Overview

• The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) represents over 45,000 dockworkers at 36 U.S. East Coast ports, who may strike if contract demands are not met.
• A strike could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion a day and disrupt supply chains, leading to increased shipping costs and inflation.
• Canadian businesses are concerned about severe impacts due to their reliance on U.S. East Coast ports for imports, potentially jeopardizing jobs and goods delivery.
• West Coast ports, including those in California, are preparing for increased cargo volumes as companies reroute shipments to avoid potential disruptions.
• President Biden faces political pressure to intervene, with the White House monitoring the situation and the Department of Labor reaching out to the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).