[3] Organized labor enjoys rising public support and has had a string of recent victories in other industries, in addition to the backing of the pro-union administration of President Joe Biden.
[7] with the latter proposing an opening offer of a gradual pay raise of 77% over the course of the six-year contract to account for several years of smaller wage increases and inflation.
[7][9] Under the Taft-Hartley Act, Biden could seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period that would end the strike at least temporarily, but he has told reporters that he wouldn't take that step.
Biden in a statement said “As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need.
[4] On the evening of September 30, the eve of the strike, the U.S. Maritime Alliance proposed a 50% pay raise and a commitment to limited incorporation of automation, but not a complete ban, as a means to resume negotiations.
[10] USMX accused ILA of refusing to negotiate, and asked labor regulators to command that the union continue them in a formal complaint.
[13] The U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies, reports that both sides have moved from their initial wage offers.
The same day, the ILA said that Harold Daggett, its president, and other union officers, had received death threats since the strike began.
[6] Economists predicted that the slowing of industrial and consumer goods and resulting price hikes could significantly hinder the economy following its gradual improvement against inflation.
On September 30, he ordered National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard and White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients to talk with USMX's leadership to convince them to quickly work out a fair deal, which did not prevent the strike.
[18] On 1 October, Biden said that he urged the ILA to settle with a $4 an hour salary increase prior to the strike, and insisted that the USMX return to negotiations with a fair contract.
[13] Governor of New York Kathy Hochul released a statement just prior to the onset of the strike, assuring that the state was taking special efforts to provide healthcare facilities and grocery stores with essential goods.
Labor experts noted that attempting to stop the strike would likely significantly hinder Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign to succeed Biden.
The National Association of Manufacturers urged congressional leaders to intervene against the strike and help both parties reach a deal if Biden was unwilling to take action to speed up negotiations.