The shipping port strike has begun as of Tuesday, October 1st, and New Yorkers are wondering what’s next.
From Texas to Maine, roughly 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association have gone on strike, the union’s first since 1977. As a result, we could see an increase in prices in stores, as well a decrease in goods on shelves due to this move from the East and Gulf Coast ports.
There’s no telling what kind of hits the economy will take just yet, as the length of the strike will be a determining factor, but consumers are likely going to notice some changes. So, what do New Yorkers do from here? Here’s what we know so far.
Why are port workers striking?
The International Longshoremen’s Association’s contract with the United States Maritime Alliance has ended, and the union is demanding higher wages and promise that their jobs are not going to be replaced by machinery.
How will NYC be affected by the strike?
New Yorkers could expect to see higher prices and fewer goods. And according to CBS MoneyWatch, a strike that last anywhere between three and five days could take about two weeks to clear, and thus far, it is unclear when this will all come to an end.
“In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need,” said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. “It’s critical for USMX and the ILA to reach a fair agreement soon that respects workers and ensures a flow of commerce through our ports. In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to minimize disruption for New Yorkers.”
She insists that New Yorkers should “not to rush out to the grocery store to stockpile goods, like during the pandemic,” as we’re not at that level yet.
The length of the strike will definitely play a major role in the national economy overall, particularly coming into a presidential election and an impending holiday season.
What items will be affected by the port strike?
If you wanted a nice glass of vino with that pasta dinner, we hate to break the news, but wine is among the list of things that will potentially be affected. Some include:
- Fruits, particularly citrus fruits, bananas, and cherries
- Seafood
- Coffee
- Wine and spirits
- Canned foods
- Hot peppers
- Chocolate
- Cars
This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.