MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — A potential strike could impact ports across the United States, including the Port of Mobile.
1 dead after two-vehicle crash near U.S. 43 and Interstate 65 in Mobile County
The International Longshoreman Association union represents over 45,000 workers on the East and Gulf coasts.
The union’s representatives demand high wages and a ban on using automated gates and cranes.
These workers are threatening to walk off the job Oct. 1 if changes are not made.
The ILA’s contract with the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents these ports, expires on Sept. 30. USMA reportedly has not negotiated with the union since June.
ILA reportedly has asked for a 77% pay raise over a six-year contract to keep pace with inflation.
Mobile Chamber President Bradley Byrne weighed in on the possibility of a strike.
“If we had a strike here and we didn’t have the goods going in and out of our port, that’s going to have a ripple effect all throughout the Mobile regional economy. So, it’s bad for us,” said Byrne. “There’s no other way to say it. It’s also bad for the national economy.”