Governor Hochul Prepares New York for Potential Longshoremen’s Strike Across U.S. Ports

Update: First East Coast Dockworker Strike in 47 Years Begins, Governor Hochul Responds

As of midnight, the first large-scale eastern dockworker strike in 47 years has begun, affecting ports from Maine to Texas, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Governor Kathy Hochul responded, stating that New York has been working around the clock to ensure grocery stores and medical facilities have essential products. She urged both sides to reach a fair agreement quickly while reaffirming the state’s efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.

Following is her statement: “Moments ago, the first large-scale eastern dockworker strike in 47 years began at ports from Maine to Texas, including at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need. It’s critical for USMX and the ILA to reach a fair agreement soon that respects workers and ensures a flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.” 

Original story:

On Monday, September 30, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State is taking proactive measures to prepare for a potential strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing port workers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The strike, which could begin on October 1, stems from ongoing contract negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), the group representing port operators. If no agreement is reached, more than 47,000 port workers across the region, including 4,500 at the Port of New York and New Jersey, could walk off the job, creating a massive disruption in the supply chain.

The Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port on the East Coast and the second busiest in the nation, is critical for handling goods such as food products, medical supplies, and automobiles. Governor Hochul stressed that the potential strike poses significant risks to the flow of commerce. In anticipation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been working around the clock to move cargo out of port facilities. Over 100,000 cargo containers containing essential goods are being secured and transported to their destinations ahead of the strike deadline. Hochul assured the public that the state is fully prepared to support communities and ensure the continuation of critical services if the strike occurs.

While emphasizing the importance of both parties reaching an agreement to avoid the strike, Governor Hochul also provided reassurances to New Yorkers. She noted that immediate shortages of essential goods are not expected, as New York has stockpiles of emergency supplies, including food and fuel. Pharmaceuticals, which primarily arrive by air, will remain unaffected, and there is no anticipated disruption in fuel supplies such as gasoline and heating oil. However, she warned that prolonged disruptions could eventually impact certain products, such as automobiles and food items like bananas that rely heavily on maritime shipping. Hochul urged the public not to panic or engage in stockpiling, stating that New York is fully equipped to weather the challenges ahead and continue providing essential services across the state.