Massive port strike begins across America’s East Coast, threatening shortages and rising prices

(CNN) – NEW YORK – Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association are on strike Tuesday against the nation’s East and Gulf Coast ports, choking off the flow of many of America’s imports and exports in what could become the country’s most disruptive work stoppage in decades.The strike, which began at midnight, will stop the flow of a wide variety of goods over the docks of almost all cargo ports from Maine to Texas. This includes bananas, European beer, wine and liquor, along with furniture, clothing, household goods and European autos, as well as parts needed to keep U.S. factories operating and American workers in those plants on the job, among many other goods. It could also stop U.S. exports now flowing through those ports, hurting sales for American companies.Related Stories A wide gap remained between the union’s demands and the contract offer from the United States Maritime Alliance, which uses the acronym USMX. The maritime alliance represents the major shipping lines, all of which are foreign owned, as well as terminal operators and port authorities.“If we have to be out here a month or two months, this world will collapse,” said ILA President Harold Daggett in an interview...