Some 45,000 union workers could walk off the job at seaports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts on 01OCT, from Maine to Texas, cutting off vital trade arteries just weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
Longshoremen primarily handle cargo containers from incoming ships but also assist with cruise ships.
According to CNN, “time is running out to avoid a work stoppage at ports along the entire East and Gulf Coasts in what could become the most disruptive strike to the US economy in decades.”
In the event of a strike, the International Longshoremen's Association has made a commitment to servicing passenger cruise ships, CBC reports.
In addition to the potential U.S. ports job action, a strike at the Port of Montreal is in effect and expected to last through Thursday (03OCT).
Three hundred twenty longshoremen initiated a 72-hour strike on 30SEP, causing the paralysis of two terminals at the Port of Montreal.
The Maritime Employers Association confirmed that the work stoppage began at 7 a.m. ET at the Viau and Maisonneuve Termont terminals, reports the Montreal Gazette.
