The International Longshoremen’s Association union is asking for a big pay raise in their new contract. They represent 45,000 workers at ports from Texas to Maine.
They may go on strike on October 1 if they don’t get what they want. They are talking with the United States Maritime Alliance about wages, automation, healthcare, and retirement benefits.
The union wants a 77 percent pay increase over the new contract. If they don’t reach a deal before September 30, the current contract will expire.
If there’s a strike, important ports like New York/New Jersey, Houston, and Charleston will be affected. This could cause problems during the holiday season and the presidential elections.
Retailers and other industry groups are calling for both sides to keep talking. They are worried about the impact on the economy and consumers if there’s a strike.
It’s important to keep goods moving smoothly at the ports for everyone’s benefit.
Vocabulary List:
- Association /əˌsoʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A group of people organized for a joint purpose.
- Negotiation /nɪˌɡoʊ.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
- Automation /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.
- Contract /ˈkɒn.trækt/ (noun): A formal agreement between two or more parties.
- Strike /straɪk/ (noun): A refusal to work as a form of protest.
- Impact /ˈɪm.pækt/ (noun): The strong effect or influence that something has.
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