instead of shackling them and then crying that there's not enough competent people.

Ok, but how are you going to stop that process? Should I only be able to throw myself at the whims of electoral politics?

I'll also tell you that AI isn't gonna be replacing anyone anytime soon, and you'll always need people to remote in or go pull a cable out of a device; no matter how much AI can or might do, you'll always need people.

So, it's OK to replace 5-10 people as long as you end up with one guy plugging cables? Isn't there already an issue with entry level jobs for college grads being rendered obsolete?

You're also mistaken if you think I'm only interested in "line goes up." You don't control the fucking in and out of a country's coastline then start acting like a fucking criminal. A 77% increase isn't good enough because it comes with the promise of modernization? He deserves to get locked in the freezer of his yacht and have it sunk.

What else woiuld you do? Your union members don't want to end up with automation taking their jobs and they rightfully have concerns with this. I don't want to work a job and have to compete with a kiosk or a ChatGPT. We see these things affecting the workforce right now and while paralegals and junior devs couldn't stop it, the Longshoremen are making a bid right here. So, what would you do?

Again I ask, do you walk or take the horse and buggy to work; you dishonest fucking faggot.

Again I ask you, do you want to compete with robots and the third world for your job?

Dude's a millionaire with a yacht, don't buy his shit about worrying about the workers who struggle day and night, he's one of the rich people commies would fucking eat.

I don't care that he's rich.

 

[Kheapathic]

Ok, but how are you going to stop that process? Should I only be able to throw myself at the whims of electoral politics?

It's a sizable order; but first I'd rework the school/collegiate system, turn unions into more like guilds that actually practice training and other shit, not just employee protection, stop all immigration, and work on building a competent citizenry. A number of nations still send their kids here, because we apparently have some of the best schools in the world; but for some reason we don't make any effort to fill the hardcore STEM classes with homegrown students. I'd also fine companies who abuse the H1-B system, because they do game the system for cheap labor. That's how I'd start it, not gonna fucking happen, but unlike you who just wants shit to stagnate, I can come up with a fucking answer, you retarded fucking bitch.

So, it's OK to replace 5-10 people as long as you end up with one guy plugging cables? Isn't there already an issue with entry level jobs for college grads being rendered obsolete?

Why employ 10 people when it only takes 5? Give me something other than a moralistic "it's the right thing to do" answer. Another issue is unions foster lazy/bad employees, one of my reworks as mentioned above is not protecting useless/retarded employees.

What else woiuld you do? Your union members don't want to end up with automation taking their jobs and they rightfully have concerns with this. I don't want to work a job and have to compete with a kiosk or a ChatGPT. We see these things affecting the workforce right now and while paralegals and junior devs couldn't stop it, the Longshoremen are making a bid right here. So, what would you do?

I'd have to make cuts, because as I said above, why have 10 when I only need 5. I'd offer some, probably the older ones who are close to retirement to take an early out and pay them for it. You may not want to work a job with automation or other device things; so I'll tell you to go work for Arizona Pipeline and be a basic hole digging bitch for the rest of your life. Paralegals couldn't stop it, and we had a lawyer submit a motion that cited case law that doesn't fucking exist, as well as perform math problems with the wrong answers; don't try to argue that AI is gonna start taking jobs when it's literally failing at simple fucking tasks like basic math and not lying. They couldn't stop AI/ChatGPT from taking their job, because they were too fucking stupid to even function check the work it turned out. You know what else AI sucks at, reading tags, especially ones that may be weathered from sand, sea weather, and other problems; those containers get passed around and go through hell and while they manage to stay in one piece, identifying marks and such degrade and machines aren't perfect at detecting shit, look at Elon's so called self-driving cars. We'll still need people, but since I'm not intimate with the whole longshoreman port thing, I can't carve out exactly what and where, but I can theorize bits and pieces; which is still more than "just stagnate" shit you profess.

Again I ask you, do you want to compete with robots and the third world for your job?

What you don't get is you're not competing, you should be utilizing. Robots come with maintenance and updates, and other shit that computers can't do; at the same time, other nations are using robots and shit to advance themselves and leaving us behind. I want to use robots to stay on the same level or maybe even innovate something of our own; if you don't want robots, then scientists should go back to basic glass microscopes and again, do you use the fucking horse and buggy to get to work? Answer the fucking question you retarded Brazilian Nigger or go fuck a futbol with the rest of your retarded favela niggers.

I don't care that he's rich.

I doubt you'd even know how you'd feel if you skipped breakfast this morning.

 

[emosimp7]

It's a sizable order; but first I'd rework the school/collegiate system, turn unions into more like guilds that actually practice training and other shit, not just employee protection, stop all immigration, and work on building a competent citizenry. A number of nations still send their kids here, because we apparently have some of the best schools in the world; but for some reason we don't make any effort to fill the hardcore STEM classes with homegrown students. I'd also fine companies who abuse the H1-B system, because they do game the system for cheap labor. That's how I'd start it, not gonna fucking happen, but unlike you who just wants shit to stagnate, I can come up with a fucking answer, you retarded fucking bitch.

Ok, but how do you do all of that? Youre talking about a nationwide labor reform movement. Im just speaking from the perspective of a union boss.

Why employ 10 people when it only takes 5? Give me something other than a moralistic "it's the right thing to do" answer. Another issue is unions foster lazy/bad employees, one of my reworks as mentioned above is not protecting useless/retarded employees.

It's the Unions job to advocate for their paying members and the methods they use as long as they show up to work and perform their duties.

I'd have to make cuts, because as I said above, why have 10 when I only need 5. I'd offer some, probably the older ones who are close to retirement to take an early out and pay them for it. You may not want to work a job with automation or other device things; so I'll tell you to go work for Arizona Pipeline and be a basic hole digging bitch for the rest of your life. Paralegals couldn't stop it, and we had a lawyer submit a motion that cited case law that doesn't fucking exist, as well as perform math problems with the wrong answers; don't try to argue that AI is gonna start taking jobs when it's literally failing at simple fucking tasks like basic math and not lying. They couldn't stop AI/ChatGPT from taking their job, because they were too fucking stupid to even function check the work it turned out. You know what else AI sucks at, reading tags, especially ones that may be weathered from sand, sea weather, and other problems; those containers get passed around and go through hell and while they manage to stay in one piece, identifying marks and such degrade and machines aren't perfect at detecting shit, look at Elon's so called self-driving cars. We'll still need people, but since I'm not intimate with the whole longshoreman port thing, I can't carve out exactly what and where, but I can theorize bits and pieces; which is still more than "just stagnate" shit you profess

How does keeping the unions standards cause stagnation and why should any of them willingly give up their livelihood and comfort for AI and automation of their ports?
Also, to address another point you're trying to make, these union people are typically competent and log in long hours for their work and remain on call on nights, weekends and holidays in a critical juncture of our infrastructure. Why should they give up an inch of their ground for this nebulous "greater good"?

What you don't get is you're not competing, you should be utilizing. Robots come with maintenance and updates, and other shit that computers can't do; at the same time, other nations are using robots and shit to advance themselves and leaving us behind. I want to use robots to stay on the same level or maybe even innovate something of our own; if you don't want robots, then scientists should go back to basic glass microscopes and again, do you use the fucking horse and buggy to get to work? Answer the fucking question you retarded Brazilian Nigger

I don't see how a car is the same as an automated crane built to replace someone's job.

I doubt you'd even know how you'd feel if you skipped breakfast this morning.

I have to be needlessly envious in order to have an average IQ?

 

[Kheapathic]

Ok, but how do you do all of that? Youre talking about a nationwide labor reform movement. Im just speaking from the perspective of a union boss.

Fine, if you don't want workable solutions nationwide to foster a better overall environment, I'd fire them all and bring in the scabs; and these assholes start getting pissy like they did with the garbage man, the National Guard will be on site to fucking shoot and arrest them. I'd bust the unions and clear them out or arrest them. There's also the Heavy Equipment operator part of the military, willing to bet got plenty of forklift, crane, and other certified people there. But that aside, I had to talk about "a nationwide labor reform movement," because your illiterate ass brought up H1-B, Haitians, and other foreigners; who are not doing longshoreman jobs. You present a problem, then you fail to understand when I fucking address it head on. How fucking stupid are you, were you born like this or did your father "uncle" beat you with a Cerveza bottle too many times?

It's the Unions job to advocate for their paying members and the methods they use as long as they show up to work and perform their duties.

And when you stop doing your job, I'll find a solution to the no work problem. The 77% and 50% raise weren't apparently good enough, so I'll find a new solution. Easy to argue about them doing their duties, when the whole point of a strike is they stop doing them. You'd also be surprised how many people show up work drunk or otherwise inebriated, do dangerous/illegal shit, and get away with it due to union protection. If they're gonna protect retards doing retarded and criminal shit, I'll find other people who won't too, fuck the union.

How does keeping the unions standards cause stagnation and why should any of them willingly give up their livelihood and comfort for AI and automation of their ports?
Also, to address another point you're trying to make, these union people are typically competent and log in long hours for their work and remain on call on nights, weekends and holidays in a critical juncture of our infrastructure. Why should they give up an inch of their ground for this nebulous "greater good"?

Blink twice if you're not purposely being this stupid. Because the union standard is not up to others standards, they're behind on automation or other advancements, meaning work is done slower, takes more manhours, and other things where time is of the essence. Why should an entire nation of 300,000,000+ be held hostage by 45,000 and their jobs; not all of which would be at risk of disappearing. Something you probably missed before you walked into this thread and shit all over the table, was that every day a ship sits off the coast, that costs money; the longer it takes a port to unload and process a ship, is an operating cost, a cost that will eventually be passed on to consumers. I don't give a shit if they're hourly, on call, and operate 24/7; I've done that too, and never expected a "Oh my God, you're so cool!" or whatever about it; I usually got a hot check next pay period to thank me. They're doing the same shit I did, wow, neat, they're still bitches and whores. As for "the greater good" as you call it, because someone else will, because you'll lag behind, because you'll become the retarded fucking red-headed step child who can't empty and process a ship as fast as everyone else. I get you don't understand what standards are and will stick your dick in anything, to include your sisters, but most people tend to understand why being fast and efficient is a good thing.

I don't see how a car is the same as an automated crane built to replace someone's job.

Think of all the horse trainers, whip makers, and carriage crafters the automobile put out of business. Just think of them, and how bad it was that they lost their jobs to some fucking internal combustion engine; I'd ask if you'd want to put up with an internal combustion engine, and manual transmission, or a differential, but I doubt you do. I know why you can't think of them, because you're too fucking retarded to understand what a comparison, analogy, parable, or cause and effect are.

 

[LaxerBRO]

Nigger they want to be paid $200,000 a year. Literally the equivalent of a Surgeon without the absurd workload.

If they make $39/hour now and are paid an average of $140,000 that means they put in about 55-60 hours weeks.

Not an insane amount of overtime but it's a lot and they are breathing in all this pollution from the trucks and ships.

 

[LeChampion1992]

the automation never actually gets used for modernization or making worker's lives easier or any of that, they just use it to replace the workers instead to make more profit

My big issue with port automation is all the software and hardware would have to be Chinese made and from a foreign nation. Leaving such critical infrastructure in the hands of potential adversaries is a bad idea.

 

[Spud]

I have to be needlessly envious in order to have an average IQ?

The funniest thing about all of this is seeing supposedly right wing people getting mad that someone is earning more money than them. Get that bag dockworkers.

 

[Here to Gawk]

My big issue with port automation is all the software and hardware would have to be Chinese made and from a foreign nation. Leaving such critical infrastructure in the hands of potential adversaries is a bad idea.

Here's a good explanation of that point that many here are missing. From Conservative Treehouse:

This brings me to the main point that most overlook.

In Asia and Europe, port automation is happening rapidly. However, in Asia and Europe they have rules and regulations against foreign ownership of their ports. In Europe, Asia and particularly China, ports are considered critical national security infrastructure by the politicians who represent the people. In the USA our politicians represent the multinational corporations and as a result we have sold the majority of our ports to Saudis, Qataris, Europeans and Chinese owners.

If Chinese ports are automated in China, they are operated by Chinese owners. If American ports are automated in the USA, they are operated by Chinese owners. It doesn’t take a genius to see the problem.

Fast forward to 2035, all of our critical ILA members have given up and gone to work for Wal Mart in the face of overwhelming opposition against them by a short-sighted American electorate. The children of the dockworkers are now addicted to prescription narcotics, and the docks are automated by German industrial machinery, facilitated by Chinese technology that was purchased by Chinese owners. The machinery is operated remotely by Chinese, Indian and Pakistani workers getting $5/hr.

After seamless integration, China decides to take the geography of New Zealand as the latest strategic notch in their Belt and Road initiative. Wait, wha… the American politicians shout, “this cannot stand.” But it does, because if the USA tries to make a move against it, the docks in the USA are brought to a halt by China.

Sound crazy?

...


What we are talking about now against the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and remote automation, is not crazy; it’s predictable reality if the efforts of the ILA fail.

Now do you see why I support them.

 

[Stoneheart]

My big issue with port automation is all the software and hardware would have to be Chinese made and from a foreign nation. Leaving such critical infrastructure in the hands of potential adversaries is a bad idea.

Why? Europe and east asia are leading in that field, not China.