East Coast Strikes Busiest Looms 45,000 Workers Walk Off [Video]

Dock workers at every East and Gulf coast port are gathering to strike starting early next week.

Over 45,000 workers are planning to do a walk off that would close trade gateways that handle about half of all goods shipped in containers in and out of the U.S.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has accused the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) of making “insulting offers” to staff demanding higher pay and commitments on automation. The USMX represents 40 ocean carrier and terminal operators.

The workers planned to strike on Tuesday if a new agreement is not reached. This hits 36 ports along the east and Gulf coast of the US in what would be the first work stoppage since 1977.

The strike is estimated to cost the US economy $5 billion per day. A one-day strike can take an estimated four to six days to clear.

Earlier this month, one …