Exactly. With millions of industrious immigrants entering the country, they would probably do it for less money than what the current union employees are making. They would do it 50% more efficiently, live ten people to a house, and be happy to be making 6-7 times what they were making back in Latin America. Right now is a crazy time for unions to be making these kind of demands. They may get air traffic controllered.
My Dad's older brother dropped out of school in the 9th grade. Went to work at the GM plant in Arlington. He retired making $150k/year, with a full pension, 100% medical paid for he and his wife as a union assembly line worker about 20 years ago, and still bitched that he didn't make enough money.
He also would boast about how little work he actually did. The shenanigans they would pull would get anyone else fired. Hanging lug nuts by a string inside door panels, intentionally break tools and equipment. It's no wonder manufacturing has been moved out of the country.
I realize US ports can't be moved offshore, the ILA took one for the team during COVID, they should be compensated. If the West Coast guys are making $55/hr, offer the East Coast guys something comparable with adjustments for COL.
Pigs get feed, hogs get slaughtered. The unemployment numbers are relatively low, but that only counts those who are eligible for unemployment benefits. We now have millions of young men, in this country, that do not even qualify, so they are not even counted. If the Port Authorities offer $25/hour, a green card, and benefits. What do you think would happen?
CHIEF