International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated a major strike on October 1, 2024, affecting key ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. This strike, the first coast-wide labor action since 1977, was triggered after negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) failed. The central issues in the dispute include demands for a 77% wage increase over six years and protection against the automation of port operations, which the union fears could lead to significant job losses. The USMX had proposed a 50% wage increase along with enhanced retirement and healthcare benefits, but this was rejected by the ILA as insufficient. The strike has led to the shutdown of 14 major U.S. ports, including New York/New Jersey, Miami, and Houston, severely disrupting the flow of goods. This situation is expected to have wide-ranging economic effects, with estimates suggesting it could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion per day. Meanwhile, ocean carriers are rerouting shipments to alternative ports in Canada and Mexico to mitigate delays.As the strike continues, there is potential for government intervention under the Taft-Hartley Act, which could impose an 80-day cooling-off period if the strike prolongs and worsens its impact on supply chains.