For the first time in nearly 50 years, longshoremen from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have gone on strike, affecting 36 ports from Maine to Texas and potentially halting significant U.S. trade. This strike, initiated after the expiration of a master contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), involves around 25,000 workers and stems from disputes over wage increases and automation. The ILA is demanding a $30 raise over six years, while the USMX's offer was rejected. President Biden has refrained from intervening under the Taft-Hartley Act, despite the strike's potential impact on the economy. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to shortages and increased prices, particularly affecting mid-tier retailers. Businesses had anticipated this strike, but the current economic implications are severe, especially in the wake of supply chain issues caused by recent hurricanes.