The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on President Joe Biden to intervene in the contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance.
Specifically, they are asking Biden to invoke Taft-Hartley to avoid an expected work stoppage at 14 ports from Maine to Texas starting Oct. 1.
“Americans experienced the pain of delays and shortages of goods during the pandemic-era supply chain backlogs in 2021. It would be unconscionable to allow a contract dispute to inflict such a shock to our economy,” Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a letter to Biden. “These ports collectively handle more than 68% of all containerized exports and 56% of imports for the nation, with a daily trade value exceeding $2.1 billion.”
The Taft-Hartley Act is a law that was enacted in 1947 that prohibits certain labor union practices.
“Taft-Hartley would provide time for both parties in negotiation to reach a deal on a new labor contract,” Clark wrote in the letter. “We understand labor negotiations are complex, but we urge you to protect our economy by invoking Taft-Hartley and avoiding a work stoppage.”
Biden said he won’t get involved in the negotiating process or invoke Taft-Hartley, according to reports. Biden won’t invoke Taft-Hartley to stop port strike that could cost $5 billion a day (msn.com)
A new national poll from the U.S. Chamber said that 57 percent of voters support the Biden Administration taking action to keep the ports open and operating while negotiations continue.