Residents share how Port Strike along East Coast may affect Delmarva
Wages for Workers
DELMARVA – Workers are fed up. Port workers along the East and Gulf Coasts are taking a stand, by taking a strike and demanding fairer contracts. However, people wonder what will happen if they can’t get goods.
There hasn’t been a strike of this magnitude since 1977. Almost 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association are on strike. Workers demand a 77% pay increase over 6 years, compared to the 50% offered by the United States Maritime Alliance, also known as USMX. A local business and the community report how the strike could affect Delmarva.
Ports are on Pause, as all along the coast workers are demanding better wages and job security. Businesses like grocery stores could see effects as early as next week when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Grocery Outlet independent owner Joe Bean says this can definitely affect their business and some of his customers have already started to panic.
“Right now, our country has gone through turmoil over the last few years. We don’t need to add to it, we need to gather together, we need to strengthen…” says Bean. “The area that I’m most concerned about is the fresh produce they say they’ve got enough in backstock, they’ve got enough in the warehouse, except for bananas. Bananas is the one thing they are anticipating to run out within a week.”
The union is seeking a $5 an hour pay increase each year over six years. This would change the top pay of $39 an hour, to $69 dollars an hour. While workers fight for that increase, many locals are concerned about what this might means for their families. Martha Todd and Susan Wolfe are sisters who say their father worked in negations with military companies, so they understand what it means to come to a common place.
Susan tells us, “I think they should have worked harder to get an agreement, and while I’m in support of labor unions, I am also in support of goods moving in America.” Martha was disappointed in the entire ordeal. “I think that they’ve chosen the wrong time, I think people are you know, struggling as it is, and they’re going to make everything go up higher right before Christmas, and I think it’s very sad.”
Bean is hoping they’ll come to an agreement, but as for how exactly this will impact his business, that’s to be determined. “Yes, we all want more money, yes we want job security, but there’s a way that we can get both and work together without harming the everyday person.” We reached out Governor Wes Moore’s office, who say he is closely monitoring the situation, saying quote,
“Governor Wes Moore is closely monitoring this situation and encouraging the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association to continue to talk and progress toward an agreement that properly compensates the men and women of the ILA while maintaining cost effective and efficient cargo flows.” End quote.
Another concern many port workers have is the use of automation. They’re worried that may cost some workers their jobs. The union claims the language in their current contracts prevents some of that, but many believe it’s not strong enough. The USMX plans to keep the same contract language on use of automation in place.
