Port Strikes in North America and Continuity Planning for Employers

Port strikes may require contingent workforces in order to make ends meet in 2024. Business continuity in the shipping and receiving industries remains complex, especially after a difficult summer of 2023. Both Canada and the United States experienced union strikes that threatened the viability of global supply chains, presenting risks to the flow of goods through every industry.

Stalled international cargo has a ripple impact throughout the North American economy, especially as worker sentiment shifts in a totally new direction. Even in the wake of resolutions to these labor issues, ongoing and routine continuity planning can help employers prevent disruptions entirely. Call upon AFIMAC Global to conduct extensive continuity planning on your behalf and brace for labor turmoil and a lack of local talent. With the right time committed to planning for labor disruptions, employers can see incredible benefits while preserving the flow of goods.

Port Strikes in North America

One port strike in British Columbia this past summer was reported to have disrupted $10 billion worth of cargo. The two-week-long strike even prompted federal government intervention to revise related concerns and prevent or shorten future labor disruptions.

In the United States, a critical wave of port strikes was narrowly avoided, saved only by intervention from the White House. After 13 months of negotiations, the new deal prevented supply chain disruptions that could have seen the American economy lose close to $1 billion a day as a result.

Workers continue to have leverage in the cargo, shipping, and receiving industries, especially with rising costs of living threatening the livelihood of so many. With so much at stake, employers must begin planning for the next labor disruption, even if new deals between workforces and employers are five years long.

Other Industries Vulnerable to Labor Disruptions

Port strikes in 2023 revealed just how vulnerable the economy’s supply chains are to labor strikes. The need for human resources remains at an all-time high, and workforces in related industries could be inspired by the improved deals made in the port and cargo sectors. Parcel delivery, truck drivers, warehouse staff, and even retail workers could follow in a similar path as the port workers, formally organizing and eventually heading to the picket line. With a cost-of-living crisis being felt around the world, many workforces will have no other choice but to either demand better pay or simply move on to a different job entirely.

Business Continuity Planning for Logistics

Even if employers are in the midst of negotiations with their workforce, planning for a labor disruption can help maintain operations and buy precious time. Large strikes in the shipping, receiving, and logistics industries call for extensive planning months in advance of an official strike date. AFIMAC can plan for these large-scale labor disruptions alongside employers, offering contingent workforces that are brought to wherever they are needed. The key to navigating this kind of labor turmoil is planning well in advance and allowing AFIMAC to tailor our workforce solutions to your needs.

Even small labor strikes are delicate matters that call for ongoing planning with a qualified third party such as AFIMAC Global. As one of the only providers of full-service solutions to labor disputes, AFIMAC brings talent to your job site while taking care of the other details. Transportation, accommodations, and HR screening are all conducted well in advance and even come with varied skill sets to support your business.

Contingent Workforce Options from AFIMAC Global

Tap into a lifeline of contingent workforces that can work in an employer’s best interest and manage the financial losses attributed to a labor strike. Labor disputes are likely the largest risk to any industry within North America’s supply chains, and without any planning in place, it could challenge the viability of your business. These unpredictable and difficult events come with security risks, threats of violence, and picket lines that could create long-lasting issues for employers.

Actively work to protect your business, leadership, and even your own workforce from every challenge related to a labor strike. Your needs for labor and human resources can be met by collaborating with AFIMAC Global, North America’s risk mitigation and contingent workforce specialists. Even if your job site is located in a small rural town, AFIMAC’s workforce has very few limitations and can transported to wherever they are needed.

Contact us now and learn more about the role AFIMAC Global can play in your business continuity service needs.