Port of Baltimore Longshoreman Strike Continues

The port of a strike by longshoremen t the Port of Baltimore stretches into a third day.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 33 walked off the job after membership rejected a contract with the Steamship Trade Association on Tuesday. Union members say issues, such as safety conditions and wages, need to be addressed in a new contract.  

"We want a contract that’s going to be conducive for the, as you can see behind me, some of our working men and women here in the Port of Baltimore," Aaron Barnett, Local 333 vice president, told televisions station WUSA9.

But officials worry the strike could scuttle industry confidence in the port—one of the largest in the nation—and result in shipping being directed elsewhere after years of trying to help revive the industry in Baltimore.

According to Bloomberg, the strike is already having an impact on auto sales by Mazda and BMW. Both automakers are enjoying strong demand and the strike is hampering supplies.  

Port related businesses impact 15,000, is responsible for $3 billion in personal wages and $300 million in state a local taxes, according to The Baltimore Sun.