The National Retail Federation is calling on President Biden to end the port strike

The National Retail Federation is calling on the Biden Administration to take immediate action to end a labor strike that has disrupted operations at all US East Coast and Gulf container ports, warning that the impact could have far-reaching consequences for the American economy.

In a statement released Oct. 1, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay urged the White House to use “all available authorities and tools,” including invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, to get the International Freelancers Association and the U.S. of Maritime America. The alliance returned to the negotiating table after their six-year main contract expired on September 30.

“A disruption of this magnitude at this crucial time in our nation’s economic recovery will have devastating consequences for American workers, their families and local communities,” Shay said. “After more than two years of skyrocketing inflationary pressures and in the midst of the recovery from Hurricane Helene, this strike will lead to additional hardship for American families.”

The strike, which began when the main contract expired, created immediate concerns for the retail industry, which relies on these ports to import goods. With the holiday season approaching, Shay pointed out that extended disruptions could have a severe impact on supply chains, leading to product shortages and higher prices for consumers.

“It is critical that the ILA and USMX immediately resume negotiations with the intention of finalizing a new master contract without further disruption and ending this impasse,” he added.

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The NRF has been vocal in its calls for action throughout the ongoing labor negotiations. Last month, the group led a letter signed by nearly 200 organizations urging the Biden administration to intervene to prevent a shutdown. In June, the NRF led a coalition of 158 state and federal trade associations calling on the White House to work with the negotiating parties on a new deal. Earlier this year, the NRF reached out directly to the ILA and USMX, demanding a speedy resumption of labor negotiations at the port.

The stakes are high, as the NRF represents a sector that supports more than one in four US jobs and contributes $5.3 trillion to the nation’s annual GDP.