LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach an agreement overnight, causing union port workers along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico to go on strike until an agreement is met.
The Little Rock Port relies on goods entering the country through those ports and a long-term strike could create problems.
“All of our commodities have to come through the Gulf of Mexico through the port of New Orleans, and those ports in the gulf are going on strike,” Little Rock Port Authority Executive Director Bryan Day said. “I personally believe the strike will only last a couple of days.”
Port workers strike for first time in nearly 50 years
A prolonged strike could lead to fewer items on the shelf and higher prices. It will also create a ripple effect as materials stop coming in, the ports lay off people, and the people can’t buy goods at the stores.
“If it goes for a long time, like weeks or months, it will be detrimental to Little Rock’s economy,” Day said.