In October 2024, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing approximately 45,000 dockworkers, initiated a 72-hour strike across major U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. The primary contention was the proposed introduction of semi-automated cranes, which the union argued would threaten job security. The strike concluded with a tentative agreement that included a 61.5% wage increase over six years; however, the automation issue remained unresolved.

The ILA, founded in 1892, has a long history of advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions in the maritime industry. The October 2024 strike underscored the growing tension between technological advancements and labor rights. The proposed automation threatened to displace a significant number of dockworkers, raising concerns about job security and the future of employment in the industry. The strike also had potential economic ramifications, as disruptions in port operations could affect global supply chains and trade.

This labor action reflects a broader trend of unions confronting the impact of automation on employment. In January 2025, over 200 trade union members and technologists convened in Sacramento to strategize defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies in the workplace. Similarly, the AFL-CIO has emphasized the need for worker inclusion in AI development and deployment to safeguard job quality and rights.

"You cannot bet against the march of technology," said Yossi Sheffi, director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics. "You cannot ban automation, because it will creep up in other places."

The Biden administration was involved in mediation efforts during the strike but decided against using the Taft-Hartley Act to force workers back to the job. The strike occurred just five weeks before the U.S. presidential election, adding political pressure on the administration to address rising inflation and labor disputes.

The ILA has a history of labor actions to protect workers' rights. However, the scale of the 2024 strike and the substantial wage increase highlight the escalating challenges posed by automation in the industry.

The ILA strike of October 2024 serves as a significant case study in the ongoing debate over automation's role in the workforce. It highlights the delicate balance between embracing technological progress and ensuring the protection of workers' rights and livelihoods.