NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Port of New Orleans, along with other ports along the Gulf and East coasts, are temporarily closed amid a nationwide strike. Members of the International Longshoremen's Association and Port of New Orleans workers hit the picket line at daybreak on Tuesday after the groups failed to reach an agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the nation's ports. Union members are demanding a 77% wage increase over 6 years, as well as a total ban on automation. “As the last 6 years have demonstrated, automation cannot outperform the skill of the men and women of the ILA,” said Blaine Ehrlich, the president of the New Orleans chapter of the ILA. “Automation at our nations port should concern everyone. The truth is robots do not pay taxes, and they do not spend money in their communities.” Louisiana governor signs executive order about college, university free speech issues Experts say the strike could cost the country billions in economic losses each day and impact various industries. “95% percent of the drivers are at home right now because we can't work,” explained New Orleans truck driver Lysander Shaw. “These dock guys take the containers off the vessels and put them on our trucks. If they can't take them off the dock and put them on our trucks, we don't work, so we're suffering right now.” U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released a statement on the social media platform X, criticizing the Biden administration for not preventing the strike. Cassidy wrote, “[President Joe Biden] and [Vice President Kamala Harris] had tools to prevent this strike, but they've shown no leadership to avoid economic disaster. The longer this strike goes, the more American families and workers will be hurt. [It’s] imperative the White House uses its authority for a resolution and avoid deepening the crisis.” U.S. Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) calls Cassidy's stance disingenuous at best. Catalytic Converter theft halts school bus service for Algiers Charter students “It's unfortunate that some would attempt to make this a political issue when, in fact, it is a workers' issue, an issue of working men and women demanding that their rights and their collective bargaining and their ability to negotiate terms for themselves and for the workers are met,” Carter said. The U.S. Maritime Alliance is offering a 50% pay increase and limits on automation, leaving the ILA unsatisfied. “The ILA will continue to fight until their members see the fair contract they deserve,” said Ehrlich. WGNO reached out to the U.S. Maritime Alliance for comment but haven’t heard back. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Best and worst debate moments for Vance, Walz 5 takeaways from the Vance-Walz VP debate Gulf development possible but likely still several days away Poll: Who won the Walz-Vance VP Debate? Walz on Tiananmen Square screw-up: 'I'm a knucklehead at times'