Trump is 100% right about this and Democrats are mad.
Former President Donald Trump recently spoke with Fox News Digital about the nationwide strike involving tens of thousands of dockworkers from Maine to Texas, attributing it to the rampant inflation brought on by the Biden-Harris administration. This strike marks the first such action by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) since 1977, following the expiration of their six-year contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).
Trump emphasized the hardships faced by dockworkers, noting that “the massive inflation created by the Harris-Biden regime” has affected workers across the nation. “Dockworkers have been hit hard by this inflation, just like everyone else,” he stated. The ILA has been in a stalemate with USMX over key issues, including wage increases and protections against automation, which many workers fear could threaten their jobs.
While USMX had proposed a substantial wage increase of nearly 50% and enhancements to retirement and healthcare benefits, the ILA rejected this offer without making a counterproposal. ILA President Harold Daggett indicated that negotiations had stalled, stating, “Everything is off the table right now.” Despite Congress’s attempts to mediate, dialogue between the two sides has ceased.
President Biden’s administration has sought to facilitate discussions but has ruled out using the Taft-Hartley Act to intervene. This federal law could impose an 80-day cooling-off period, allowing negotiations to continue while workers remain on the job. In a statement, Biden asserted that “collective bargaining is the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve,” urging USMX to make a fair offer.
The ramifications of this strike could be severe, as the ports involved handle nearly half of all U.S. imports. A JPMorgan analysis estimates that the economic impact of the strike could range from $3.8 billion to $4.5 billion daily. With vital supplies such as cars, agricultural products, and machinery at stake, it’s imperative that both sides return to the negotiating table for the sake of American workers and the economy. As we witness this disruption, it’s crucial to remember that strong leadership and a commitment to free market principles are essential in navigating these challenging times.