Trump Joins In US Port Strike Debate

While fears of a US port strike on the US East and Gulf Coasts in the new year remain, President-elect has now joined in the debate and taken the side of the port workers.

Negotiations between the The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) stalled last month, with the two parties miles apart on their views of port automation.

A strike was called off after three days in October when the two parties came to an agreement over wages. However, there were further issues outstanding that need to be resolved prior to an agreed date of January 15th to avoid further action.

President-elect Donald Trump joined in the debate last week, following a meeting with ILA President Harold Daggett, by taking to social media and stating that the money that could be saved by port automation “is nowhere near the distress, hurt and harm it causes for American workers, in this case, our longshoremen”.

He added: “Foreign companies have made a fortune in the US by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.”

The clock continues to countdown ahead of January's deadline, and it's not clear whether Trump siding with the union will harm or help the prospect of avoiding a strike, lets hope its the latter.