Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Michelle Steel has filed legislation that would effectively end strikes at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports by requiring mediation efforts to be exhausted before port workers can undertake a labor strike. Such processes currently govern labor disputes for rail workers and airlines workers under the Railroad Labor Act.
The Safeguarding The Supply Chain Act would prevent economic harm to American supply chains by creating the conditions for a resolution to recent port strikes. Such conditions include negotiations before the National Mediation Board and potential action by Congress to approve a new labor agreement.
Ports are critical to U.S. infrastructure and trade and should be governed in the same manner as the railroad and airline industries, reflecting their essential role in the supply chain.
“Widespread strikes at American ports threaten product shortages and price increases for consumers. Congress must act to protect our economy and get our supply chains moving again – especially when many Americans continue to feel the negative effects of inflation,” said Rep. Steel. “My bill would force both sides back to the negotiating table for a resolution and get our economy moving again.”
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