Grocery Chains, Retailers, Consumers Still Leary about Return of Dock Workers to Ports 

Labor Landscape

Despite reports by industry analysts that the more than 30,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association will return to work Friday following a three- day strike, consumers and businesses are wary.  

Dan Donovan, a senior director of public relations and sport marketing at Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, said that like  many other food retailers, Giant Eagle is prepared for the potential impact that the strike at major ports across the East and Gulf coasts may have on the availability of certain products.  “It is too early to tell which products may be impacted.’’ Donovan said.  

Sara Hargreaves, owner of  Scribe, said she has no idea what the near future holds.  “My orders are small so my vendors may not run out of product too soon especially with a larger holiday stock in hand,’’ said Hargreaves, whose shop features fine writing papers, unique cards and gifts.    

The strike that began early Tuesday is about two main issues: wages and automation. Around the ports from Maine to Texas, workers can be seen wearing signs that read “robots don’t pay taxes’’ and “automation hurts families.’’    

Other business professionals like Tracie Levin of M. Levin & Co. of Philadelphia, Pa. are worried about the fruits and bananas on the docked ships. “Lots of rippel effects from the strike,’’ she added. 

 Ripe bananas, for example,  can only last about two to five days, and every American consumes about 24 pounds of bananas a year, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department.  

Wendy Merck of Waynesburg, Pa said she is worried about the impact of the strike on holiday items.   “I always get my kids tons of toys and they are all made in foreign countries now, so I hope my Santa list is not too abbreviated this season,.’’ said Merck, a freelance artist.  

The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), the entity that the dock workers are striking against, issued a statement to media saying they strongly support the collective bargaining process that allows for them to bargain for wages, benefits, technology and ensures the safety of their workers.  

The economy stands to lose an estimated $5 billion a day, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. And a prolonged picket line will wreak havoc on the supply chain.   

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