**Port Workers from New England to Texas Strike for Better Pay and Job Security**

In a significant labor movement, thousands of dockworkers from New England to Texas initiated a strike just past midnight on Tuesday. They are pushing for increased wages and enhanced job security. This protest marks the first strike at East and Gulf Coast ports since 1977 and arises from ongoing disputes in labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), a group representing terminal operators and ocean carriers.

The strike involves approximately 25,000 workers, according to USMX, and has led to the closure of 14 major ports: Baltimore; Boston; Charleston, South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Miami; Houston; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; New York/New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia; Savannah, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; and Wilmington, Delaware.

ILA President Harold Daggett stated that the strike was in response to USMX's stance on not adequately compensating American ILA workers while foreign-owned ocean carriers earn significant profits at U.S. ports. Daggett emphasized that the union is prepared for a prolonged strike to secure fair wages and protection against automation.

The union's demands include significant wage hikes and a total ban on the use of automated equipment in freight operations. The ILA has expressed its firm stance by shutting down all ports from Maine to Texas and starting picket lines at multiple waterfront facilities after the last offer from USMX did not meet their demands.

Ports in New York/New Jersey and Virginia quickly announced closures of many facilities due to the strike. Similarly, workers at the Port of Philadelphia began picketing early Tuesday morning, carrying signs with messages advocating job protection and opposing automation.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the situation closely but have not intervened directly, emphasizing the importance of respecting collective bargaining rights. The White House has assured that, for now, the impact on essential goods such as fuel, food, and medicine is expected to be limited.

The strike follows other recent labor actions in sectors including U.S. automakers and Boeing. The ports affected by this walkout handle about half of the nation’s maritime cargo, and a prolonged strike could have severe economic consequences, including rising consumer goods costs and potential shortages leading up to the holiday season. Analysts estimate that a week-long strike could cost the U.S. economy nearly $3.8 billion.

Retailers and businesses have anticipated potential disruptions, stockpiling goods in advance to mitigate immediate risks. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has reassured residents that efforts are underway to ensure grocery stores and medical facilities remain supplied with essential products. She has called for a fair resolution between USMX and the ILA to maintain commerce flow through the ports while advising against consumer panic buying.

As negotiations unfold, the impact of this significant labor action will become clearer, with many closely watching its effects on the supply chain and overall economy.