Dockworkers at ports stretching from Maine to Texas are walking picket lines as of Tuesday morning, striking over wages and automation. Farm Policy News says it could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes more than a few weeks. There was some progress reported on Monday in the contract talks, but workers went on strike after the current agreement ended at midnight. The strike affects 36 ports and is the first by the union since 1977. Reports say the affected ports handle 68 percent of all containerized exports in the U.S. and approximately 56 percent of containerized imports. The strike is expected to have a limited impact on bulk grain supports, including corn and soybeans. Bulk grain export facilities typically operate with different labor arrangements. However, soybeans, soybean meal, and other agricultural products exported via containers would be affected. A strike will reduce U.S. economic activity by $7.5 billion.
Dockworker strike begins at east and gulf coast ports
