**East Coast and Gulf Ports Brace for Strike as Dock Workers Plan Walkout**

A major strike by port workers on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico is set to begin on Tuesday, according to an announcement made by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) on Sunday. This labor action is expected to trigger delays and disrupt supply chains significantly. The ILA cited long-standing grievances, accusing the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) of ignoring "a half-century of wage subjugation."

USMX, which represents the employers in the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry, has been at odds with the union over pay and conditions. If the strike proceeds, it will affect ports from Maine to Texas, marking the first coast-wide strike by the ILA since 1977. The extent to which this might impact national and international shipping and trade remains a significant concern.

With the strike deadline looming at midnight on Monday, there has been no indication of any ongoing or forthcoming negotiations between the two parties. In a crucial statement, President Joe Biden clarified that he does not plan to intervene to prevent the walkout. "It's collective bargaining. I don't believe in Taft-Hartley," the President remarked, referring to the federal act that allows Presidents to impose an 80-day cooling-off period in labor disputes that threaten national security or public safety.

As the clock ticks down to the strike deadline, the situation remains fluid. Industry stakeholders and economic experts are closely monitoring developments, apprehensive about the potential widespread disruptions that could stem from a prolonged work stoppage at these critical ports.