Disruption looms at US ports as 45,000 workers go on strike over pay

Some of the busiest ports in the US were braced for crippling disruption as about 45,000 port workers began striking after their contracts expired.

- Michael Sainato

The industrial action began at 12.01am US eastern time yesterday, with 36 ports along the east and Gulf coasts affected. Together they typically handle about half of the nation's ocean shipping.

Talks over a new contract between the union, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have broken down and the ILA dismissed a last-ditch offer from operators hours before the stoppage began.

The strike the first by port workers on the US east coast since 1977 -threatens to shut ports from Maine to Texas, mangling supply chains and straining the US economy.

Workers joined picket lines at ports including Philadelphia, Houston and Virginia in the early hours. Economists have warned that failure to end the strike swiftly could lead to shortages and higher prices.