Longshoreman Strike Not Expected to Impact Cruise Operations

While a potential strike by members of the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) could cripple cargo operations up and down the East and Gulf Coasts, cruise operations should not be impacted.

Both Norwegian Cruise Line and the Royal Caribbean brands told TMR that they don’t expect any issues.

The ILA represents some 85,000 port workers across 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. Should the workers decided to strike on Oct. 1, five of the 10 busiest ports would be affected.

According to CNBC, executives at Port of New York/New Jersey are already preparing for what is likely to be a complete work stoppage.

Talks between the Union and port ownership groups broke down earlier this summer, and workers have since voted for the strike. The Biden administration has already said it will not force workers back to work under the Taft-Hartley Act, which could prevent a work stoppage.

The strike would be the first for the Longshoreman union since the late 1970s.