Dockworkers go on historic strike in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Nearly 100 dockworkers went on strike early Tuesday morning, chanting and walking in a circle with picket signs in front of the gates of the Packer Marine Terminal at the Port of Philadelphia. The deadline to reach an agreement for new contracts with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, expired at midnight. They join about 45,000 fellow members with the International Longshore Association demanding higher pay and job security in reference to automation. The strike is affecting 36 ports on the eastern seaboard. It’s the first time the union has gone on strike since 1977.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance reported that negotiations made progress overnight, but neither side could agree on set terms. The Alliance offered a 50% raise over six years and a pledge to keep limits on automations, but that offer is much lower than the 77% raise increase over three years that the union originally demanded, along with a complete ban of automation.

According to Salary.com, the average Longshoreman salary in Philadelphia is $67,588 as of October 01, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $62,976 and $73,113. The Associated Press reports that some workers can make up to $200,000 with a significant amount of overtime.

The Union says that shipping companies made billions during the pandemic charging higher prices and they want those markups reflected in their paychecks.

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