Members of the International Longshoreman’s Association prepare to strike

Members of the International Longshoreman’s Association prepare to go on strike Monday night at 11 p.m. local time.

WXXV News 25’s Lucas Warran has been on top of the rising tensions between dockworkers and employers and has an update on this major story that has impacts here in Mississippi and up and down the East Coast.

The International Longshoreman Association has signaled their 45,000 members will walk off the job at 11 p.m. local time starting a massive strike that would likely shut down ports across the east and gulf coast.

The ILA represents 36 ports from Maine to Texas including Pascagoula and Gulfport. The union is asking for an increase in wages and the continued ban of total automation.

In a statement made on Monday the ILA continued to blame the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, for continuing to “to block the path” towards an agreement before the contract deadline.

In a prepared statement the ILA said, “The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject. ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.”

In response to this the Port of Gulfport released a statement saying, “The Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) has great respect for all the men and women that work at the Port of Gulfport. The MSPA is not a party to the negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoreman’s Association that could lead to a work stoppage on October 1. The Port Authority remains hopeful that both parties will come to a mutually beneficial agreement to alleviate a negative economic impact.”

The Port of Pascagoula also released a statement saying, “As the impending port strike on the East Coast & Gulf of Mexico develops, we want to reassure our partners and stakeholders that Port Pascagoula remains well-positioned to continue business as usual. Due to our unique operational structure, which utilizes both union and non-union labor, we anticipate minimal to no impact on our day-to-day activities. We remain fully committed to providing uninterrupted service to all our customers and ensuring the smooth flow of commerce through our port.”

There’s no telling how long the strike could last.

A drawn-out strike could impact the delivery of toys, cars, coffee and vegetables as well as an increased price on retail goods.

WXXV News will continue to cover this story as it develops.