USDA Releases Statement About the Dockworker Labor Strike
October 3, 2024 As of Oct. 3, 2024, more than 47,000 dockworkers who are part of the International Longshoremen’s Association were on strike. That changed by the end of the day. News reports indicate an agreement has been reached. The short-lived labor dispute was impacting operations at scores of ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Economic ramifications were of major concern if the conflict carried on. Prior to the agreement, USDA released a statement regarding the dockworker strike and its possible effect on the U.S. agriculture industry.
USDA’s statement reads as follows: “The Administration is taking action to monitor and address potential impacts on consumers due to labor disputes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Our analysis shows we should not expect significant changes to food prices or availability in the near term. Thanks to the typically smooth movement through the ports of goods, and our strong domestic agricultural production, we do not expect shortages anytime in the near future for most items. Likewise, non-containerized bulk export shipments, including grains, would be unaffected by this strike. For meat and poultry items that are exported through East and Gulf Coast ports, available storage space and re-direction of products to alternative domestic and international markets can alleviate some of the pressure on farmers and food processors. We are keeping an eye on downstream impacts in the west, and we will continue to monitor and work with industry to respond to potential impacts. Our Administration supports collective bargaining as the best way for workers and employers to come to a fair agreement, and we encourage all parties to come to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith—fairly and quickly.”