East and Gulf Coast dockworkers, which comprise nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), initiated a large-scale strike early Tuesday (Oct. 1), marking their first significant stoppage in nearly 50 years. The action effectively halted around half of the nation's ocean shipping. The strike follows a breakdown in labor contract negotiations, with wage disputes being the primary sticking point.

Reports indicate that the strike began at midnight and disrupted the movement of goods across nearly all major cargo ports from Maine to Texas. This includes a wide range of products like bananas, European alcohol, furniture, clothing, household goods, and auto parts essential for keeping U.S. factories running. Additionally, exports passing through these ports could be affected, potentially impacting the sales of American companies. The strike poses a significant threat to import and export industries, with wide-reaching economic consequences.

Harold Daggett, president of the ILA, expressed dissatisfaction with companies like Maersk and its subsidiary APM Terminals North America, accusing them of failing to offer adequate wage increases. Additionally, Daggett highlighted that these employers have resisted demands to halt port automation projects, a key sticking point in the ongoing labor dispute.

"We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve," he said in a statement. "USMX owns this strike now. They now must meet our demands for this strike to end."

USMX has yet to respond.