US grocery stores could be without popular fruit within weeks as 45,000 dockworkers threaten to strike
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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, or ILA, is negotiating on behalf of the 45,000 dockworkers at three dozen U.S. 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.
POTENTIAL PORT STRIKES SEND RIPPLE EFFECTS THROUGH SUPPLY CHAIN, THREATEN INFLATION
About 45,000 dockworkers are prepared to stop working if they do not have a new contract by Oct. 1. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Americans consume more bananas per capita than any other fresh fruit. About two-thirds of bananas are unloaded in the U.S. 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 U.S. for unloading bananas and other fruit, including grapes from Chile, clementines from Morocco, pears from Argentina and kiwifruit from New Zealand.
PORT STRIKES COULD HAVE 'DEVASTATING' IMPACT TO ECONOMY, RETAIL TRADE GROUP SAYS
About two-thirds of bananas arrive in the U.S. at East and Gulf Coast ports. (Getty Images)
The fruit would spoil if left on the docks for too long, or the fruit would
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