Why US port workers reject a 50% pay raise | DW News

In the United States, a strike by port workers has suspended shipping operations along the entire East Coast. Talks between the workers' union and port owners are reported to be at a standstill.

Workers are seeking a wage increase and job protection guarantees in the face of concerns about automation. It's estimated half of North America's maritime trade passes through the affected ports. One estimate says the strike could cost the US economy 5 billion dollars a day. Some businesses are calling on President Biden to invoke a labour law authorizing the president to order a cooling-off period in the strike.

For more on this, we talk to Jason Miller. He is a professor at Michigan State University and interim chair of the department of supply chain management.