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.
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.