Dock workers have gone on strike over wages and automation by setting up picket lines outside 36 ports spanning from Maine to Texas. The workers’ contract with the ports expired early Monday morning which ignited the strike, the first by the International Longshoremen’s Association since 1977.
The union is asking the U.S. Maritime Alliance for a 77% pay raise in their contracts in order to make up for inflation and small raises over the past few years.
“We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve,” President Harold Daggett said in the statement. “They must now meet our demands for this strike to end.”
However, with the port strike having no end in the future, this can lead to complications with American consumers with food and other products as we enter the holiday season.
How will it impact you?
If this strike lasts longer than a week, this can lead to an increase in inflation rates and a shortage of goods. Since large retailers have stocked up on goods in anticipation of the holidays, consumers most likely won’t feel the effect of the strike right away. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Daniel Munch warns that a three-to-five-day strike will take about two weeks for the economy to return to normal. Any longer, and it could take as long as January until grocery stores are back to pre-strike conditions. Staple food items that are imported — seafood, coffee, chocolate, beverages, olives, olive oil, cheese, fruits and vegetables — may become sparse. You may notice that these items sell out faster than usual.
How can you prepare?
- Budgeting: This strike will likely cause an uptick in your food bill; it’s important to rearrange your budget so you have more breathing room when it comes to groceries. One suggestion is to lower your entertainment budget and put that extra money aside for food.
- Go frozen: Consider selecting frozen options instead of fresh. Remember it’s important not to hoard – just buy what you need and shop smart. Frozen foods have a longer shelf life, helping you reduce food waste. In fact, 40% of the entire U.S. food supply is wasted.
- Chef it up: With go-to items potentially being limited, it’s crucial that you get creative in the kitchen. Look up recipes with ingredients that you know your local grocery store has, so you can make meals that you know you like. Pantry staples are a good way to start when thinking of a dish.