A possible dockworkers’ strike on the East and Gulf coasts as early as next Tuesday means more business for Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, but it also means Santa Claus may take it on the chin along with millions of American consumers.
A strike would cause billions of dollars in economic damage and force shippers to divert more products to land in the West Coast, adding distance, time and costs for many importers and retailers. Most if not all of those costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers, along with shortages and difficulty finding popular items on local shelves.
And all those costs and hassles are likely to come at the worst possible time if striking dockworkers delay picketing until later this fall during peak holiday deliveries.