Experts warn store prices will soar and shelves will be empty as greedy dockworkers strike over 80% pay raise.
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.
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They also want a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks that are used in the loading or unloading of freight at 36 US ports.
The contract expires between the International Longshoremen´s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, on Tuesday.
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