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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
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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)

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“We no lose o” — VeryDarkMan sings and dances after court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz held today.

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1 day ago

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November 14, 2024

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"We no lose o" — VeryDarkMan sings and dances after court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz held today.
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VeryDarkMan’s court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz took place today, and he seems to be celebrating. However, the court actually ruled in favor of Femi Falana, ordering VeryDarkMan to delete defamatory videos about him.

It appears VeryDarkMan had made some allegations against Falana and his son, Falz, which the court deemed defamatory. The court also granted Falana’s request to serve VeryDarkMan with court processes through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju Esq.

Despite the court’s ruling, VeryDarkMan seems to be in high spirits, singing and dancing after the hearing. It’s unclear what the outcome of the case will be, but for now, VeryDarkMan appears to be taking it in stride.

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS…

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2 days ago

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November 14, 2024

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS
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Ekwutosblog gathered that Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint earlier today, Wednesday 13th November, 2024 at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by faceless group.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

Kindly follow ekwutosblog on Instagram and Facebook for verified News and Current Affairs in addition to insightful contents that inform, inspire, educate and entertain you always.

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TV chef found dead in hotel aged 52 after criticising Vladimir Putin

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2 days ago

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November 14, 2024

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Alexei Zimin has died
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A TV chef who fled to London after his opposition of Vladimir Putoin has been found dead while on a promotional tour

A Russian TV chef who criticised Vladimir Putin has been found dead in a Belgrade hotel

Alexei Zimin, 52, died suddenly on a promotional tour to the Serbian capital. Authorities have said his cause of death is currently “unclear”.

Zimin fled Russia to London after his oppositions of Putin. Zimin was once a popular figure on Russian cooking shows. He also owned Zima restaurant in Soho, which he founded after he had left Russia following Putin’s invasion of Crimea.

In a statement released by Zima magazine today, a spokesperson said: “Alexei Zimin, the project’s editor-in-chief and the chef of the Zima restaurant, has passed away. Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad.”

London-based exiled Russian TV chef, editor and restaurateur Alexei Zimin, dies at 52.

It concluded: “Thank you to everyone for the words we received today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.”

Zimin had also been editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ magazine.

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