Dockworker Strike and What Could Disappear First from Store Shelves

 

Just one week remains to settle significant ports strike that could catastrophically affect American retailers as they approach the busiest time of year. Holiday shopping is coming, like it or not, and without dockworkers to move all that stuff into your favorite stores, we'll all go without.

Furthermore, there doesn't seem to be much chance of stopping the October 1st strike by tens of thousands of International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) marine workers at ports across the nation.

This would be the first nationwide longshoremen's strike since 1977 if the workers decide to go on strike. It seems many aren't taking this seriously. Though five of the ten biggest ports in North America are located on the East and Gulf coasts, there is little doubt that a strike affecting both regions would have a significant impact.

This significant upheaval would have repercussions that would affect every industry and every location for a long time. All this on top of election stress.

I know it's the end of a six-year contract, but the timing, am I right? Please prepare now, any way you can. And no, I don't mean start hoarding everything. It will be increasingly difficult to stock your pantry with survival supplies when you can't find them.

What Could Be Affected

We're talking major disruptions here, folks. And right before the busiest time of year for retailers. This isn't a comprehensive, complete list, but the first things that we could see shortages on are:

Foods

Fresh fruits

Oils

Sugars and sweeteners

Rice

Cucumbers

Asparagus

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Avocado

Nut milks

Baby Formula

Pineapple

Mango

Tangerines

Cranberries

Mushrooms

Lettuce/Spinach

Alcohol/Spirits

Seeds

 

Goods

Electronics

Clothing

Footwear

Pharmaceuticals, both prescription and OTC

Medical equipment and supplies

Furniture/Lighting

Plastics of all kinds

Pet Foods

Vehicles and automotive parts

Diapers

Building materials

Paints

Batteries

 

I know what some of you are saying: that's like everything. And you're right. This isn't fear mongering; this is a potential devastating situation that involves east coast ports and billions of dollars in goods, foods, medicines, and supplies right before elections, storms, and the holiday season. Just put a little away if you can, just in case.

 

Citations:

Major maritime strike could threaten ports across the East Coast. (2024, September 20). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/major-maritime-strike-threaten-ports-east-coast-ila-usmx-rcna171914

ILA Union. (n.d.). https://ilaunion.org/

Bynum, R. (2024, September 24). Longshoremen from Maine to Texas appear likely to go on strike, seaport CEO says | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/us-port-strike-threat-longshoremen-savannah-georgia-d80689a9ab83fb3345df029e91b0abc8

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