Facing a possible strike, Biden administration encouraging port operators to negotiate with unions

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Top Biden administration officials were meeting Friday with port operators ahead of a possible strike at East and Gulf coast ports, with a union contract expiring after Monday. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, told members of the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. that they should be at the table with the union and negotiating ahead of the contract expiring. The White House is trying to encourage the alliance that represents port operators and shipping carriers to reach what both sides would consider to be a fair agreement with the International Longshoremen's Association.