Teamsters Stand With The International Longshoremen’s Association

(WASHINGTON) - The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien on the failure of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to present an acceptable contract offer to the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA):

"The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, including our members in the freight industry, stand in full solidarity with the International Longshoremen's Association as they fight for a fair and just contract with the ocean carriers represented by USMX.

"The ocean carriers are on strike against themselves after failing to negotiate a contract that recognizes the value of these workers. Our ILA brothers and sisters play a critical role in keeping the American economy running, and they deserve industry-leading wages and robust job protections for the vital work they perform.

"The U.S. government should stay the f**k out of this fight and allow union workers to withhold their labor for the wages and benefits they have earned. Any workers-on the road, in the ports, in the air-should be able to fight for a better life free of government interference. Corporations for too long have been able to rely on political puppets to help them strip working people of their inherent leverage.

"Don't forget-Teamsters do not cross picket lines. The Teamsters Union is 100 percent committed to standing with our Longshoremen brothers and sisters until they win the contract they deserve."

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