Politics watchers in the United States have long spoken about the “October surprise” that has the potential to upend the presidential race in the final stretch.With 45,000 dock workers going on strike at dozens of ports across the US, such a moment may have arrived.
The decision by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union to walk off the job on Tuesday threatens to unleash economic chaos just weeks out from the November 5 vote.
Operations have come to a halt at 36 ports on the East and Gulf coasts, stretching from Texas to Maine, which together handle more than half of imports by sea.
While shoppers are not likely to notice any immediate changes at the checkout, a prolonged strike would play havoc with supply chains, resulting in shortages and higher prices for consumers.
Goods most at risk range from seafood and bananas, to clothing, electronics, cars and pharmaceuticals.
JPMorgan estimated ahead of the strike that a shutdown of the East and Gulf coast ports could cost the economy $5bn a day.
ILA President Harold Daggett has warned that the striking workers could “cripple” the economy if the union’s demands for a 77 percent pay rise over six years and a halt to port automation projects are not met.
“Cars won’t come in, food won’t come in, clothing won’t come in,” Daggett said in remarks broadcast on Fox News. “You know how many …
