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US dockworkers’ strike paralyzes shipping, threatens economy

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The dockworkers union is fighting for higher wages and to stop port automation projects © Stephen B. Morton/AP Photo/picture alliance

Dockworkers at major ports along the US east coast have walked off the job after wage negotiations failed. The shutdowns could cost the economy billions of dollars a day and stoke inflation.

US dockworkers went on strike on Tuesday, halting the processing of consumer goods at major US ports along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said the walkout marks the first “coast-wide strike in almost 50 years” for the organization.

The ILA union said in a statement that all ports from the northernmost US state of Maine to Texas were shut down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (4:01 UTC).

Some 45,000 port workers were represented in the negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group for a new six-year contract ahead of the September 30 deadline.

“We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve,” Harold Daggett, head of the 85,000-member union, said in a statement.

“USMX owns this strike now. They now must meet our demands for this strike to end,” Daggett said.

The strike is expected to affect a wide range of products, from food to automobile shipments, across dozens of ports. The disruption could cost the US economy billions of dollars a day, threaten jobs, and stoke inflation.

Seeking protections from automation

US media reported that the ILA is asking for a 77% wage increase over six years. So far, USMX has offered a 50% increase.

“USMX brought on this strike when they decided to hold firm to foreign-owned Ocean Carriers earning billion-dollar profits at United States ports, but not compensate the American ILA longshore workers who perform the labor that brings them their wealth,” Daggett said in reference to shipping giants like Danish Maerks and others who are on the opposite side of the negotiation table.

The union is also fighting to stop port automation projects that it says will result in job losses for its members.

Biden says he will not intervene

The strike comes just weeks ahead of the US presidential election, where the cost of consumer goods and the economy have been main topics for voters.

US President Joe Biden, who has defined himself as a close ally of organized labor, has so far ruled out federal intervention, citing the need to respect collective bargaining rights.

US Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark urged Biden on Monday to reconsider his position, saying it “would be unconscionable to allow a contract dispute to inflict such a shock to our economy.”

But White House officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity they are hoping for a short strike.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said officials there were prepared for the strike. “We don’t anticipate shortages of essential goods anytime soon,” she said, downplaying a potential crisis in the delivery of goods.

“People do not need to rush out to the grocery store and stockpile goods like they did during the pandemic,” Hochul added.

jcg/nm (Reuters, AFP)

Entertainment

2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

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This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

 

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BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

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An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

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Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

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The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.

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