Dockworkers from Maine to Texas have launched the first strike of its kind in nearly 50 years, walking out at all East and Gulf Coast ports. Representing 45,000 workers across 36 ports, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is demanding higher wages and assurances that their jobs won't be replaced by automation.

600 ESPN El Paso logo
Get our free mobile app
Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Dockworkers strike in a picket line outside of the Port of Houston Authority on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Members of the International Longshoreman's Association have begun a nationwide strike, consisting of more than 50,000 workers at ports along the East Coast and Texas. The strike, affecting 36 ports, marks a historic event and is the first by the union since 1977. The strike comes after negotiations between the International Longshoreman's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach an agreement on better wages and automation. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
loading...

This strike highlights a critical issue: corporations are pushing automation under the pretense of safety while cutting labor costs and increasing profits. Daniel Amaly, a worker from Port Elizabeth, said, “Employers push automation under the guise of safety, but it is really about cutting labor costs to increase their already exceptionally high profits."

The stakes are high, with these dockworkers responsible for half of all imported goods entering the U.S. Any disruptions could impact consumer prices, and yet, despite enormous profits, shipping companies resist meeting workers’ demands. According to Peter Goodman, a global economics correspondent, “We see prices go up and profits hit record levels for the ocean carriers every time there’s a disruption.”

Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Dockworkers strike in a picket line outside of the Port of Houston Authority on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Members of the International Longshoreman's Association have begun a nationwide strike, consisting of more than 50,000 workers at ports along the East Coast and Texas. The strike, affecting 36 ports, marks a historic event and is the first by the union since 1977. The strike comes after negotiations between the International Longshoreman's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach an agreement on better wages and automation. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
loading...

This fight is about more than just wages. It’s a battle to protect good-paying jobs from automation in an industry increasingly driven by profit over people. As the strike continues, it’s crucial to remember who’s on the front lines—dockworkers fighting for their livelihoods in the face of corporate greed.

Here Are The Businesses That Are Going To Be Affected By The Strike:

1. Retailers

  • Big-box stores (e.g., Walmart, Target)
  • Online retailers (e.g., Amazon)
  • Department stores (e.g., Macy’s, JCPenney)
  • Specialty retailers (e.g., Best Buy, Home Depot)

2. Manufacturing and Factories

  • Auto manufacturers (e.g., Ford, GM, Tesla)
  • Electronics manufacturers (e.g., Apple, Samsung, Sony)
  • Machinery manufacturers (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere)
  • Aerospace manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin)

3. Importers of Consumer Goods

  • Furniture companies (e.g., IKEA)
  • Clothing and fashion brands (e.g., Nike, Zara, H&M)
  • Toy manufacturers (e.g., Hasbro, Mattel)
  • Appliance companies (e.g., Whirlpool, GE Appliances)

4. Food and Beverage Industry

  • Supermarket chains (e.g., Kroger, Safeway)
  • Restaurants and fast food chains (e.g., McDonald's, Starbucks)
  • Beverage companies (e.g., Coca-Cola, PepsiCo)
  • Food distributors (e.g., Sysco, US Foods)

5. Logistics and Transportation Companies

  • Shipping companies (e.g., Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd)
  • Freight forwarding services (e.g., DHL, UPS, FedEx)
  • Trucking companies (e.g., J.B. Hunt, Schneider National)
  • Rail transportation companies (e.g., Union Pacific, CSX)

6. Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Companies

  • Drug manufacturers (e.g., Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson)
  • Medical device companies (e.g., Medtronic, Abbott)
  • Distributors of medical supplies (e.g., McKesson, Cardinal Health)

7. Construction and Home Improvement

  • Home improvement retailers (e.g., Lowe's, Home Depot)
  • Building material suppliers (e.g., Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta)
  • Construction equipment manufacturers (e.g., Caterpillar, Komatsu)

8. Tech Companies

  • Hardware manufacturers (e.g., Dell, HP)
  • Networking equipment companies (e.g., Cisco, Huawei)
  • Telecommunication companies (e.g., AT&T, Verizon)

9. Automotive and Parts Suppliers

  • Car manufacturers (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Hyundai)
  • Auto parts suppliers (e.g., Bosch, Magna)

10. Agricultural Importers

  • Fruit and produce companies (e.g., Dole, Chiquita)
  • Grain and commodity importers (e.g., Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill)
  • Seafood importers (e.g., Bumble Bee, Thai Union)

11. Energy Companies

  • Petroleum companies (e.g., ExxonMobil, Chevron)
  • Natural gas suppliers (e.g., Cheniere Energy)

These businesses and industries rely heavily on the efficient movement of goods through the ports, so the strike could lead to supply chain bottlenecks, product shortages, and increased costs across the board.

Port Strike Fallout: 8 Everyday Essentials Texans Could See Disappear

The port strike may disrupt supply chain for perishable and consumer goods, leading to price spikes, impacting Texas with banana shortages.

Gallery Credit: Canva

Port Strike: What Grocery Item Shortages to Expect in Texas

Gallery Credit: Tara Holley