Port Worker Strike Would Be ‘Severe,’ NJ-10 Congress Candidate Says

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A congressional candidate in New Jersey’s 10th District says he is concerned about a looming strike that could shut down shipping ports across the East Coast.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is threatening to strike on Oct. 1 over a dispute with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents terminal operators and shipping lines. It’s a work stoppage that would span state lines and could cause major havoc across the shipping industry, including in New Jersey and New York. Read More: Here’s The Plan If A Strike Shuts Down The East Coast's Busiest Port

Both sides have been posting updates on negotiations on their websites. Read the ILA’s posts here, and the USMX’s posts here.

On Tuesday, Carmen Bucco – who is running against LaMonica McIver in the Nov. 5 general election – said a strike would “pose a serious threat to our supply chain.”

“We are at a critical juncture in our relations with the Longshoremen along the East Coast,” said Bucco, a Kenilworth resident who owns a business in Nutley.

“Our leaders must take action and bring all stakeholders to the negotiation table,” he said.

“This issue extends beyond contract disputes,” Bucco continued. “We must recognize the essential role the ILA plays in our daily lives. A strike would have severe consequences for both businesses and consumers, putting our economy at greater risk than during COVID.”

Bucco argued against increasing automation at the impacted ports – siding with a major demand from the union – saying that it “undermines” middle-class workers.

“While automation has its benefits, it should not come at the cost of hardworking American jobs,” Bucco said. “Dependence on technology carries inherent risks, which can become problematic if misused by the government. It's our duty to ensure that our ports operate smoothly while providing fair wages and benefits for the workers who drive our economy.”

“We must fight for fairness, especially as inflation hurts the middle class,” he added. “Supporting the workers who keep our ports and supply chain functional is essential.”

A prolonged strike would have ugly consequences for the Port of New York and New Jersey, whose combined terminals and facilities make it the largest port on the East Coast and the third largest in the nation.

Port officials say they are making contingency plans in case a deal can’t be reached. President Joe Biden has said he will not invoke a federal law – the Taft-Hartley Act – in an attempt to break the strike, instead encouraging both sides to keep negotiating in good faith.

New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District includes the following municipalities: Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Irvington, Montclair (part), Newark (part), Orange, Verona, West Orange in Essex County; Jersey City (part) in Hudson County; Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township in Union County.

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