As the dockworker strike intensifies, more ships have been spotted in a long queue outside the U.S. Ports. Sources say the workers are not showing any signs of backing down. So far, it doesn’t seem like their demands are being considered. Days before the strike began, about three container vessels had anchored around the port. However, by Wednesday, 45 container vessels that were unable to unload were spotted around the area.

The Dockworker Strike Effect

Jena Santoro from Everstream Analytics explained that the ships were patiently waiting. According to her, some believed that there would be a resolution soon enough. So rather than divert to another port, they decided to stay put. On the other hand, diversion would mean sailing to the other side of the country to berth on the West Coast.

The journey through the Panama Canal would involve covering more distance. Deliveries would be affected while shipping companies may need to spend more money. Amid the optimism as they wait, Santoro believes there may be more incoming ships by the end of the week. Ultimately, this would lead to congestion that would take months to get rid of. This delay was launched when the dockworkers began their strike on Tuesday.

Reuters reports that the International Longshoremen’s Association and employers were in talks for new demands. After meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance for contract renewal they resumed the strike. The organization demanded a $5 per hourly fee for the next six years. What was originally offered was a 50% increment which they declined. Following the disagreement, ILA debuted its strike by discontinuing 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas.

Reportedly, this is the Association’s first major strike since 1977. So far, the employers are yet to give in to the ILA’s demands. However, the port owners seem to be making a move. Following talks with the owners and the White House they extended an olive branch.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?