October 1, 2024
GBH recently published an article featuring Jay Zagorsky, Clinical Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing the nationwide strike of dockworkers.
In Boston, dockworkers picketed at the Conley Container Terminal in South Boston, protesting increased automation in the industry. This strike began soon after their contract expired and is impacting ports from Maine to Texas. With Boston’s ports seeing less activity, the local impact won’t be as significant as larger ports.
“The second thing is lower value items that don’t have to be anywhere immediately. Last year, about 5 million pairs of shoes, sandals and other footwear came into the port,” Zagorsky adds.
The International Longshoremen’s Association emphasized their demand for a fair contract and expressed opposition to automation, citing concerns over job security. Retail leaders, meanwhile, cautioned that extended disruptions could significantly impact stores, particularly as the crucial holiday shopping season nears.
