Taft-Hartley Act: President can intervene in Longshoremen strike

The Impact of the Dockworkers’ Strike on the U.S. Supply Chain

When 45,000 dockworkers across 36 U.S. ports went on strike for the first time in decades on October 1, it sent shockwaves through the supply chain. The strike, fueled by disputes over wages and the use of automation, has the potential to disrupt the flow of goods from Maine to Texas.

Amid concerns about higher prices and supply chain disruptions, calls for President Joe Biden to intervene have been circulating online. However, the Taft-Hartley Act, which grants the president the authority to temporarily halt strikes for bargaining parties to reach a resolution, hangs in the balance as Biden has stated his non-intervention stance.

Can the President Intervene?

Gloria, a VERIFY reader, raised the question of whether the president has the power to stop the dockworkers’ strike. The answer is yes, under the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act. However, President Biden has made it clear that he does not plan to exercise this authority.

Understanding the Taft-Hartley Act

Enacted in 1947, the Taft-Hartley Act aims to regulate labor union activities and maintain a balance between workers and employers’ rights. While it allows the government to intervene in strikes that pose a threat to public health or national security, President Biden’s reluctance to utilize this law underscores his commitment to respecting the collective bargaining process.

As the situation unfolds, the White House is closely monitoring the strike’s impact on the supply chain. The Supply Chain Disruption Task Force, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, is poised to address any potential disruptions that may arise.

The Last Resort

While the Taft-Hartley Act remains an option, its application is rare. The last instance of its invocation was in 2002 by President George W. Bush during a West Coast port dispute. As the nation grapples with the repercussions of the ongoing strike, the spotlight is on the delicate balance between labor rights and economic stability.