American consumers may soon have to do without some popular fruits, including bananas, when they are grocery shopping, as fruit aisles could be empty and prices may soar if 45,000 dockworkers threatening to strike end up walking off the job.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is negotiating on behalf of the 45,000 dockworkers at three dozen US ports that collectively handle about half of the nation’s seaborne imports.
The group said its members are prepared to stop working if they do not have a new contract by Oct. 1.
The potential strike could potentially bring major East Coast and Gulf Coast ports to a standstill, which could eventually lead to a reduced supply of popular fruits, plywood and other products, according to the Daily Mail.
Americans consume more bananas per capita than any other fresh fruit.
About two-thirds of bananas are unloaded in the US at these ports.
A key distribution port for Dole Fresh Fruit Co. and Chiquita Fresh North America, Port Wilmington in Delaware is the top location in the US for unloading bananas and other fruit, including grapes from Chile, clementines from Morocco, pears from Argentina and kiwifruit from New Zealand.
The fruit would spoil if left on the docks for too long, or it would become more expensive given the delays and extra refrigeration requirements.
“Any fruit that arrives after Oct. 1 will be condemned to the trash can,” Peter Kopke Sr., a produce importer, told the Orange County Register. “And all of the people who have invested in that business will lose a fortune.”
Industry experts warn that a weeklong work stoppage could lose the economy roughly $7.5 billion, according to the outlet.
The ILA’s demands include an 80% pay raise over six years, claiming that workers deserve a share of profits that foreign-owned container carriers received during the pandemic.
The group is also demanding more restrictive language on automation, arguing that some companies are using technology in violation of the current contract.