45,000 dock workers at shipping ports from Maine to Texas went on strike at midnight. The strike could cause economic disaster in an economy that has already impacted the working poor.
The contract between ports and members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) expired at midnight. The union representing dock workers went on strike for the first time since 1977.
Local ILA president Boise Butler said shipping companies made billions during the pandemic by charging high prices. “Now we want them to pay back. They’re going to pay back,” Butler added.
Experts say to expect shortages of fruit, vegetables, fish, liquor, medicines, clothing, and even cars. The strike will also impact Amazon and other online shippers, including Shein and Temu.
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Workers began picketing at ports in Texas and Philadelphia, shouting “No work without a fair contract.”
Dock workers went on strike with 40 days left until the 2024 presidential election.
If the union fails to reach an agreement, it could mean a lengthy strike that would shut down gas stations and grocery stores across the country.
Dozens of ports along the East and Gulf Coasts are affected. Arriving ships don’t have workers to unload consumer goods, including electronics, fruit, beer, wine, clothing, shoes, car parts, etc.
The good news is the shipping season is almost over. 70% of consumer goods for the holidays are already in stock at retail stores.
“Typically the peak shipping season runs from July through early November. They certainly moved up their timing this year, to start in late May or early June,” Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and custom policy for the National Retail Federation, told CNN.
Gold can’t say for sure if all holiday items have already arrived at retail.
“There are limitations you can bring in on any point in time,” he said. “A one-day shutdown takes three to five days to recover from. The longer it goes, the worse it gets.”
Gold said an 11-day strike on the West Coast took six months before things returned to normal.
A prolonged strike will also affect dock workers and their friends and families.
