Hundreds of PortMiami workers could go on strike if collective bargaining fails

MIAMI – Hundreds of workers at PortMiami could go on strike by the end of Monday if contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and management are not completed.

The possible strike threatens to halt operations at one of the busiest ports in the United States.

At the ILA Union Hall, workers with transport worker passes arrive early every morning, hoping to secure a job for the day. These workers perform a variety of labor-intensive tasks, from loading and unloading container ships to working for cruise lines to managing storage units, including handling products.

“We are responsible for making sure the container ships arrive, loading and unloading them and shipping them to different countries,” said Eugene Dixon, president of ILA Local 1416.

The union is pushing for higher wages and stronger protections against automation that could replace jobs. Dixon said the union was prepared to strike at 12:01 a.m. if an agreement was not reached.

“The economy would grind to a halt,” Dixon added. “Goods shipped from different countries would not make it into the hall and that could have a big impact on the economy.”

A strike would affect more than 850 workers at PortMiami, and the impact would extend to more than 10 other U.S. ports where workers are also threatening to strike.

According to the National Retail Federation, it can take three to five days for ports to recover from a one-day closure, with longer strikes causing even greater disruption.

Despite the looming threat, some local business owners continue to support workers. Ronnie Melton, who sells açaí bowls to longshoremen, said he wasn't worried.

“If they go on strike, I support them,” Melton said. “Seeing young brothers trying to get to the next level – that’s what it’s all about.”

The White House has called on both sides to reach a fair agreement. In a statement, a spokesman said senior officials had contacted the United States Maritime Alliance and the ILA and promoted an agreement that reflected the success of the companies involved.

If an agreement is not reached by the end of the day, PortMiami workers could begin their strike as early as Tuesday morning.