October 2, 2024- According to Forbes, nearly 100,000 workers across the nation are walking off the job this week over contract negotiations with employers. As of midnight Tuesday, October 2, 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas have began a strike after the union representing East and Gulf Coast dockworkers did not reach a deal with ocean carriers and port operators represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance. The union is seeking stricter protections for its workers who they say are vulnerable to being replaced by automation and demanding a 77% wage increase over the next six years, according to Forbes.