ATU Stands in Solidarity with Striking Longshoremen

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2024

Silver Spring, MD – The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest transit union in North America, is standing in solidarity with striking Longshoremen in their fight for a fair and just contract.

Tens of thousands of International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) members at portsalong the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico walked off the job Tuesday morning after notreaching an agreement by midnight.

“Longshoremen are the backbone of the U.S. supply chain, and the ATU wholeheartedly standsin solidarity with them as they fight for the dignity and respect their members deserve,” said ATU International President John Costa. “The ATU knows about the power of strikes with ourrecent successful strikes in Jackson, MS, and Vancouver, BC. When transportation workersstand together, we have the power to shut down cities and, in this case, our entire country.The United States Maritime Alliance, representing the ports, is raking in millions in profitsbut refuses to give their workers fair pay, job security, and protection from automation.”

This strike is the first since 1977, affecting all East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, and could costthe economy upward of $4 billion for just the first week of the strike. The ILA is demanding an end to crane, gate, and container automation and better wages.

“We are proud to stand with the ILA and their members, who are an integral part of our economy. They proved to be indispensable, like our members, during the pandemic, keeping supplies flowing and shelves stocked,” continued Costa. “Their fight is a fight for all workers. Solidarity is our strength, and our 200,000-member strong Union stands with the ILA until they get the contract they deserve.”