The President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), Michele Siekerka, has issued a statement in response to the strike initiated by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association. The strike began at midnight and affects 14 U.S. ports stretching from Maine to Texas.
Siekerka emphasized the importance of resolving this situation swiftly, stating, “While we have a very healthy respect for the collective bargaining process, the fact of the matter is the stakes are too high for New Jersey and the rest of the nation to be subject to supply chain shortages, higher prices and delays in goods reaching households and businesses.”
She urged federal oversight during ongoing negotiations between the ILA and U.S. Maritime Alliance. Siekerka stated it is crucial "to not wait long to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act if it appears this impasse cannot be resolved in short order."
Highlighting New Jersey's role as a key entry point for goods ranging from produce to manufacturing products, she noted that any disruption could have widespread effects. "Our ports, especially here in New Jersey, are our gateways to goods that make up our way of life every day," she said.
With recent supply chain issues fresh in memory and inflation concerns easing only recently, Siekerka stressed that now is not an ideal time for disruptions. She pointed out potential impacts on businesses as holiday shopping season approaches: “Now is not the time to force businesses to pay shippers for delays and for goods to arrive late.”
Finally, Siekerka called on government intervention if necessary: “We urge the Biden administration to be at the ready to invoke Taft-Hartley to allow negotiations between both sides to continue, without negatively impacting our economy for an extended period of time.”
