On Tuesday, Oct. 1, dockworkers from Maine to Texas began striking due to unfair wages, and although Oklahoma doesn't have its own port, this strike could affect Oklahomans at the grocery store and other areas. If the strike lasts more than a few weeks, it could raise costs and cause shortages of goods.

The strike includes nearly 45,000 dockworkers that are members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the contract between the union and the corporations expired at midnight Tuesday. The strike will affect 36 ports from Maine to Texas and is the first by the union since 1977.

According to an article from the Associated Press, ILA President Boise Butler said that "workers want a fair contract that doesn’t allow automation of their jobs." And he stated that by charging high prices during the pandemic shipping companies made billions, and said, "now we want them to pay back. They’re going to pay back."

The union is expected to strike as long as it needs to get a fair deal, and Butler said that the union has leverage over the companies.

@cbsmornings Replying to @CBS Mornings Dockworkers at 14 U.S. ports, from Houston to Boston, are striking over pay and automation concerns, potentially disrupting nearly half of the nation's imports, with economists warning the strike could cost up to $5 billion per day. #economy #strike #dock #dockworkers #news ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

How will the port strikes affect Oklahoma?

Ports are the main way the United States receives imports from other countries, and experts are expecting the nation to experience certain shortages of goods if the strike lasts more than a few weeks. Experts are urging citizens to not begin stockpiling just yet, as there are warehouses full of nonperishable goods that could last the nation until the strike is finished.

According to an article from Time Magazine, these are items that people in Oklahoma and across the United States that they could see a shortage of if the strike lasts longer than anticipated.

- Fruit

- Chocolate

- Alcohol

- Shoes

- Auto Parts

- Electronics

- Medical Supplies

@underthedesknews It can all end if the CEOs guve the Longshoremen a fair wage, and get rid of the robots!! #portstrike #longshoreman #groceryshopping #bananas ♬ original sound - UnderTheDeskNews

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