U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued a statement following the failure of East and Gulf Coast ports and unionized dockworkers to reach a collective bargaining agreement before the September 30 deadline. The failed negotiations led to dockworkers beginning their strike earlier this morning.
Cassidy had previously criticized the Biden-Harris administration for not using its authority under the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent a strike that he claims will have significant economic repercussions. According to projections, the strike could cost the American economy $5 billion per day. A one-day strike is expected to require five days to clear shipment backlogs, while a weeklong strike could take at least a month to resolve, affecting shipments intended for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Additionally, communities in North Carolina may face delays in receiving crucial hurricane relief supplies needed for recovery.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris had the tools to prevent this strike and can still take action to avoid economic disaster. They have shown no leadership to bring the parties together to resolve this dispute,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The parties must resolve their differences and bargain in good faith towards an agreement that benefits all. The longer this strike continues, the more American families and workers will be hurt. It is imperative the White House use its authority to push for a quick resolution and avoid deepening this crisis.”
Under the Taft-Hartley Act, the administration has the power to establish a board of inquiry and seek a court injunction grant allowing both parties to continue negotiations.
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