NJ businesses, consumers express concerns after port strike begins

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Dockworkers from Maine to Texas started walking picket lines Tuesday, demanding higher wages and greater protection against automation.

Thousands of the workers are on strike in Elizabeth, home to the largest port on the East Coast. It marks the first time East Coast dockworkers have gone on strike since 1977, leaving many people uncertain of what to expect.

Amid the uncertainty, some chose to stock up on groceries and gas. The BJ’s Wholesale in Linden was packed with shoppers purchasing cases of water and toilet paper.

“Everywhere we went, people are piling up, buying uncontrolled,” said Sandra Hillis. “We were in Walmart and we could barely move.”

“I’m buying water and the essentials, like toilet paper, canned foods,” said John Carrero. “We don’t know how long this strike is going to be.”

On Monday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized that it is not necessary to stockpile.

“People don’t need to rush out to the grocery store and stockpile goods like they did during the pandemic,” said Hochul.

If the strike lasts less than a week, Hochul said consumers likely will not feel any effects. But after a few weeks, we can expect to see shortages of imports like bananas, coffee, cars, and car parts.

Local business owners expressed concerns about the possibility of fewer customers.

“I actually tattoo a lot of the guys that are on strike right now,” said local tattoo artist Marco Dapaz. “If they don’t get paid, I don’t get paid, so it would probably affect my business.”

“We have workers from the port that come here very early in the morning, and it’s a bit concerning and it’s sad, too,” said Liliana Rocha, owner of Roc’s Cafe in Elizabeth.

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