A White House official stated that the Biden administration is encouraging unions and employers to quickly and in good faith negotiate a new contract ahead of any possible strike on Tuesday at ports.

The International Longshoremen's Association, which represents about 45,000 port workers and the United States Maritime Alliance employer group are at odds over wage issues. A deadline of September 30 for a new contract agreement is fast approaching.

The White House's top economic advisor Lael brainard, acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will meet with USMX on Friday to tell them "that they must be at the table, negotiating fairly and quickly, in good faith" after having delivered the message to the ILA this week. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)

(source: Reuters)