Nationwide longshoremen's strike hits Mobile Port, experts warn the strike could cost the U.S. economy billions

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Nothing is happening at the Port of Mobile's container terminal tonight as a nationwide strike grips the shipping industry.

This morning, as the clock struck 12:01 a.m., a strike began involving thousands of longshoremen across the United States and even here in our port city.

This came after growing tensions between longshoremen and the United States Maritime Alliance over the increasing threat of automation and wages.

Signs reading “Machines Don’t Feed Families: Support ILA Workers” and “No Work Without a Fair Contract” were held up by local longshoremen hoping to get USMX’s attention.

Mark Bass, president of the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1410, said it was the hard-working people who got the job done.

“As we all know, machines don’t pay, they don’t pay taxes, they don’t pay Social Security, they don’t pay insurance, they don’t pay any of that,” Bass said. “When it comes to automation, we will never agree to it. We must be available for work 24 hours, 7 days a week. We miss birthdays, we miss anniversaries, we miss all the important family celebrations just to make sure the goods get in and out of the country.”

Industry experts warn that a week-long strike could cost the U.S. economy more than $3.7 billion and affect imports of bananas, coffee and more.

Stephen Tommey, owner of Toomey's Mardi Gras, said he doesn't see any impact on his business at this time but is aware of what could happen if the strike continues.

“Fortunately, probably 75 to 80 percent of our goods have already arrived and we actually unloaded a container this morning,” Toomey said. “I don’t think it will last forever. I think it will hopefully resolve itself in the next few weeks and things will get back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.