US ports from Maine to Texas could shut down Tuesday if a union representing about 45,000 dockworkers carries through with a threatened strike.
A lengthy shutdown of 36 ports – which handle half of America’s cargo from ships – could raise cause shortages and price increases at big and small retailers alike as the holiday shopping season approaches.
Walmart, Home Depot, Ikea and Amazon – who import tens of thousands of containers a year through ports on the east coast – would be worst hit. Empty shelves have not been seen in the US since the post-pandemic supply chain crush in 2021.
The International Longshoremen’s Association is demanding a pay rise that works out at about 77 percent over six years. For union members on a typical rate, their wage would go from $81,120 to around $143,520.
Retail expert Neil Saunders of Global Data told DailyMail.om that the strike will cause two main problems – shoppers will face higher prices and empty shelves.