Senator urges Biden to prevent looming dockworkers strike

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has urged the Biden administration to intervene in a potential strike by union dockworkers that could begin as early as October 1. The strike, involving 25,000 dockworkers at major East Coast ports, could severely disrupt supply chains and lead to significant economic losses. Cassidy's letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris highlights the potential impact on American workers and the economy, particularly as the holiday shopping season approaches amidst ongoing inflation. The contract negotiations are between the U.S. Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association, covering ports from Maine to Texas, including major hubs like New York and New Orleans. Cassidy criticized the administration for prioritizing a pro-union stance over the needs of workers, arguing that the strike would have devastating consequences not only for dockworkers but also for thousands of other workers in related industries. He called for the use of the Taft-Hartley Act to impose an 80-day cooling-off period, which would allow for negotiations to continue without a work stoppage. Cassidy emphasized that the ripple effects of a strike would include higher costs for consumers, reduced purchasing power, and delays in imports and exports. Despite Cassidy's concerns, a Biden administration official indicated that the president would not invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent the strike. Cassidy's letter reflects a growing tension between labor interests and the economic implications of potential disruptions in critical supply chains.