RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin addressed a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris on Sept. 26, urging them to step in to prevent the longshoremen's union strike that is currently affecting 36 ports from Maine to Texas.
"The well-being of Virginia and American workers, as well as the health of our economy, depends on a swift resolution to this strike," he said in a statement accompanying the letter. "A failure to lead will only drive up prices, disrupt trade, and exacerbate the challenges already faced by Virginians and Americans."
In the letter, Youngkin asked Biden to take advantage of the Taft-Hartley Act, a 1947 measure that would essentially force workers back to the ports for 80 days. It would be an unpopular move for Harris's campaign that really needs the blue-collar vote.
“The time for leadership is now, President Biden has the tools to remedy this situation for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation, including utilizing provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act," Youngkin said.
Youngkin cited the economic benefit the Port of Virginia has provided for the country, including managing approximately $66 billion in imports in 2022 and exported $7 billion of Virginia-made goods. Additionally, the Port of Virginia accounts for over half of a million jobs across the state.
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance were unable to reach a deal by the deadline, midnight on Monday, Sept. 30. Their first strike since 1977, the ILA has demanded a 77% pay increase over six years. The U.S. Maritime Alliance offered 50% raises. The ILA are also demanding a contract that wouldn't allow the complete automation of their jobs.
Biden has said he won't exercise the Taft-Hartley Act in recent days. In a statement, he said, "As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need. Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits.”
"I believe we can all acknowledge the only path forward is for the parties to come back to the table and negotiate a deal," Youngkin said in his letter to Biden and Harris. "You have a responsibility to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the entire country to do everything in your capacities as President and Vice President to make that happen."
