Nearly 25,000 dockworkers across multiple ports on the East and Gulf Coasts have gone on strike, seeking better pay and assurances against job automation.

This strike is significant as it’s the first in almost 50 years. According to a social media post from union president Harold Daggett, they are advocating for “fair wages we rightfully deserve.”

On Monday, the union held the United States Maritime Alliance accountable, stating they are obstructing the path toward a resolution to end the strike.

“The ocean carriers associated with USMX want to enjoy their substantial billion-dollar profits from 2024 while providing ILA Longshore Workers with an inadequate wage offer that we cannot accept,” the statement mentioned.

While 14 ports on the East and Gulf Coasts are experiencing this strike, the West Coast remains unaffected, as a separate union represents those workers. Last year, the West Coast union arranged wage increases for its members.

How much do dockworkers earn? What wage increases are they requesting?

The wages agreed upon by West Coast dockworkers are part of what prompted the current strike, as ILA workers receive significantly lower pay.

The ILA contract that just expired reveals that starting salaries for dockworkers were $20 per hour. This rate increases to $24.75 after two years, reaches $31.90 after three years, and caps at $39 for those with at least six years on the job.

The ILA is now requesting a 77% wage increase over the contract’s term, suggesting a $5 increase each year. If approved, workers would start at $44 in the first year, $49 in the second, reaching up to $69 in the final year.

Recently, the U.S. Maritime Alliance suggested a lesser increase of nearly 50%, which the ILA has rejected.

“They may assert that it is a significant hike, but they conveniently ignore that many of our members are operating multi-million-dollar container-handling machinery while earning just $20 an hour. In some areas, minimum wages have already reached $15,” commented the ILA.

The top earnings currently can amount to about $81,000 annually. However, a report by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor indicated that approximately one-third of local longshoremen earn $200,000 or more each year.

Nevertheless, such wages may require extreme commitments. ILA president Harold Daggett mentioned to the Associated Press that many high-earning workers often work up to 100 hours a week.

“Our members do not follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule; they dedicate long hours, often at the expense of family time. We firmly believe in the value our dedicated members contribute to this industry and our country,” said the ILA in their statement.

The average salary across the U.S. stands at approximately $59,000, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor in the fourth quarter of 2023.