US port workers strike on east and gulf coasts: A timeline

Dockworkers at 36 ports on the US East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico began striking on Tuesday, halting container traffic in a stoppage that could cost the US economy billions of dollars.

The labour contract between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group expired on September 30, as negotiations stalled due to disagreements over pay.

The affected ports process more than half of US ocean trade, and a widespread work stoppage would upend transportation schedules, delay goods across a broad swath of industries and send shipping costs higher. All of that could mean shortages and higher costs for consumers.

Here's a brief rundown of key events related to the strike:

May 13, 2024

The ILA and the USMX say they will begin bargaining after May 17 with the goal of forging a new deal before the current six-year contract expires on September 30.

June 10, 2024

The ILA halts negotiations amid disputes related to automation, after discovering that operator APM's terminals and container shipping company Maersk Line were using an Auto Gate system that processes trucks without labor.

June 11, 2024

The USMX says some issues will require further conversation between the local parties, adding that it looks forward to re-engage with the bargaining committee.

July 12, 2024

Harold Daggett, ILA's president and chief negotiator, says the threat of an October 1 strike is growing after the violation of its contract by some USMX members, which caused it to cancel negotiations earlier.

August 23, 2024

The USMX says it has been unable to secure a meeting with the ILA to resume negotiations.

September 5, 2024

Nearly 300 ILA delegates end their two-day wage scale meetings with unanimous support for President Daggett's call for an Oct. 1 strike if an agreement is not reached.

September 23, 2024

The ILA says it has held multiple conversations with the USMX in recent weeks and adds that a stalemate remains over wages, with the employer group continuing to offer "an unacceptable wage increase package."

September 24, 2024

The White House says it will not try to broker a deal between the two parties.

September 25, 2024

Agriculture groups urge the White House to act to avert the potential strike.

September 26, 2024

The USMX files an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board to bring ILA back to the bargaining table.

September 29, 2024

President Joe Biden says he did not intend to intervene to prevent a port strike.

September 30, 2024

The USMX says it raised its offer which would increase wages by nearly 50 per cent, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans and strengthen USMX's health care options.

USMX also requests an extension of the current master contract to continue bargaining.

October 1, 2024

The ILA starts strike at ports up and down the US East Coast.