The beginning strike by dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts carries not only the weight of present-day negotiations but also echoes a deeper historical context — one rooted in the contributions and struggles of Black dockworkers, labor strikes and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains.
Historical contributions of Black dockworkers
Historically, Black dockworkers have played a critical role in the labor movement, especially in the shipping and maritime industries. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Black laborers formed the backbone of the workforce at many U.S. ports, enduring low wages and difficult conditions. These workers were often relegated to the most dangerous and physically demanding tasks, but they still found ways to assert their collective power. In 1868, these workers founded the Longshoremen’s Protective Union Association, the predecessor of the International Longshoremen Association, or ILA.
Notably, Black dockworkers were essential participants in the labor strikes of the 1930s and ’40s, when unions like the ILA, began organizing for better wages and working conditions. These strikes often saw Black workers joining forces with other marginalized groups to challenge exploitative practices, contributing to a broader labor rights movement. Over time, they won significant victories — including wage increases, safer working conditions and the right to collective bargaining — laying the groundwork for the labor movement today.
Today, 13.2 percent of the 45,000 dockworkers who could be affected by the current strike are Black, according to Zippia. Their presence on the docks continues the legacy of Black laborers who have long fought for economic justice in the shipping industry.
Supply chain shortages and the pandemic’s ripple effect
The current negotiations between the U.S. Maritime Alliance and the ILA are also shaped by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. The pandemic disrupted the smooth movement of goods, leading to shortages in key industries — from health care supplies to electronics — and sharply increasing the pressure on dockworkers, many of whom worked tirelessly to keep the economy afloat.
During the pandemic, port congestion, shipping delays and labor shortages became headline news, underscoring the critical role dockworkers play in sustaining global trade. These workers faced enormous risks, with some continuing to work amid high infection rates to ensure essential goods like medical supplies, food and electronics reached their destinations. The pressure and physical toll on these workers were exacerbated by the surge in e-commerce and the demands of consumers stuck at home, leading to record-breaking container volumes.
The dockworkers’ fight for better wages and working conditions today is rooted in this pandemic experience, reported AP News. Many feel that despite their essential role, they have not been adequately compensated for the risks and the increased workloads they shouldered during the crisis.
Current negotiations and worker demands
At the heart of the ongoing talks is the fight for economic and job security. The U.S. Maritime Alliance, representing 36 ports from Maine to Texas, has made a substantial offer: a six-year contract extension, a 50 percent wage increase, a tripling of employer contributions to retirement plans and improved health care options. Crucially, they have also proposed maintaining regulations that limit automation — a key concern for dockworkers. Automation threatens to eliminate jobs, according to Black Enterprise, disproportionately impacting workers of color who have traditionally been overrepresented in manual labor positions.
Dockworkers, through the ILA, are seeking a 77 percent wage increase over six years to keep pace with inflation and address the excessive overtime many are forced to work. Additionally, they are advocating for a total ban on the automation of key port functions like cranes and container trucks, a move that would secure their jobs for the future. The last major ILA strike in 1977 remains a historical milestone, and the potential for another strike looms large as the union fights to protect the livelihoods of its members.
The broader impact of a strike
If a strike occurs, its repercussions could extend far beyond the docks. In an economy already strained by inflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, a port shutdown would have a cascading effect. Businesses could face steep penalties for shipping delays, while consumers may see product shortages and rising prices, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“If the strikes go ahead, they will cause enormous delays across the supply chain — a ripple effect which will no doubt roll into 2025,” Jay Dhokia, founder of Pro3PL, a supply chain management firm, stated to Black Enterprise.
For Black workers, this strike is part of a long history of labor activism, where workers have demanded not only fair wages but also recognition of their contributions to essential industries. The dockworkers’ resistance to automation is emblematic of broader struggles in the Black labor movement, which has often fought for both economic justice and job security in the face of mechanization and job displacement.
The ongoing negotiations between dockworkers and port representatives are not just about wages and working conditions — they reflect a broader historical struggle of Black workers fighting for equity and job security in a rapidly changing industry. As the deadline for a potential strike approaches, the hope is that a resolution can be reached that honors the contributions of these workers, addresses the economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, and safeguards their jobs in the face of automation.
The legacy of Black dockworkers and their central role in labor movements adds depth to this moment, reminding us that today’s fight is part of a long, ongoing struggle for dignity and fairness in the workplace.
