Here’s How U.S. Port Strike Could Have ‘Crippling’ Effect On U.S. Economy

Photo: Getty Images A massive strike is underway involving roughly 45,000 longshoremen who work at the nation’s major ports along the East and Gulf Coast. On Tuesday (October 1), longshoremen with the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) went on strike against companies, port authorities, and terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), pledging to fight for as “long as necessary” to get their demands met, per Quartz. The strike will likely have a major impact on the U.S. economy as nearly every industry relies on the ports to deliver equipment, food, and supplies every day. According to the Mitre Corporation, ports and facilities handling roughly 51 percent of the nation’s overall port capacity will be impacted by walkouts. “These people today don’t know what a strike is,” ILA President Harold Dagget said in a video last month, noting the “crippling” impact the strike could have on the economy. “Everything in the United States comes on a ship.” Industries, including automakers, retailers, toymakers, and even firms selling Halloween costumes, that rely on materials like steel and lumber could see rippling effects from the strike. Non-perishable items will likely be held at the ports until action is taken. Companies like...