On early October 1st the workers struck. Striking out with the International Longshoremen’s association to negotiate better pay and ask questions about automation and job security. The strike lasted for around 3 days from October 1st to the 3rd. The negotiations lasted right up until the last minute as 47,000 workers in ports all across the eastern seaboard threatened to strike. 

It was an estimated loss of around 5 billion dollars in the US per day the strike went on. Many companies in anticipation of the strike stocked up on supplies to avoid delays and the strike was stopped before any real economic damage could be done. 

Negotiations settled on raises of 62% over the span of two years. The ILA wanted 77% over six years but the United States Maritime Alliance was stringent on 62%. The USMA which spoke for all the companies affected offered a 50% raise right before the strike but this was declined. They agreed to come back to this in December of 2025 following concerns with workers over automation.

The white house on the other end of this backed the ILA citing the 800% of profit increase shipping companies saw in the pandemic. Biden urged the USMA to give workers fair compensation for putting their health on the line and working during the pandemic. Many republicans and other business leaders however sided with the ILA citing concerns over the economy from the strike. While the ILA did not get everything they wanted they raised up their voice and got something that wouldn’t have happened otherwise and got negotiation in the future for more deals which will be crucial in an ever changing world.