Dockworkers walk off job along East Coast in strike that could have major impact on Mass. economy

2 hours ago 22

Dockworkers walked off the job at ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts early Tuesday, including in Boston, in a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods.

‘Very concerned’: Dockworkers strike could have ripple effect on Mass. economy

A picket line was formed at the entrance of Conley Terminal, halting operations in Boston after the International Longshoremen’s Association started the strike at midnight.

The strike impacts 36 ports from Maine to Texas, which means those ports will likely shut down operations until the dockworkers return.

The union said they could not reach a deal on their contracts with the United States Maritime Alliance.

Massport confirmed the Conley Terminal could have cargo pile up if no workers are available to distribute shipments as they arrive.

The strike could also impact your wallet if prices go up on common imports.

Longshoremen strike at midnight at Bayport Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan)

International Longshoreman's Association President, Harold J. Daggett speaks to union workers at the Port Newark/Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal complex on Tuesday Oct. 1, 2024 in New Jersey. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Longshoremen pose for a photo while picketing at Bayport Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan)

Striking Philadelphia longshoreman picket outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Third generation longshoreman Ray Bailey Jr. trustee of ILA Local 1291 encourages picketers outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Striking Philadelphia longshoreman picket outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port, Tuesday, Oct. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Hundreds of longshoremen strike together outside of the Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Longshoremen Meikysha Wright and others strike together outside of the Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Boise Butler, president of ILA Local 1291, speaks to the press outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Philadelphia longshoremen hang the flag of the International Longshoremen's Association on a fence outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port, preparing to strike, as their contract runs out at midnight, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Philadelphia longshoremen assembled outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port begin to strike as their contract runs out at midnight, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Boise Butler, president of Local 1291, chants along with his fellow longshoremen outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

The International Longshoremen’s Association flag and an American flag fly together outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port as workers prepare to strike as their contract runs out at midnight, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Boise Butler, president of Local 1291, with an American flag on his wheelchair, pickets with his fellow longshoremen outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Striking Philadelphia longshoremen picket outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal Port, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

Josh Stillwagon, the chair of economics at Babson College, said prices could increase on items like fruits, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol among other products shipped to America.

“So if you think about some of the major industries in Massachusetts say chemical manufacturing, or electronics manufacturing those are relying on parts from abroad, auto parts are a big import for Massachusetts, meats,” Stillwagon said. “If we don’t have ports on the eastern seaboard here there you know there’s going to be fewer goods that we’re able to get in I mean there’s gonna be a lot of goods just sort of sitting at the ports and it will in some ways look like what happened when there was a lot of port congestion right after COVID.”

Stillwagon also fears this strike could impact interest rates.

“Something like this, if it really does disrupt the inflation numbers, it could cause a Fed to hesitate and you know we could end up tipping into a recession,” Stillwagon added.

It’s been almost 50 years since this union went on strike.

They said the wage increase offer fell far short of their demands and they want protections against automation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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