This article was originally published on Washington Times - Politics. You can read the original article HERE
President Biden on Tuesday lived up to his Union Joe reputation by issuing a strong statement in support of striking dockworkers even though the walkout could upend the economy by halting the movement of billions of dollars worth of goods and even aid to those jarred by Hurricane Helene.
“Collective bargaining is the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve,” Mr. Biden said even as the strike threatens the import of $2 billion worth of goods into the U.S. daily.
Union dockworkers along the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports walked off the job Tuesday, halting the movement of goods ranging from furniture and shoes to farm machinery and technology.
The strike by tens of thousands of dockworkers kicked off just after midnight as talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ocean carriers and port operators, failed to yield a new contract.
Mr. Biden urged the USMX to avoid taking a hard line with the union workers because these ports must get relief to communities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia devastated by Hurricane Helene.
“As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helen, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need,” he said. “Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while taking in record profits.”
The strike affects 14 ports across the country, including New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, Houston, Miami and Tampa, Florida.
This article was originally published by Washington Times - Politics. We only curate news from sources that align with the core values of our intended conservative audience. If you like the news you read here we encourage you to utilize the original sources for even more great news and opinions you can trust!
Comments