by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The ILA began their strike today after rejecting an offer to increase wages by nearly 50%.

In a new statement, the ILA announced that it shut down all ports from Maine to Texas at 12:01 on 1 October and “tens of thousands of ILA rank-and-file members began setting up picket lines at waterfront facilities up and down the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.”

“We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve,” says ILA President Harold Daggett.

Ports and carriers have already announced contingency measures in preparation for this labour action.

CNBC reports that New York Governor Kathy Hochul stressed, "New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need.”

At this time, it remains unclear for how long the ILA members will be on strike. However, analysts believe the exchange between the USMX and the ILA has escalated in the past 24 hours.

Kuehne+Nagel is closely monitoring the stage of events and will report any developments as soon as they become available. Further reporting about the situation at ports and carriers' measures will follow.