Workers held a series of protests at major ports on December 5, with the union planning for larger demonstrations on December 10.

The network will initially be powered by photovoltaic solar panels, with plans to eventually add wind energy. 

"Port operations must evolve," the USMX said in a December 3 release, responding to a statement from ILA executive vice president Dennis Daggett.

“This is a pivotal moment in our history," said Daggett. "The decisions we make today will determine the future for generations to come."

President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the proposed 25% import tariffs on all goods entering the U.S. would result in mutually assured economic destruction for both countries.

This year, the LA and Long Beach ports, which together account for roughly a third of all U.S. container imports, have seen their busiest ever peak season.

Former Republican congressman from Wisconsin Duffy was a co-host on Fox Business, and also a former cast member of the MTV show “The Real World.”

The China-backed megaport has the potential to create whole new trade routes that will bypass North America entirely.

Businesses are poised to continue bringing in larger volumes of goods through the end of the year, which is normally a quieter time for the ports.

The ILA and USMX have until January 15, 2025 to avert a second East and Gulf Coast strike, just days before the start of the next presidential administration.