美國港口罷工導致50年來首次關閉

A significant strike has erupted at ports across the United States, marking the first such event in nearly half a century. Tens of thousands of dockworkers, who are essential for loading and unloading cargo ships, have walked off the job indefinitely. This strike began on a Tuesday and affects 14 major ports along the East and Gulf coasts, halting container traffic from Maine to Texas. The timing of this strike is particularly concerning as it threatens to disrupt trade and the economy just before the busy holiday shopping season and the upcoming presidential election. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, but the White House has indicated that he does not plan to intervene at this time. The President has the authority to suspend the strike for 80 days to facilitate negotiations, but he has not yet taken that step. The dockworkers are represented by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and they are demanding better wages and working conditions. The current contract between the workers and their employers expired on Monday, and negotiations have been stalled for several months. The ILA is advocating for a six-year master contract that would cover approximately 25,000 port workers involved in container and roll-on/roll-off operations. According to the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents shipping companies and port operators, they have recently increased their offer, which includes a nearly 50% wage increase, tripling employer contributions to pension plans, and improving healthcare options. Union leader Harold Daggett has called for significant pay raises for his members, expressing concerns about the impact of automation on jobs. USMX has accused the union of refusing to negotiate and has filed a complaint with labor regulators to compel the union to return to the bargaining table. Under the previous contract, starting wages for dockworkers ranged from $20 to $39 per hour, depending on experience, along with additional benefits such as bonuses tied to container trade. Mr. Daggett has proposed a five-dollar-per-hour increase each year over the six-year contract, which he estimates would amount to about a 10% increase annually. The ILA argues that workers deserve these raises after shipping companies profited significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic while inflation has eroded their salaries. The union has warned that a wider strike could occur, potentially involving members not directly involved in this dispute, although the exact numbers remain uncertain. The ILA claims to represent over 85,000 workers, with about 47,000 active members. The strike is expected to impact time-sensitive imports, particularly food items, which are likely to be among the first goods affected. The ports involved handle around 14% of agricultural exports shipped by sea and more than half of imports, including a significant share of bananas and chocolate. Other sectors that could face disruptions include tin, tobacco, and nicotine products. Clothing and footwear companies, as well as European car manufacturers that rely on the Port of Baltimore for shipments, will also be affected. Imports surged over the summer as businesses rushed to get shipments in before the strike began. Experts predict that while immediate economic impacts may not be felt right away, prolonged strikes could lead to rising prices and shortages of goods over time. Seth Harris, a professor at Northeastern University and a former White House labor adviser, stated, 'I don't think we will see immediate, significant economic impacts. but over the course of weeks, if the strike lasts that long, we can begin to see prices rise and for there to be some shortages in goods. ' The economic consequences of the strike could be severe, with estimates suggesting that more than a third of exports and imports could be affected, potentially costing the US economy at least $4. 5 billion for each week the strike continues. Grace Zemmer, an associate US economist at Oxford Economics, noted that over 100,000 people could find themselves temporarily unemployed as the effects of the strike spread. Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, warned that this situation could trigger a series of economic challenges, pushing up shipping costs and impacting consumers and businesses that rely on 'just-in-time' supply chains. The strike also introduces uncertainty into the US economy at a critical time, as the unemployment rate is rising and the election is approaching. This situation puts President Biden in a difficult position, as he may need to intervene in the labor dispute to protect national security or safety. In the past, presidents have intervened in similar situations, such as when President George W. Bush acted to reopen ports after a strike in 2002. The US Chamber of Commerce has urged President Biden to take action, recalling the difficulties Americans faced during the pandemic when supply chains were disrupted. The ILA's Mr. Daggett has supported Biden in the past but has recently criticized him for not doing enough to help dockworkers. The strike could have significant implications for public opinion regarding labor movements, especially given the historical context of the dockworkers' union. While some may view the strike negatively due to past controversies, many people empathize with the workers' concerns about wages and job security. The outcome of this strike will be closely watched, as it could influence negotiations and the future of labor relations in the United States.