September 25, 2024
CBS News Boston recently published a news clip featuring Jay Zagorsky, Clinical Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing a potential strike of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
In pursuit of improved wages and less automation, ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, including Conley Terminal in South Boston, may close if a new contract with the United States Maritime Alliance isn’t reached by October 1. While a strike like this could impact around 12,000 jobs, this closure would likely have a moderate local impact.
“One of the reasons is that Massachusetts is no longer one of the biggest ports on the East Coast. Instead, we’re 44th in the nation,” Zagorsky adds.
While Massachusetts is no longer a major port, the strike could still affect local retail, especially if it lasts through critical shopping periods like Halloween and Thanksgiving.
