Biden administration calls for negotiations as US port strike looms

The Biden administration is urging port operators to negotiate with unions as a contract expires on Monday. Key officials met with the United States Maritime Alliance to encourage discussions with the International Longshoremen's Association. A potential strike could occur if negotiations fail, as union workers oppose new technologies that may threaten jobs. However, the administration believes a strike may not significantly disrupt the economy due to increased retail inventories. The federal government now has better tools to monitor supply chains compared to the COVID-19 pandemic, which previously caused long wait times and higher shipping costs.