Businesses that rely on the movement of goods are expressing growing concern as a potential strike looms over the nation's ports. Over 200 business groups recently penned a letter to the White House, urging the Biden administration to intervene and prevent a strike that could disrupt the flow of imports and exports through the ports.
The letter emphasized the critical role that these ports play in the country's supply chain and highlighted the negative impact a strike could have on companies and employees. The signatories stressed the importance of avoiding any disruptions due to ongoing labor negotiations.
In a follow-up letter, the US Chamber of Commerce urged President Joe Biden to consider utilizing the Taft-Hartley Act, a law enacted in 1947, to ensure that the ports remain operational and that longshore workers continue their duties. The act was previously invoked by President George W. Bush in 2002 to end an 11-day lockout of union members at West Coast ports.
Despite these calls, President Biden has indicated that he does not plan to use the powers granted to him under the Taft-Hartley Act. During a press briefing, Biden stated his belief in the importance of collective bargaining and expressed his opposition to invoking the act in this situation.
