The U.S. economy faces potential disruptions as dockworkers from Maine to Texas launched a strike, halting operations at key ports handling over half of the nation’s imports and exports. Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) initiated the walkout after negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over wages collapsed. The union, which represents 45,000 workers, rejected a 50% wage increase offer over six years, holding firm on their demand for a 77% increase. The strike affects the flow of essential goods such as food, vehicles, machinery, and construction materials through some of the busiest ...