Manufacturers Call on President to Invoke Taft-Hartley Act to Stop Port Strike
Following comments from President Biden that he will not intervene in the strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
“Manufacturers call on President Biden to intervene by invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, which will force ports to resume operations while negotiations continue.
“There will be dire economic consequences on the manufacturing supply chain if a strike occurs for even a brief period. NAM estimates show a strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports would jeopardize $2.1 billion in trade daily, and the total economic damage could reduce GDP by as much as $5 billion per day.
“The president can protect manufacturers and consumers by exercising his authority, and we hope he will act quickly.”
Background:
NAM estimates find that $2.1 billion worth of trade would be at risk every day, and additional estimates have indicated that a strike would reduce GDP by up to $5 billion per day, only some of which could be recovered as goods are rerouted or after a shutdown ends.
Major Commodities Moving Through East and Gulf Coast Ports
Imports
- 77.6% of coffee and tea
- 77.2% of beverages and spirits
- 58.5% of medical/surgical instruments
Exports
- 62.1% of fertilizers
- 76.3% of vehicles
- 78.5% of wood pulp used in Europe for heat, diapers, etc.
- 62.5% of medical/surgical instruments
Learn more about the National Association of Manufacturers at nam.org.
