As the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) begins strike action on the USA’s East Coast, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) joins the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) in redoubling its commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the ILA dockers in their fight for a fair, just and safe master contract with ocean carriers. In what is the first ILA strike since 1977, 36 ports on the East Coast will be hit by industrial action as the ILA seeks wage justice through a pay deal that keeps pace with inflation, and protections against the automation of cargo handling, particularly concerning the use of automated cranes. (....)