Vice President Kamala Harris recently highlighted her support for labor during the ongoing port worker strike, drawing a clear distinction from former President Donald Trump's stance on the issue. In a statement issued by her campaign, Harris emphasized the crucial role played by the International Longshoremen's Association in transporting essential goods across America and advocated for them to receive a fair share of the record profits.
Contrasting this with Trump's approach, Harris criticized the former President for his actions that she believes hindered workers' rights. She pointed out that Trump had blocked overtime benefits for millions of workers, appointed union busters to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and even suggested that striking workers should be fired.
Harris reaffirmed her commitment to supporting unions and collective bargaining by referencing her backing of the PRO Act, a law aimed at bolstering workers' rights. However, the Biden administration is currently navigating the complex political landscape and limited options available to address the strike, especially as the critical election season approaches.
Reports indicate that the economic repercussions of the strike will be contingent on its duration. An estimate from the Anderson Economic Group, a Michigan-based research firm specializing in assessing the costs of strikes and disruptions, suggests that a one-week strike could cost the US economy approximately $2.1 billion.
