NORFOLK, Va. — Time is running out for workers at several Port of Virginia terminals across Hampton Roads.
The union representing the dockworkers blames the U.S. Maritime Alliance for reportedly blocking the path toward a contract agreement.
Workforce commentator Thomas Fellows said that as the cost of living has gone up, wages have remained the same.
"The reason why we're seeing these contract negotiations happening is because of the inflation we've seen in the last few years. But we haven't seen a wage increase since 2018," Fellows said.
Union members are asking for a 77% wage increase over six years, with top pay increasing from $39 an hour to $69 an hour. The union is also asking for a total ban on all automation machines.
"If you look at automatic cranes, logistic software, systems for unloading and loading, that will take away jobs, and that's why we could see some serious struggle not only now but for the future," said Fellows.
According to Fellows, since the Port of Virginia is the third largest container port on the East Coast, it could significantly impact military logistics and defense, delay consumer goods, agricultural exports, manufacturing imports and exports, and the tourism and cruise industry.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said a strike should be avoided.
"We've already had disruptions in the supply chain because of Houthi rebels firing missiles at commercial ships in the Red Sea. That poses enough challenges already, and we don't need a strike on top of it," Kaine said.
If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. That would suspend the strike.
But Biden has signaled that he will not exercise this power. During an exchange with reporters on Sunday, Biden said "no" when asked if he planned to intervene in the potential work stoppage.
"Because it's collective bargaining, I don't believe in Taft-Hartley," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.