Longshoremen at docks along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts have gone on strike for the first time since 1977 as the union takes a hard-line stance against automation found at other ports around the world.
The International Longshoreman¡¯s Association halted negotiations in June with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, a group representing port operators and ocean carriers.
The union said an Alabama port operator¡¯s use of new gate technology that scans and processes containers without worker involvement violated their existing contract. The ILA said it wouldn¡¯t return to the bargaining table until the ¡°issue is resolved,¡± idling some 45,000 dockworkers who are also pressing for higher wages.
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