NAW supports the tentative port strike deal, urges Swift Labor Reform to safeguard supply chains

Eric Hoplin, President and CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), released the following statement:

“We’re pleased that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative wage agreement, pausing the strike and reopening our ports. While the extended contract through January 15 allows time for further negotiation, key issues like port automation remain unresolved. Additionally, as ports clear the backlog in the coming weeks, businesses and consumers will still feel the strain of increased inflationary costs.

This strike underscores a critical need for reform. No single union should have the power to cripple our economy. Our labor laws, written in a different era, should reflect today’s interconnected supply chain. Manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and distribution are all essential to our national security, and our policies should recognize their vital role in sustaining the flow of goods and services.”