The White House is working to downplay potential economic fallout from the ongoing dockworkers strike, which comes just a month before the 2024 election.

With the economy at the forefront of voters' minds ahead of November, the Biden administration is stressing its engagement with the issue in hopes of mitigating any immediate supply chain impacts from the labor dispute, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The dockworkers strike, which involves key U.S. maritime industries, has raised concerns about its potential effects on consumer goods, fuel, food, and medicine.

The White House is actively monitoring the situation, with press briefings offering updates to assure the public that, for now, the strike is having limited effects on critical consumer needs.

Administration Focuses on Collective Bargaining

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has emphasized the administration's support for collective bargaining and outlined President Joe Biden's stance on the issue. “There needs to be collective bargaining,” she said during a briefing on Tuesday, explaining that the president is closely engaged with both sides of the dispute.

Biden, known for supporting labor rights, has refused to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act, a law that could force workers back on the job. Instead, he is calling on the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to reach a fair agreement.

Biden Engages Key Stakeholders

The president’s commitment to addressing supply chain issues goes back to the pandemic, during which he launched a task force to mitigate disruptions. That same approach is now guiding the administration's handling of the dockworkers strike. Biden has directed Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard to engage directly with USMX board members to push for a resolution.

On Monday, Biden’s team met with USMX representatives at the White House. The focus of the conversation was on recognizing the contributions of the dockworkers and ensuring that any agreement reflects the industry's recent success.

Negotiations Ongoing With Increased Offers

One of the central issues in the strike is wages. USMX has increased its wage offer to dockworkers from a 40% raise to a 50% increase over six years. However, the dockworkers union is pushing for a 77% raise. This wage dispute, coupled with disagreements over the use of automation at the ports, remains a key sticking point in negotiations.

Despite the tension, Biden has made it clear that a fair resolution must come “in good faith -- fairly and quickly,” according to a White House spokesperson.

Administration Urges Swift Action

The administration is not only urging swift action from the employers but also signaling its recognition of the workers' contributions. “Workers need to get their fair share,” Jean-Pierre said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring workers are compensated with fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

While the administration continues to engage directly with both USMX and the ILA, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and Brainard are leading efforts to keep negotiations moving forward.

Potential Supply Chain Impacts Remain Under Watch

Though the administration is downplaying immediate supply chain threats, the proximity of the strike to the 2024 election has heightened concerns about its political impact. Polling shows that the economy remains a top priority for voters, and any major disruption could influence public opinion in the crucial weeks leading up to Election Day.

Jean-Pierre has repeatedly stressed that the White House is monitoring the situation and remains prepared to address any potential supply chain disruptions. “We’re going to continue closely monitoring the situation, what this could have, potentially, on the supply chain impacts,” she said, adding that short-term disruptions are expected to be limited.

Interagency Efforts Focus on Short-Term Relief

Interagency briefings to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris indicate that there are currently limited impacts on essential consumer goods such as fuel, food, and medicine. These assessments have reassured the administration that, for now, the effects of the strike remain manageable.

Still, as the labor dispute continues, the White House is exploring ways to mitigate any significant supply chain issues, should they arise in the future. Officials remain in close communication with industry leaders, labor groups, and transportation companies to ensure the smooth flow of goods across the country.

White House Continues Push For Resolution

The administration's engagement with the labor dispute extends beyond monitoring and briefings. White House officials met with USMX representatives on Friday to continue pressing for a fair resolution. The president's team is focused on ensuring that dockworkers are compensated appropriately while also maintaining stability within the supply chain.

As negotiations progress, the White House remains confident that a resolution can be reached without invoking more extreme measures like the Taft-Hartley Act. The president's priority remains on facilitating a mutually beneficial agreement through collective bargaining.

Conclusion: White House Remains Focused On Avoiding Disruptions

With the economy a critical issue for voters ahead of the 2024 election, the White House is taking a proactive stance on the dockworkers strike. While monitoring potential supply chain impacts, the administration is working to support a fair agreement between labor and industry.

Biden’s team remains in close communication with both sides of the dispute, urging for a resolution that acknowledges the vital contributions of workers without causing significant disruptions to essential consumer needs.