Port Employees Strike

[Pink Cashmere]

I can’t look into it right now, so what is going on, and what are the potential impacts on consumer goods?

Mister told me a few hours ago that he is concerned about it, because he thinks things might go sideways like during COVID, when stores weren’t stocked. We do not have the kind of reserves of food and household goods today, that we had when the pandemic started, hence his concern.

Are any of you concerned about the strike and how it might affect you personally as far as being able to get what you need, and/or potential increases in prices because of the potential effects on supply chains for goods and materials? 

[daisylu]

We are moderately stocked up on household supplies, though I should go ahead and place a Target order for paper supplies. We buy jumbo packs of TP paper towels and tissues and are on our last package of each. 

I would be more concerned if our vehicles were not low mileage. I no longer commute but I do travel for work - luckily my employer has a generous rental car policy.

[busymom]

I think if this isn't settled quickly, we're going to see more price increases.  I'm already concerned about the cost of transportation of goods, with all of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, as we've temporarily lost a major trucking route.  

I'm doing my Christmas shopping early.  Doggone business major always has me thinking about stuff like this.  

[billisonboard]

Oct 2, 2024 7:51:03 GMT -5 busymom said:

I think if this isn't settled quickly, we're going to see more price increases.  I'm already concerned about the cost of transportation of goods, with all of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, as we've temporarily lost a major trucking route.  

I'm doing my Christmas shopping early.  Doggone business major always has me thinking about stuff like this.  

I'm worried about how it will impact the election; Doggone poli sci major always has me thinking about stuff like this.  

[seriousthistime]

The longshoremen's strike will also impact the trucking industry.  If nothing is getting unloaded at the docks, there's nothing to pick up and transport. 

So with transportation routes already impacted by Helene, this will be a double hit to the truckers. 

[jerseygirl]

Rough time for shipping with the port strike and problems in the Red Sea and Suez Canal
Inflation one reason for strike others include port workers worry machinery will decrease jobs
Houthi terrorists bombing ships in Red Sea with little response from the US navy other than defensive. Most shipping through the Suez Canal has stopped. US took Houthis off the terrorist list and Iran is supplying weapons to them. Iran has been making huge amounts of money in last few years and supporting Hamas Hezbollah and the Houthis .
Both of these putting more stress on economy
Seeing the effects of an ineffective administration
Do either of the candidates have any thoughts or plans for these ?

[jerseygirl]

Oct 2, 2024 12:53:45 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Does everyone remember when that cargo ship went aground in the Suez Canal last year or the one before and backed everything up for months?  One shipping lane, one bridge, one port closed and we're all in a world of hurt.  Locally they say one day of strike creates six days of backlog to clear so it's going to be fuggly for awhile

Think you’re referring to Port of Baltimore
Suez Canal basically shut by Houthi is much longer time and more significant to worldwide shipping

[Cookies Galore]

Oct 2, 2024 13:00:36 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Oct 2, 2024 12:53:45 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Does everyone remember when that cargo ship went aground in the Suez Canal last year or the one before and backed everything up for months?  One shipping lane, one bridge, one port closed and we're all in a world of hurt.  Locally they say one day of strike creates six days of backlog to clear so it's going to be fuggly for awhile

Think you’re referring to Port of Baltimore
Suez Canal basically shut by Houthi is much longer time and more significant to worldwide shipping

She's talking about the Ever Given going aground in 2021.

[Pink Cashmere]

Mister ended up going to the meat market yesterday. Idk what all he bought, he put most of it in the deep freezer in the storage room. 

He was concerned about the strike and potential supply chain issues after conversations he had with a couple of people yesterday morning. 

Idk if he plans to stock up on canned and frozen vegetables and household supplies or not. When I was doing the shopping, it was just my habit to buy multiples of things when they were on sale for a good price and/or I could use coupons. That is why we were better prepared when the pandemic started, not because I had intentionally stocked up expecting something crazy to happen.

[bean29]

I don't think they are going to have the sympathy of the average American Family whether or not they vote Democratic or Republican.  If they get a raise beyond the average American's COL increase, they will increase our costs.  I got 5% last year, my DSIS said she got nothing.  As far as I am concerned, they can force them back to work.  If they refuse to come back, fire them, install the automation and hire new dock workers.  Normally, I would not be in favor of union busting, but in this case I am.

[Tennesseer]

Evening natinal news said the U.S. produces 90% of our paper products like toilet paper and paper towels.  Mexico and Canada produce the other 10%.  So no need for the products to be shipped by boat to us.

Yet stores are limiting how much per day we can buy of paper towels and TP because customers are buying in bulk because they are afraid of shortages.

Go figure.

[bean29]

Oct 2, 2024 21:52:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Evening natinal news said the U.S. produces 90% of our paper products like toilet paper and paper towels.  Mexico and Canada produce the other 10%.  So no need for the products to be shipped by boat to us.

Yet stores are limiting how much per day we can buy of paper towels and TP because customers are buying in bulk because they are afraid of shortages.

Go figure.

Just picked up Cascade Pods, Charmin Ultra TP 24 Mega rolls, and Tide Plus Ultra Oxi HE Liquid 84 fl oz, but I have a just in time restock attitude, and I needed to replenish my stock.  I figure I live in the city and I should be able to purchase what I need same day, so no need to find places to store extra products.  

I am considering replacing my side by side fridge with a French door refrigerator.  I have been thinking about this purchase for at least 4 years though.  We don't eat much frozen meat, and I kind of think our meat supply is mostly domestic, so que sera. Maybe we will be eating Beans and Rice.

[busymom]

Oct 2, 2024 21:52:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Evening natinal news said the U.S. produces 90% of our paper products like toilet paper and paper towels.  Mexico and Canada produce the other 10%.  So no need for the products to be shipped by boat to us.

Yet stores are limiting how much per day we can buy of paper towels and TP because customers are buying in bulk because they are afraid of shortages.

Go figure.

     It sounds like the pandemic all over again.  Supply & demand.  Hoarding is going to drive up prices again.  

[seriousthistime]

Oct 3, 2024 9:44:29 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Oct 2, 2024 21:52:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Evening natinal news said the U.S. produces 90% of our paper products like toilet paper and paper towels.  Mexico and Canada produce the other 10%.  So no need for the products to be shipped by boat to us.

Yet stores are limiting how much per day we can buy of paper towels and TP because customers are buying in bulk because they are afraid of shortages.

Go figure.

Just picked up Cascade Pods, Charmin Ultra TP 24 Mega rolls, and Tide Plus Ultra Oxi HE Liquid 84 fl oz, but I have a just in time restock attitude, and I needed to replenish my stock.  I figure I live in the city and I should be able to purchase what I need same day, so no need to find places to store extra products.  

I am considering replacing my side by side fridge with a French door refrigerator.  I have been thinking about this purchase for at least 4 years though.  We don't eat much frozen meat, and I kind of think our meat supply is mostly domestic, so que sera. Maybe we will be eating Beans and Rice.

That was totally me.  I had a French door fridge at my previous house, and when I moved into my current house there was a side by side.  I don't like the freezer space in a side by side. Then I remodeled the kitchen and a counter depth French door fridge was moved up the list. I'm so glad I did it. The side by side is now in the garage. 

[seriousthistime]

I have plenty of paper products on hand, and I live in an area where there are plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.  I can live without bananas, etc., in favor of apples and pears and plums if need be. 

I generally keep a good supply on hand of the basic necessities so I'm good. 

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

The cynical side of me is wondering about the timing of this just before the elections along with the union boss's apparent chumminess with DT, the chaos king. 

[mollyanna58]

I keep seeing a meme on Facebook stating that American made goods don't come in through a port.  Aren't some things shipped through the Great Lakes and then to ports on the eastern seaboard?

[busymom]

Oct 3, 2024 12:32:39 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

The cynical side of me is wondering about the timing of this just before the elections along with the union boss's apparent chumminess with DT, the chaos king. 

     Of course.  You don't think it's a coincidence that grocery prices have been so high since Biden has been in office, do you?  Gas prices are high too.  It's so the Republican Party can "save" us.     Consumers are accepting pennies when the GOP is in office, while the rich rake in the real money, like big tax breaks.  Enjoy your pennies.  

[jerseygirl]

Oct 3, 2024 14:10:50 GMT -5 busymom said:

Oct 3, 2024 12:32:39 GMT -5 Cheesy FL-Vol said:

The cynical side of me is wondering about the timing of this just before the elections along with the union boss's apparent chumminess with DT, the chaos king. 

     Of course.  You don't think it's a coincidence that grocery prices have been so high since Biden has been in office, do you?  Gas prices are high too.  It's so the Republican Party can "save" us.     Consumers are accepting pennies when the GOP is in office, while the rich rake in the real money, like big tax breaks.  Enjoy your pennies.  

This is a joke, right? Republicans MADE Biden increase prices??

[minnesotapaintlady]

Pretty sure Biden is not the one deciding what to charge people for gas and orange juice...

[jerseygirl]

Port strike suspended until Jan 15

[jerseygirl]

Oct 3, 2024 17:37:32 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Pretty sure Biden is not the one deciding what to charge people for gas and orange juice...

Of course not, inflation increasing prices

[seriousthistime]

And price gouging by the oil companies.  

[movingforward]

I think it's mainly just going to affect some fresh produce, electronics, some car parts, etc. People freaking out and hording is the real problem when it comes to supplies.

That being said, yes, price increases could be a real concern

[saveinla]

Tentative Deal had been reached with 62% raise over 6 years, but they are going back to the table on other points like automation. Existing contract will be in effect until Jan 15th.

[Tennesseer]

SAVE THE TOILET PAPER

[TheOtherMe]

     


I keep 3 cases on hand since 2020.  I did not do that before.

[billisonboard]

Resolving the strike was election interference.

[jerseygirl]

Went to WM, 2 aisles of paper products gone

[Tennesseer]

Oct 4, 2024 12:08:37 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Resolving the strike was election interference.

Would not surprise me if he who lost the 2020 presidential election claims that.