PHILADELPHIA—Tens of thousands of dockworkers took to picket lines at over a dozen ports along the East Coast on Tuesday, launching a massive strike slated to bring billions of dollars in trade to a halt just weeks before the election.

The International Longshoremen’s Association launched the strike after port ownership failed to meet its demands for higher wages and address the union’s objections to port automation. About 45,000 workers will refuse to work during the strike, which will snarl supply chains and choke off nearly 50% of U.S. imports.

The Daily Wire was on the ground early Tuesday morning to see members of ILA Local 1291 picketing in front of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port In Philadelphia.

“Automation hurts families,” read one sign union members carried.

“Corporate greed or worker rights. ILA demands fairness” read another.

Other signs read, “ILA workers over machines. Defend our jobs and rights” and “ILA demands job security.”

Workers marched in a circle holding their signs, while some sat in chairs nearby.

Stacks of shipping containers could be seen sitting inside the port.

A Philadelphia police cruiser was present at the scene.