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A massive port strike has caused more than 20,000 dockworkers to walk off the job, disrupting operations along the East and Gulf coasts, including critical ports in New York and New Jersey. With billions of dollars worth of goods passing through these ports, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that most operations have ceased.

"Moments ago, the first large-scale eastern dockworker strike in 47 years began at ports from Maine to Texas, including at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey," stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul just after midnight. She emphasized the state's extensive preparations to ensure that essential products reach grocery stores and medical facilities. Hochul urged the USMX and the ILA to quickly reach a fair agreement, while also assuring that efforts to minimize disruptions for New Yorkers would continue.

At Port Elizabeth, hundreds of workers joined the picket lines, a scene also unfolding in Boston and Philadelphia as the strike went into effect at midnight. "I hope that folks can get to a table sooner than later -- find coming ground," commented New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Tuesday afternoon.

This strike, initiated by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), marks the first such action in nearly half a century and affects 14 ports from Massachusetts to Texas. Longshoremen, who are essential for loading and unloading cargo, manage almost half of the nation’s ships. The contract negotiations between the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down on Monday, sparking the strike.

The ILA is demanding a 77% wage increase over six years and is opposing fully and semi-automated terminals, which they argue threaten jobs. Harold J. Daggett, ILA president and chief negotiator, told reporters, "I am looking for $5 across the board for six years, and I'm going to fight for it, because those greedy companies are making billions of dollars and they don't want to share." He pointed out the potential widespread impacts on various sectors if the strike continues.

Union foreman Wade Foster expressed concerns about the future of jobs due to automation, emphasizing the human cost, "We have it where you can get a 30-year mortgage for a first-time homebuyer, but what happens when my six-year contract, when that comes to an end, and you say, I got automation taking your job -- where does my mortgage go?"

The U.S. Maritime Alliance has countered the union's demands by offering a 50% pay increase, and a spokesperson highlighted that the current contract already includes language against fully automated terminals. They have filed an unfair labor practice charge as part of efforts to bring the union back to the negotiation table.

Despite the disruption, Governor Hochul reassured that there would be no immediate shortages of household goods and that the state is prepared for potential impacts. Pharmaceuticals, heating oil, gas, and diesel are not expected to be affected notably, and the state has stockpiled medical supplies.

In summary, the extensive strike by dockworkers is a significant disruption to port operations along the East and Gulf coasts. The focus now is on the negotiation table, where both sides are urged to reach a fair agreement to ensure economic and operational stability.