Port Strike Ends, Workers Win Big Pay Bump

After a 12-day strike that had consumers worried about shortages and inflation, dockworkers are heading back to work. The strike, which affected dozens of ports along the East and Gulf coasts, ended with a tentative agreement that will boost workers' pay significantly over the next six years. The top dockworkers' hourly wage will jump from $39 to $63, while their annual base salary will rise from $81,000 to $127,000. This represents a 62% increase in pay. The strike had caused some panic-buying at big box stores, but it's important to note that domestically produced tissue paper wouldn't have been affected by the disruption. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the U. S. Maritime Alliance will continue until January 15. They still need to iron out issues related to automated machinery and benefits. The CEO of the National Retail Federation welcomed the end of the strike, emphasizing that a quick resolution is best for American families.