What are the dockworkers asking for? Here are their demands [Video]

Some progress was reported in talks late Monday, but the union went on strike anyway.

HOUSTON — U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977.

A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at big and small retailers alike as the holiday shopping season approaches.

What we know about the Longshoremen’s demands

The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance
The strike affects 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas
The union’s opening offer was for a 77% pay raise over six years
Members make a base salary of about $81,000 per year

The International Longshoremen’s Association is demanding significantly higher wages and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used in the loading or unloading of freight at 36 U.S. ports.

Those …

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