Dock worker strike in NY, NJ could affect groceries

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Workers at New York and New Jersey’s ports have joined thousands across the country in a strike Tuesday, which could affect the availability of some goods. 

If this strike lasts more than a few days, it could affect the availability of bananas, coffee, alcohol, cars and car parts. Foods like grains will not be affected. The White House predicts the strike could create "significant changes to food prices or availability," but shortages are unlikely.

Furniture and raw materials like wood and cotton could also be affected, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The impact on medicines, medical devices and infant formula is likely to be limited.

"People do not need to rush out to the grocery store and stockpile goods," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "We are not there."

The strike is not expected to affect heating oil, gasoline and diesel, or municipal solid waste in the area, according to a spokesperson for the White House.

The strike – the first of its kind in 47 years – kicked off at midnight Tuesday, including 36 ports from Maine to Texas. Those ports handle roughly half of the nations’ cargo from ships.

Some 4,500 workers in New York were expected to join, Hochul said.

It comes after failed contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association, which says workers were offered an "unacceptable wage package." The existing contract expired Tuesday, and the strike could last weeks — or months.

The workers are asking for a 77% wage increase over six years and a ban on automation. The average salary for a dock worker ranges from $88,000 to $200,000 a year with overtime.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance was only prepared to concede a 50% wage increase with limited automation restrictions. The alliance also said its offer tripled employer contributions to retirement plans and strengthened health care options.

"Workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing," said a representative of the association. “In addition, the shippers are gouging their customers that result in increased costs to American consumers."

Preparations have already started in New York, Hochul said. The federal government has also stepped in to aid with negotiations, according to a statement from the White House.

“In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need,” Hochul said.

If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. This would suspend the strike.

But Biden, during an exchange with reporters on Sunday, said “no” when asked if he planned to intervene to plan a potential work stoppage impacting East Coast ports.

This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press.