The union strike involving ports on the eastern seaboard and Gulf Coast that started early Tuesday morning has the attention of Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer.
Fischer says as is always the case with contract disputes, the issues are complex but she hopes the President would try to exert some influence on the process.
“When we look at the issues that are involved here, I think everybody needs to obviously, have realistic expectations. I would hope that the president, would try to help with negotiations and bring the parties together to get them to sit down and talk and to use his influence that he has with labor,” Fischer said.
National media reports indicated that port and shipping companies had offered a 50 percent raise in wages over an eight year period, but union officials said they wanted an 80 percent increase over a shorter time-frame. In addition, striking workers are seeking to prevent the increased use of automated equipment at the ports.
Fischer says American workers are the backbone of the economy and need to have a good wage, but it’s also important to minimize any potential damage to the economy. She says an extended strike will have a significant effect across the entire country.
