Bananas Will Disappear From Store Shelves if Dockworkers Go on Strike

As 45,000 dockworkers prepare to walk off the job, fruit imports will be left to rot as no one will be around to unload them. Should workers go on strike, produce sections across America will be void of some very popular fruits, like bananas and clementines.

Since June, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has been trying to work out a new deal with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents ocean shipment companies and ports. However, the two sides don’t have much more time to talk. If a contract isn’t settled by the end of September, thousands of workers at major East and West Coast ports are going on strike.

Without dockworkers, the movement of imported cargo like fruit, plywood, and even cars will essentially stop. Fruit, which cannot be stored for long periods of time, will be the first item that will be in short supply. With two-thirds of banana shipments coming through major ports, most will likely go to waste before ever reaching supermarket shelves.

“Any fruit that arrives after Oct. 1 will be condemned to the trash can,” said produce importer Peter Kopke Sr., per The Orange County Register. “And all of the people who have invested in that business will lose a fortune.”

Contract Negotiations Have Slowed

ILA’s terms for a new contract include an 80% pay raise for dockworkers doled out over six years. In addition, the ILA claims some companies are allegedly violating the current contract by utilizing automation technology and demands that new contact language include more restrictions on its use.

The USMX claims talks have been on hold as the ILA refuses to schedule a meeting. As a result, the USMX is looking to federal mediators to intervene.

Trade groups and retailers are demanding the Biden Administration step up and try to prevent a strike. However, the ILA has asked the White House to stay out of it.

In one week, the American economy could lose an estimated $4.5-$7.5 billion if a dockworker strike disrupted the supply chain. As the flow of goods into and out of the U.S. comes to a halt, prices for many consumer goods will likely spike as supply dwindles.