West OC Times

Rep. Michelle Steel has introduced legislation aimed at ending strikes at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports by mandating that mediation efforts be fully exhausted before port workers can initiate a labor strike. This approach is similar to the processes currently in place for rail and airline workers under the Railroad Labor Act.

The proposed Safeguarding The Supply Chain Act seeks to mitigate economic disruptions caused by port strikes by establishing conditions for resolving such disputes. These conditions include negotiations before the National Mediation Board and potential congressional action to approve new labor agreements.

Ports play a crucial role in U.S. infrastructure and trade, warranting governance similar to that of the railroad and airline industries due to their essential function 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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