Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Newark, NJ is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Newark. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Newark Makerhoods at the KruegerScott Mansion in Newark, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Newark.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Somerford House Place Newark in Newark for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Newark, NJ, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Newark?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Weequahic Park in Newark. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Newark, NJ, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to New Jersey Historical Society in Newark, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Newark restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Newark, NJ, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Newark, NJ, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Fornos of Spain in Newark. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Newark rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Newark, NJ
10 most expensive homes sold in the Newark area, Sept. 23-29
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2024/10/10-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-the-newark-area-sept-23-29.html
A house in Newark that sold for $850,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Newark area in the past week.In total, 18 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $518,998. The average price per square foot ended up at $265.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Sep. 23 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $550K, single-family house at 478 S. 17th Stre...
A house in Newark that sold for $850,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Newark area in the past week.
In total, 18 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $518,998. The average price per square foot ended up at $265.
The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Sep. 23 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
10. $550K, single-family house at 478 S. 17th Street
A sale has been finalized for the detached house at 478 S. 17th Street in Newark. The price was $550,000 and the new owners took over the house in August. The house was built in 2004 and the living area totals 2,516 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $219. The deal was finalized on Aug. 26.
9. $550K, single-family home at 492 S. 19th Street
The 2,133 square-foot detached house at 492 S. 19th Street, Newark, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in August and the total purchase price was $550,000, $258 per square foot. The house was built in 1900. The deal was finalized on Aug. 21.
8. $605K, single-family residence at 26 Vincent Street
The property at 26 Vincent Street in Newark has new owners. The price was $605,000. The house was built in 1880 and has a living area of 1,496 square feet. The price per square foot is $404. The deal was finalized on Aug. 26.
7. $610K, single-family residence at 47 Aldine Street
The sale of the single-family house at 47 Aldine Street, Newark, has been finalized. The price was $610,000, and the house changed hands in August. The house was built in 1932 and has a living area of 2,080 square feet. The price per square foot was $293. The deal was finalized on Aug. 22.
6. $625K, single-family house at 23-25 Oakland Terrace
The property at 23-25 Oakland Terrace in Newark has new owners. The price was $625,000. The house was built in 1909 and has a living area of 2,572 square feet. The price per square foot is $243. The deal was finalized on Aug. 21.
5. $625K, single-family home at 40 Silver Street
The 2,546 square-foot single-family residence at 40 Silver Street in Newark has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in August and the total purchase price was $625,000, $245 per square foot. The house was built in 1925. The deal was finalized on Aug. 22.
4. $630K, single-family home at 289 17th Ave.
The sale of the single family residence at 289 17th Ave. in Newark has been finalized. The price was $630,000, and the new owners took over the house in August. The house was built in 2006 and has a living area of 3,180 square feet. The price per square foot was $198. The deal was finalized on Aug. 27.
3. $690K, single-family residence at 249 S. 10th Street
The 2,560 square-foot single-family home at 249 S. 10th Street in Newark has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in August and the total purchase price was $690,000, $270 per square foot. The house was built in 2007. The deal was finalized on Aug. 27.
2. $800K, single-family house at 93 Komorn Street
The property at 93 Komorn Street in Newark has new owners. The price was $800,000. The house was built in 1910 and has a living area of 3,225 square feet. The price per square foot is $248. The deal was finalized on Aug. 23.
1. $850K, single-family house at 51 Grafton Ave.
The sale of the single-family home at 51 Grafton Ave., Newark, has been finalized. The price was $850,000, and the new owners took over the house in August. The house was built in 2006 and has a living area of 3,065 square feet. The price per square foot was $277. The deal was finalized on Aug. 21.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
With port strike over, what’s the status of NY and NJ ports? Here's the latest
Emily Barneshttps://www.lohud.com/story/news/2024/10/04/port-strike-over-whats-the-status-of-ny-nj-ports-updates/75513606007/
It may take several days to a week to clear the backlog resulting from the port workers' strike, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's port director said Friday.The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union dock workers and port operator...
It may take several days to a week to clear the backlog resulting from the port workers' strike, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's port director said Friday.
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union dock workers and port operators of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative deal Thursday immediately ending a three-day strike, which began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, that shut down shipping on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast.
Here's what to know.
What's the current status of the NY and NJ ports?
Thousands of containers filled with products waiting to be imported into New York and New Jersey ports will begin to be unloaded starting at 7 p.m. Friday and continue into the weekend, says Port Authority of New York and New Jersey port director Bethann Rooney.
As of early Friday morning, 24 ships are at anchor waiting to get into the port, Rooney said, which consists of 19 container vessels, four car ships and one specialty vessel. The container vessels are holding 35,000 import containers filled with consumer goods used on a daily basis and currently 11 of them are being brought into the port to be unloaded and reloaded with exports.
After the containers are unloaded, two terminals will then be opened over the weekend for trucks to be able to deliver the products to their respective warehouses and distribution centers, according to Rooney, and the remaining terminals will open Monday at 6 a.m.
"In order for the restart to be successful and efficient, we do need the warehousing and distribution center community, the trucking community, to utilize all available hours that the terminal operators make their gates available to the rest of the supply chain ecosystem," Rooney said.
About 1,000 refrigerated containers carrying food, medical equipment, flowers and alcohol have remained in the terminal since the shutdown Monday, but no spoilage is expected as they've all remained plugged in.
What consumers should know:The port strike is over, but are delivery delays still coming?
How long will it take to get NY and NJ ports back up and running?
Of the 35,000 import containers needing to be unloaded, Rooney says about 21,000 of them were on hand when the terminals closed Monday, which is less than a weeks worth of normal activity.
"I do expect that by this time next week, we will have serviced all of the vessels that were delayed and that cargo will be flowing into the economy," according to Rooney.
More specifically, Rooney said the Port Authority is expecting to return to some sense of normalcy "in just a couple of days" as Norfolk Southern Railways and CSX Transportation have already prepared for the restart by filling the ports with several 100,000 feet of railcars.
Port strike ends:Workers and operators reach deal
What's the economic impact for the NY and NJ ports?
Rooney says the Port Authority's economist estimated the New York and New Jersey area, which covers 19 counties, to take a hit of between $250-300 million per day as a result of the strike's port closure.
Which ports in NY and NJ were affected during the strike?
Six ports were closed in New York and New Jersey due to the ILA strike. Here's which ones were affected:
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s NY-Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
Newark ‘Confident’ In Lead Pipe Replacement Program, Despite Arrests
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/newark-confident-lead-pipe-replacement-program-despite-arrests
A firm hired to replace pipes allegedly ran a scam on the city. But Newark's program remains a "national model" of success, officials say.Patch StaffNEWARK, NJ — A company hired to replace lead pipes in Newark has been accused of running a scam on the city, federal authorities announced this week. But Newark’s program remains a “national model” for success, officials say.Several years ago, the City of Newark hired JAS Group Enterprise Inc. to replace lead pipes as part of its battle ag...
A firm hired to replace pipes allegedly ran a scam on the city. But Newark's program remains a "national model" of success, officials say.
Patch Staff
NEWARK, NJ — A company hired to replace lead pipes in Newark has been accused of running a scam on the city, federal authorities announced this week. But Newark’s program remains a “national model” for success, officials say.
Several years ago, the City of Newark hired JAS Group Enterprise Inc. to replace lead pipes as part of its battle against water contamination. Instead, the company allegedly left some of them in the ground – and collected their payment anyway, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Two people at the company were arrested on Thursday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. See Related: Company Ripped Off Newark, Left Lead Pipes In Ground: Feds
The work in question was part of Newark’s Lead Service Line Replacement program, prosecutors said.
Five years ago, Newark made national headlines when it confronted a lead water crisis. At one point, the lead levels at some points in the city’s drinking water had risen to 47 parts per billion at some sites, more than three times the federal threshold. It prompted an outcry from residents – and a lawsuit from advocates.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Newark eventually identified two sources of the contamination. One was the way the city treated its water, which allowed excess corrosion to take place in aging pipes. The city responded by rolling out a new method of treating its water, which is also sold to several nearby towns and cities in Essex County.
The second issue wasn’t as quick of a fix, however.
Newark officials traced some of the contamination to lead-lined service pipes leading to thousands of local homes. The pipes – which connect local homes and businesses to the local water supply – can potentially leach contamination as water passes through them. A portion of the pipes may be privately owned, complicating efforts to replace them.
Despite the challenges and scope of the project, Newark has since replaced more than 20,000 lead service pipes, a massive effort that got a big thumbs up from officials including Vice President Kamala Harris.
But earlier this year, a new speedbump emerged.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), gave some background about the issue in a joint statement on Friday. They wrote:
“In January 2024, Newark and the NJDEP were advised of concerns that, in some cases, third parties hired to replace lead service lines in Newark may not have complied with all requirements for full line replacement (example: from the water meter inside a home to the water main in the street). In response, Newark and the NJDEP initiated an audit to identify affected properties and commence inspections to verify compliance with lead service line replacement requirements to ensure the continued safety of all residents.
“The audit, which began in January 2024, included both a targeted and a randomized data assessment resulting in over 700 excavations.
“The targeted audit included 403 service line excavations. Of these, 33 properties were found to contain some remaining lead components, which were replaced. Consistent with Newark’s post-replacement protocol, residents were provided point-of-use filters for lead and flushing guidance by the city. The NJDEP is evaluating the randomized audit data set.
“Importantly, the NJDEP has confirmed that Newark’s corrosion control treatment has been optimized to protect residents whose water may come into contact with plumbing that may still contain lead components. Newark has also demonstrated compliance with federal requirements. At this time, there is no need for Newark residents to take any additional precautions with respect to their drinking water.
“Both the City of Newark and NJDEP’s leadership acted on these allegations as soon as we learned of them. We are proud that these investigations have led to arrests of individuals in connection with this matter, and justice will be done. We are also grateful to Newark residents who cooperated with the investigation, by allowing these excavations on their property.
“Despite the indictment of these parties, the city and NJDEP remain confident in the success of the lead service line replacement program, which has led to 23,190 replacements, and stands as a national model for reducing the risks of lead exposure.”
NEWS CONFERENCE
Newark city officials held a news conference about the arrests on Thursday afternoon. Watch the video below, or view it online here.
Baraka said that the city was continually fixing any issues it came across during the investigation “on the spot,” adding that the corrosion control efforts – which are separate from the pipe replacement – added an extra layer of protection.
“So there was no time that the residents in the city were in any danger whatsoever from having lead leech into their lines,” Baraka said.
“I know everybody was asking us questions in the beginning, but we could not speak as freely as we are speaking now, because there was an investigation ongoing,” the mayor said. “So I'm glad – by the grace of God – that we've come to this point, that it is, in fact, over, and that we have responded the way we responded.”
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.
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Dockworker Strike Suspended; Ports In NJ, NY Revving Up Again
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/dockworker-strike-suspended-ports-nj-ny-revving-again
NEW JERSEY — They’re going back to work – for now.A massive dockworker strike that shut down cargo ports across the East Coast and the Gulf Coast this week has been suspended, with workers agreeing to return to their jobs on Friday as negotiations continue.The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been trying to hammer out a new work contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents terminal operators and shipping lines. The major sticking points have included salaries and au...
NEW JERSEY — They’re going back to work – for now.
A massive dockworker strike that shut down cargo ports across the East Coast and the Gulf Coast this week has been suspended, with workers agreeing to return to their jobs on Friday as negotiations continue.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been trying to hammer out a new work contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents terminal operators and shipping lines. The major sticking points have included salaries and automation at the port, which workers claim will put their jobs in jeopardy.
Both sides have been posting updates on their websites. Read the ILA’s posts here, and the USMX’s posts here.
Dockworkers went on strike Tuesday, including those at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, whose combined terminals and facilities make it the largest port on the East Coast and the third largest in the nation. See Related: Here’s The Plan If A Strike Shuts Down The East Coast's Busiest Port
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Experts warned that a prolonged strike would have a huge impact on many local businesses that depend on the port to keep their shelves stocked, with items such as car parts, fruits and veggies, and imported beer expected to become scarce. See Related: Dockworker Strike Starts; NJ Shoppers Will Pay The Price, Experts Say
Reports of shoppers engaging in “panic buying” quickly followed, although many of the items that disappeared from shelves – including toilet paper – are produced domestically and shipped via rail. See Related: 'Don’t Panic': What NJ Consumers Need To Know About Dockworkers Strike
Thankfully, a turning point in negotiations has apparently been reached, with both sides releasing a joint statement on Thursday:
“The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume.”
According to an update from the Port Authority of NY/NJ, terminal operators were expected have mechanics on site Friday morning to bring the terminal back to an operational status. Vessel activity will resume Friday night, with information on truck gates to follow.
See a breakdown of the New York-New Jersey port industry’s economic impact in 2023 here.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey held virtual media briefing on Friday to outline the operational restart of cargo activity (watch the video below, or view it online here).
BIDEN, HARRIS, TRUMP COMMENT ON STRIKE
President Joe Biden – who refused to invoke the federal Taft-Hartley Act to break the strike – said the decision to reopen ports is “patriotic” and shows that “collective bargaining works.”
“[The] tentative agreement on a record wage and an extension of the collective bargaining process represents critical progress towards a strong contract,” Biden said. “I congratulate the dockworkers from the ILA, who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic. And I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said she “applauds all involved for their efforts.”
“As I have said, this is about fairness – and our economy works best when workers share in record profits,” Harris said. “Dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work getting essential goods out to communities across America.”
Former president Donald Trump has likewise spoken in support of the dockworkers, although he has also blamed “massive inflation” for throwing gasoline on the fire.
“American workers should be able to negotiate for better wages, especially since the shipping companies are mostly foreign flag vessels, including the largest consortium ONE,” Trump said earlier this week, referring to the Singapore-based shipping company.
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