New Jersey

Dockworkers go on strike at ports on East Coast, including Port of NY and NJ

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2024

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Dockworkers go on strike at ports on East Coast, including Port of NY and NJ

2-minute read

Dockworkers at ports from Maine to New Jersey to Texas went on strike Tuesday for the first time since 1977 in a move that some experts say could disrupt the supply chain and billions of dollars worth of products for weeks or more just before the holiday shopping season kicks off.

The North Jersey-based International Longshoremen’s Association walked off the job, seeking a big increase in pay as their last contract expired at 12 a.m. Tuesday. They also oppose automation at the ports, which pose a threat to their jobs.

Striking dockworkers stood at several locations outside the Port of Newark and Port of Elizabeth Tuesday morning with signs that read, “Automation hurts families: ILA stands for job protection.” Occasionally someone would drive by honking and holding up their fist in support.

Story continues below photo gallery

Union leadership bounced between locations to address the striking workers. A DJ played music at one spot, and strikers availed themselves of several food trucks parked nearby.

“They’ve made billions and billions of dollars over the last few years through COVID and everything,” Buddy Smith, president of ILA Local 1233, told strikers, referring to the shipping and terminal companies. “We worked. We lost members. We’re just asking the companies to bring us along with them.”

“Automation and going too far with technology, we just can’t afford that,” Smith said. “We’re putting people out of work.”

Leaders at the ILA cut off contract talks in June after learning that a form of automation had been introduced at the Port of Mobile in Alabama, an action they said violated the existing contract.

Last week, the United States Maritime Alliance, or USMX, a group of shipping and port terminal companies also based in North Jersey, filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board over the ILA’s adamancy that it would not resume contract negotiations.

The USMX had issued a statement late Monday saying that over the last 24 hours, they and the union traded counter offers related to wages. The USMX said it increased its offer and also requested an extension of the current contract, since both sides have moved off their previous positions.

Strike hits 36 ports

However, early Tuesday dockworkers were out on strike at 36 ports on the East and Gulf coasts, including the Port of New York and New Jersey, which has key facilities in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island.

The dockworkers’ union leaders are seeking significant pay hikes for their members, saying they deserve a fair share of the profits that shipping and port terminal companies have made as cargo volume remains higher after the demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The USMX had said its latest offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current contract language around automation and semi-automation.

The strike could cost the economy up to $5 billion a day, upend holiday shopping for millions of Americans and dictate whether many small- and medium-sized businesses and farmers turn a profit or lose money this year, experts said.

Ho does strike impact Port of New York and New Jersey?

At the Port of New York and New Jersey, the strike has caused all activity involving loading and unloading cargo containers and automobiles to stop.

Cruise ships will continue to operate despite the strike.

Fuel, such as home heating oil, would not be affected.

Municipal solid waste operations also would not be affected.

The import and export of road salt, cement, Belgian block, scrap metal, edible oils and orange juice will continue, officials said.

An estimated 35 ships are expected to enter the port over the next week and would anchor in place, according to Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Container ships with imports bound for Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island would end up mooring at designated sites in New York Harbor or off the coast while the strike lasts, or simply slow down, drift and loiter to ride out the strike in the Atlantic, officials said.

President Joe Biden has said he will not invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to block the strike. Instead, White House officials encouraged ongoing discussions despite pleas for help from retail, agriculture, commerce, auto care, toy and other groups for months.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This story contains information from USA Today.

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New Jersey

Keefe | PRE-RAW 11.23.24 | New Jersey Devils

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Keefe | PRE-RAW 11.23.24 | New Jersey Devils

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New Jersey

NJ-11 County and Local Elected Officials Back Mikie Sherrill for Governor – Insider NJ

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

NJ-11 County and Local Elected Officials Back Mikie Sherrill for Governor – Insider NJ

Today, more than 100 elected officials at the county and local levels from across New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District announced their endorsement of Mikie Sherrill for Governor of New Jersey. These leaders, from across Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties, collectively released the following statement in support of Mikie Sherrill:

“For Mikie Sherrill, there’s no challenge too big and no problem too small. That’s why we’re thrilled to support her run for Governor of New Jersey.

“We represent communities across New Jersey’s 11th District, and we’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mikie Sherrill since as early as 2017. We’ve seen firsthand how she’ll never back down from a challenge, and how she’s willing to work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, to get things done for New Jerseyans. In times of crisis, she’s a leader – she makes tough decisions and she delivers.

“After Trump was elected in 2016, New Jersey needed real leadership, and Mikie Sherrill stepped up. In the three election cycles since, Mikie Sherrill has paved the way for strong Democratic leadership focused on results in every corner of the district. She’s helped elect Democratic mayors and council members – even in areas once taken for granted by the Republican Party. She listens to neighbors and community members, takes their concerns to heart, and will never back down when it comes to serving our state.

“Take, for example, the Gateway Tunnel. Mikie ran her first campaign on a vow to build the Gateway Tunnel, and, after years of broken promises, we were skeptical. Yet, she did just that – leading the fight to fund the Gateway Tunnel and secure a federal cost-sharing agreement that will allow us to get the project done without raising state or local taxes on families. And Mikie didn’t stop there – she continues to be a fearless advocate when it comes to holding New Jersey Transit and Amtrak accountable for the ‘summers of hell’ we’ve experienced year after year. She knows what it’s like for parents not to know if they will be able to make it back in time to pick up their children from daycare, or to be able to coach their kids’ soccer team.

“That’s just one of the big issues Mikie has tackled during her time in Congress, but we also know that she cares deeply about making life easier for our residents and cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that frustrates all of us. Mikie and her team are always a phone call or a text away. When our residents come to us needing help, we often tell them to reach out to Mikie and her staff. From ensuring local veterans get all of their health care benefits, to helping our seniors navigate Medicare or Social Security, to making sure the IRS gives you back every dollar you’re owed, Mikie will stop at nothing to ensure that every New Jerseyan who needs help gets it.

“Time and again, we’ve seen Mikie – a lifelong public servant – step up to make life easier for New Jersey families. As Governor, we know she’ll do exactly that, and we’re excited to support her every step of the way.”

Sincerely,

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Clerk Christopher J. Durkin

Essex County Sheriff-elect Amir Jones

Essex County Register Juan Rivera, Jr.

Essex County Commissioner President Carlos M. Pomares

Essex County Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie L. Cooper

Essex County Commissioner At-Large Patricia Sebold

Essex County Commissioner At-Large Romaine Graham

Essex County Commissioner At-Large Brendan W. Gill

Essex County Commissioner At-Large Wayne L. Richardson

Essex County Commissioner District 1 Robert Mercado

Essex County Commissioner District 4 Leonard M. Luciano

Passaic County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof

Passaic County Sheriff-elect Thomas Adamo

Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz

Passaic County Commissioner Bruce James

Passaic County Commissioner Pasquale “Pat” Lepore

Passaic County Commissioner-elect Rodney De Vore

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell

Bloomfield Councilwoman At-Large Monica Tabares

Bloomfield Councilwoman Third Ward Sarah Cruz

Glen Ridge Mayor Deborah Mans

Glen Ridge Councilor Ann Marie Morrow

Glen Ridge Councilor Rich Law

Glen Ridge Councilor Peter A. Hughes

Glen Ridge Councilor LoriJeane Moody

Glen Ridge Councilor David Lefkovitz

Glen Ridge Councilor Rebecca Meyer

Livingston Council Member Shawn Klein

Livingston Council Member Michael Vieira

Livingston Council Member Ketan Bhuptani

Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams

Maplewood Deputy Mayor Jamaine Cripe

Maplewood Committeeperson Dean Dafis

Maplewood Committeeperson Victor De Luca

Maplewood Committeewoman-elect Malia Herman

Millburn Mayor Annette Romano

Millburn Committeeman Michael Cohen

Montclair Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen

Montclair Third Ward Councilor Rahum Williams

Nutley Commissioner Thomas J. Evans

Roseland Mayor James R. Spango

Roseland Council President Christopher Bardi

Roseland Councilman John Biront

Roseland Councilwoman Eileen Fishman

Roseland Councilman Neal Goldstein

Roseland Councilman Marcelino “Moose” Trillo

Boonton Ward 2 Council Member Jacob Hettrich

Boonton Ward 2 Council Member Marie Devenezia

Chatham Borough Mayor Carolyn Dempsey

Chatham Borough Council President Jocelyn Mathiasen

Chatham Borough Council Member Justin Strickland

Chatham Borough Council Member Karen Koronkiewicz

Chatham Borough Council Member Brian Hargrove

Chatham Borough Council Member Irene Treloar

Chatham Borough Council Member Katherine Hay

Chatham Township Mayor Stacey Ewald

Chatham Township Deputy Mayor Michael Choi

Chatham Township Committeeperson Jen Rowland

Chatham Township Committeeperson Marty McHugh

Dover Mayor Mayor James P. Dodd

Dover First Ward Council Member Claudia P. Toro

Dover First Ward Council Member Sandra Wittner

Dover Second Ward Council Member Geovani Estacio

Dover Third Ward Council Member Michael Scarneo

Dover Third Ward Council Member Karol Ruiz

Dover Fourth Ward Council Member Arturo Santana

Dover Fourth Ward Council Member Marcos Tapia

Lincoln Park Ward III Councilman Patrick Antonetti

Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley

Madison Council President Eric Range

Madison Council Member Rachel Ehrlich

Madison Council Member Robert E. Landrigan

Madison Council Member Tom Haralampoudis

Madison Council Member Melissa Honohan

Madison Council Member John Forte

Mendham Township Deputy Mayor Lauren Spirig

Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr

Morris Plains Council President Nancy Verga

Morris Plains Councilmember Joan Goddard

Morris Township Mayor Donna J. Guariglia

Morris Township Deputy Mayor Jeffery R. Grayzel

Morris Township Committeeman Mark J. Gyorfy

Morris Township Committeeman William “Bud” Ravitz

Morris Township Committeeman Siva S. Jonnada

Mountain Lakes Mayor Khizar Sheikh

Mountain Lakes Deputy Mayor Lauren Barnett

Mountain Lakes Councilmember Chris Cannon

Mountain Lakes Councilmember Cynthia Korman

Mountain Lakes Councilmember Tom Menard

Mountain Lakes Councilmember Melissa Muilenburg

Parsippany Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

Rockaway Township Ward 4 Councilman Jonathan Sackett

Rockaway Township Ward 5 Councilman Emanuel “Manny” Friedlander

Little Falls Mayor James Damiano

Little Falls Council President Anthony Sgobba

Little Falls Councilman Christopher Vancheri

Little Falls Councilwoman Christine Hablitz

Wayne Ward 5 Councilwoman Francine Ritter

Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert

Woodland Park Council President Vincent DeCesare

Woodland Park Councilwoman Tina Gatti

Woodland Park Councilwoman Christine Tiseo

Woodland Park Councilman Michael Sica

Woodland Park Councilman Adam Chaabane

Woodland Park Councilman Luis Torres

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New Jersey

These are the eight most ‘old-world’ towns in New Jersey, per ranking

Published

20 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

These are the eight most ‘old-world’ towns in New Jersey, per ranking

When people think of New Jersey, “old-world” is not often the first phrase that comes to mind.

The term generally refers to a simpler, quaint lifestyle of previous centuries. For the most densely populated state in the country that is frequently associated — fairly or unfairly — with heavy traffic on busy highways, simple and quaint are usually foreign concepts.

But not all areas of New Jersey have the same makeup, as WorldAtlas.com noted in its recent list of “old-world” towns. The travel website compiled a group of eight municipalities in the Garden State described as “the living, breathing centers of America’s vibrant history,” from Revolutionary War battlegrounds to Victorian resorts along the Jersey Shore.

“Perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike,” the site stated, “these towns provide a tranquil yet enlightening retreat from the usual hustle of the Northeast’s major cities.”

Here is the WorldAtlas.com list of eight old-world towns in New Jersey, the perfect day trip destinations for local residents seeking a glimpse into times gone by.

Old-world towns in NJ (per WorldAtlas)

Cape May: The seaside resort at the bottom tip of New Jersey boasts a layout that encourages walking, whether along the beach or the streets lined with shops and restaurants. Attractions include the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower and the Harriet Tubman Museum.
Lambertville: The Hunterdon County spot known as “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey” features several relics of bygone eras, including a hand-dug canal, train depot, and historic homes and townhouses.
Clinton: Another Hunterdon County locale, this town is best known for its Red Mill which now operates as a museum. Clinton’s colorful storefronts and a waterfall along the Raritan River offer beautiful views for visitors.
Haddonfield: The Camden County borough is home to Kings Highway, named by USA TODAY as one of the top 10 main streets in the country earlier this year. It also hosts a variety of cultural and community events, including the Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival each July.
Ocean Grove: Visitors to this Monmouth County resort town can check out the beach and boardwalk areas as well as Tent City, a collection of tent homes that date back to the town’s founding in 1869.
Allentown: The Monmouth County borough is home to Conines Millpond, a setting featuring an 1855 mill that represents its agrarian roots. There are more than 200 homes in Allentown that are on the state and national historic registries.
Smithville: A timely addition to the list, the Atlantic County community located within Galloway Township transforms into a winter wonderland with music, lights and seasonal treats each holiday season.
Medford: Located in Burlington County, this township’s historic architecture and preservation of its past contributed to a population growth in the most recent census in 2020.