Baltimore Longshoremen File Lawsuit After Bridge Collapse

Baltimore longshoremen have filed a class action lawsuit against the owner and manager of the cargo ship M/V Dali, which caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, resulting in significant financial losses for the workers. The lawsuit claims compensation for lost wages during the two-month closure of the Port of Baltimore, which has not returned to pre-collapse traffic levels even six months later. The longshoremen argue that their tiered seniority system means that without sufficient work hours, they risk losing health benefits and job security. Many have reported a drastic reduction in hours worked, with some seeing a 65% cut, which has led to severe financial strain. The suit adds to a series of legal claims against the ship's owners, who are accused of operating an unseaworthy vessel. The longshoremen hope to avoid a strike as they seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their income and livelihoods.