Not every time there is a supply chain slowdown or stoppage, it is caused by criminal hackers. The recent supply chain woes in Seattle and other maritime ports along the west coast of the US, is actually a worker’s slowdown. The Port of Seattle shut its cargo operations on 10 June, adding to sporadic disruptions that have plagued West Coast ports for over a week.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents ocean carriers and terminal operators, blamed “coordinated and disruptive work actions” for the halt, saying in a statement on the 10th that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) refused to dispatch any longshore workers to container terminals during the first shift of the day.
The ILWU, which represents 22,000 dockworkers up and down the West Coast in contract negotiations that began in May 2022, disputed the PMA’s statement, saying that it remains committed to reaching a “fair and equitable” contract. Its previous union contract expired in July 2022. “Despite what you are hearing from PMA, West Coast ports are open as we continue to work under our expired collective bargaining agreement,” the ILWU President said.[1]
Operations at Los Angeles and Long Beach returned to normal by the end of the week after a series of labor actions from 2 June to 7 June. Delays to container ships scheduled for those ports have resolved as a result.
So this time if items you purchased is slow to getting on shelves, it could very possibly be a human element and not cyber.
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[1] https://www.ajot.com/news/port-of-seattleas-cargo-operations-shut-by-work-action
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