Port of New Orleans workers join nationwide strike [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Port of New Orleans, along with other ports along the Gulf and East coasts, are temporarily closed amid a nationwide strike.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association and Port of New Orleans workers hit the picket line at daybreak on Tuesday after the groups failed to reach an agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the nation’s ports.

Union members are demanding a 77% wage increase over 6 years, as well as a total ban on automation.

“As the last 6 years have demonstrated, automation cannot outperform the skill of the men and women of the ILA,” said Blaine Ehrlich, the president of the New Orleans chapter of the ILA. “Automation at our nations port should concern everyone. The truth is robots do not pay taxes, and they do not spend money in their communities.”

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