The dockworker strike could impact Utahns — Here’s how

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Thousands of dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern United States are on strike for the first time in decades — and depending on the duration of the strike, businesses and consumers could see shortages and price hikes throughout the country.

Workers began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and the ports’ use of automation, though some progress was reported in negotiations over a new contract. The existing contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight on Oct. 1.

The extent of the strike’s effects on Utahns depends on how long the strike lasts, as most major retailers prepared for a potential strike by moving ahead shipments of holiday gifts, stocking up on goods, or transferring goods to the West Coast.

However, if the work stoppage drags out for more than a few weeks, officials say consumers could feel the effects.

The Utah Inland Port Authority — the state’s entity for economic development and logistics –released a statement saying 20% of Utah’s imports come from East and Gulf Coast ports. UIPA authorities said that the strike “could result in delays of critical goods such as grocery items, car parts, and holiday products.”

Ben Hart, the executive director of the UIPA, said they are actively monitoring the strike and will provide updates on how it might affect Utahns as the situation develops.

“We are monitoring the situation closely to understand any potential impacts on Utah’s supply chains,” Hart said. “While it’s too early to gauge the full extent of the disruption, we are staying informed and will provide updates as needed.”

While consumers are not likely to feel the effects of the strike immediately, supplies of perishable goods — bananas, in particular — could be impacted soon. Businesses will likely face the challenges of the strike long before consumers do as they may have to sacrifice profits to keep prices stable.

Learn more about potential political and economic effects nationwide in the Associated Press article here .

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Krisher reported from Detroit, Grantham-Philips from New York. Associated Press journalists Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, Anne D’Innocenzio and Mae Anderson in New York, Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Josh Boak in Washington, and Annie Mulligan in Houston contributed to this report.

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