EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — It's been two days since the start of a historic port worker strike. Tens of thousands of employees are on pause, as they fight for their requested conditions.
Delays on products, everything from bananas to auto parts, could be in place if the strike continues.
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) is seeking out higher wages from their employer, the United States Maritime Alliance. They also want protections against automation projects, fearing they will take jobs.
The ILA strike has resulted in temporary port closures along the East Coast and Gulf ports.
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Some experts say big effects won't be felt unless the strike goes on more than a week.
Many people have already begun panic buying, stocking up on water, toilet paper, and paper towels.
Supply chain specialists say shoppers should be in the clear for now.
"I urge the customers not to panic. Panic doesn't help anyone. Hoarding doesn't help anyone, it just complicates things. We will have enough stuff," Associate Professor of the UTSA Muge Yayla Kullu stated.
However, trucking industries are already feeling the pinch.
Lone Star Transportation is based in Fort Worth Texas but does business across North America and specializes in oversized and overweight cargo.
They also deal with containers and shipments from ports.
They've been adjusting accordingly as customers call in about options since the East Coast and Gulf ports are shut down for now.
"So you may have cargo that was destined for Houston for example that is now going to have to go to Long Beach California, so instead of us loading trucks in Houston, maybe it's in Long Beach, but it's obviously going to have a big financial impact on everybody," said Chad Gerfers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lone Star Transportation.
Negotiations are not currently scheduled between the ILA and employers.
However, under pressure from The White House, port owners signaled late Wednesday they were open to new talks.
