Striking dock workers at the Port of New York and New Jersey are advocating for better compensation in their new contract negotiations with port authorities and shipping companies. These workers, who view themselves as essential employees crucial to the smooth functioning of America's economy, believe they are not being offered a fair deal.
One longshore worker highlighted the importance of their work by emphasizing that they are responsible for moving a wide range of goods that ultimately end up in people's homes. From furniture to clothing, and from products at major retailers like Walmart, Lowe's, and Target to seafood at grocery stores, these workers play a vital role in ensuring that goods reach consumers.
The sentiment among the dock workers is that their demanding and essential work warrants better compensation. They stress that their labor is not driven by greed but by a desire to receive fair treatment for their hard work. These workers, who identify as blue-collar individuals putting in long hours, are committed to ensuring that the needs of consumers are met while also advocating for their own needs to be addressed.
