NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) — Almost 47,000 dock workers across the United States are on strike including the Port of New Orleans. The International Longshoreman’s Association Union members are saying they want a 77% wage over the next six years and a total ban on the automation of cranes and other equipment.

I brought Gizmo, my 10-pound Yorkipoo, during one strike at the Baltimore Sun. His sign said, “Only dogs should accept bones.” I had savings to get me through that strike. I thought about that with port workers on strike for higher pay and job security.

The International Longshoremen’s Association launched a major strike on Tuesday that saw 45,000 workers shut down ports across the U.S.’s East and Gulf coasts indefinitely

We’re prepared to stay on strike for as long as it takes to secure the wages and protections our members deserve.”