US longshoremen’s strike will have little impact on cruise sector

The president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) gave the public assurance that cruise line operations will not be hampered by the ongoing longshoremen’s strike on the East Coast of the United States.

ILA members in East Coast ports set up pickets after failing to come to an agreement over a recent wage dispute, resulting in tens of thousands of workers going on strike. 

ILA president Harold Daggett nevertheless assured the public that cruise operations and even military cargo operations will remain unaffected by the mass action.

As of press time, major cruise homeports in Florida confirmed that operations continue to run smoothly.

Assurances given

Prior to the strike, Daggett already advised the public that the strike would in no way inconvenience the many travellers who have already booked cruise holidays well in advance.

Indeed, ILA members continue to work cruise ships in affiliated ports as of this time.

Nevertheless, experts feel that the strike could seriously impact trade within the US, depending on how long it will run.

Daggett remarked: “We understand that many families plan and pay for cruise vacations on passenger ships more than a year out, and we don’t want them to be disappointed or inconvenienced in any way.”