Sylvia Garcia

10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 13:59

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on ILA Dockworkers' Strike at East and Gulf Coast Ports

HOUSTON, TX-Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) joined members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in Houston as they, along with approximately 45,000 dockworkers across East and Gulf Coast ports, went on strike for better wages and critical job protections.
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Rep. Garcia on the First Day of the ILA Workers Strike in Houston

Below is Congresswoman Garcia's statement on the matter:

"I fully support all the union members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in Houston and across all the Gulf and East Coast ports who are on strike demanding a contract with fairer wages and critical job protections.

"The hardworking men and women of the ILA are the backbone of America's port operations. During the pandemic, they worked tirelessly to ensure that our nation's commerce did not come to a halt, and they helped fuel our economic recovery. In Houston, they make sure our port remains a crucial player in the global economy-generating over $900 billion in nationwide economic value.

"I, along with the White House and my colleagues in Congress, will continue to monitor the strike as it unfolds at Gulf and East Coast ports, especially for any potential supply chain impacts throughout the country. I believe collective bargaining is the best way for workers and employers to come to a fair agreement and urge the United States Maritime Alliance to negotiate in good faith with the International Longshoremen's Association.

"The success of our local and national economy depends on making sure that those who do the heavy lifting are given the dignity and respect they deserve. I stand with ILA in their fight for better economic opportunities for their workers and their families."