New York, Oct 03 (V7N) - Tens of thousands of dockworkers across 14 major US ports have launched an indefinite strike, grinding container traffic to a halt from Maine to Texas. The strike, organized by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), marks the first such port shutdown in nearly 50 years, threatening widespread economic disruption just weeks before the presidential election and the holiday shopping season.

 
Key negotiations have stalled over a six-year master contract, with demands for higher wages and concerns over automation at the heart of the conflict. The current contract expired Monday, and talks between the ILA and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents shipping firms, have hit an impasse.
 
President Joe Biden, empowered to suspend the strike for 80 days, has so far refrained from intervening, urging both parties to return to the table. The White House confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are closely monitoring the situation but emphasized the importance of negotiating in good faith.
 
As the strike stretches on, its impact is expected to ripple through key industries, particularly time-sensitive imports like food and agricultural products. Experts warn that, if unresolved, the strike could cost the US economy upwards of $4.5 billion per week and affect more than 100,000 jobs.
 
This high-stakes standoff comes at a politically sensitive time for President Biden, just six weeks ahead of the election. While business groups like the US Chamber of Commerce are calling for decisive action, Biden faces the delicate task of balancing economic stability with labor union support, a critical part of his voter base.
 
With negotiations deadlocked and the nation's supply chains at risk, the outcome of this strike could have lasting consequences for both the economy and the political landscape as the election approaches.
 
END/NYC/SMA/AJ/