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American consumers may soon be unable to buy bananas and other popular fruits when they go grocery shopping: If 45,000 dock workers who have threatened to strike actually do so, fruit aisles could be emptied and prices could skyrocket.
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which is negotiating on behalf of 45,000 longshore workers at more than 30 U.S. ports that handle about half of the country's seaborne imports, said its members were prepared to walk away if a new contract wasn't reached by Oct. 1.
A potential strike could halt major ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, ultimately reducing supplies of popular fruit, plywood and other products, the report said. Daily Mail.
Potential port strikes could have ripple effects through supply chains, threatening inflation
About 45,000 dockworkers are prepared to walk away if no new contract is signed by October 1. (Fabian Sommer/Photo Alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Americans eat more bananas per capita than any other fresh fruit, and about two-thirds of bananas are unloaded at these U.S. ports.
Port Wilmington, Delaware, the primary distribution port for Dole Fresh Fruit and Chiquita Fresh North America, is the top U.S. location for unloading bananas and other fruit, including grapes from Chile, clementines from Morocco, pears from Argentina and kiwifruit from New Zealand.
Port strike could have 'devastating' impact on economy, retail group says
About two-thirds of bananas arrive at ports on the eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast. (Getty Images)
Fruit will spoil if left in port too long, and the delays and need for extra refrigeration would drive up fruit prices.
“All fruit arriving after October 1st will go in the bin,” said produce importer Peter Kopke. Orange County Register“And everyone who invested in that business will stand to lose a huge amount of money.”
Industry experts have warned that a week-long strike could cost the economy around $7.5 billion, the media reported.
A strike could cripple major ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast. (Getty Images)
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The ILA's demands include an 80% wage increase over six years and it argues that workers are entitled to a share of the profits made by foreign container shippers during the pandemic.
The group also argues that some companies are using the technology in violation of current contracts and is calling for tougher language on automation.
