The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Stands in Solidarity with the ILA

At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the International Longshoreman's Association, who are currently on strike. Each of the 45,000 members that comprise ILA deserve a fair and just contract with fair wages.

Longshoremen play a vital role in our economy, as three-fifths of the nation's container shipments go through ports on the East and Gulf Coasts, including the Port of New York and New Jersey, the third busiest in the country. The value of the work that they accomplish each day cannot be understated, particularly as they often work in harsh and dangerous conditions.

We support the ILA's decision to withhold their labor for the wages and benefits they have earned and hope that they are able to come to a fair resolution with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) soon.