A potential strike by longshoremen from Maine to Texas threatens to disrupt retailers’ shipments before the busiest shopping time of the year. http://bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20220828retailers_fear_port_strike_would_stall_holiday_shipments
The lockout could force retailers to shift shipments to Western coast ports or Canadian ports, but that may also cause significant congestion and delays as well as add burdening expenses.
In response to the conflict NRF President and CEO, Matthew Shay, urges management and labor organizations to resume port contract talks:
“We are facing a critical time,” Shay said, noting that some retailers have already enacted contingency plans to ensure that holiday merchandise will reach store shelves in time. “Now that there is a real risk of disruption, most retailers using the East and Gulf Coast ports will be forced to executive contingency plans within the next week to meet in-store holiday deadlines. These plans carry great expense but they are necessary to avoid disruptions that will add costly delays to our members’ supply chains.” http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=News&op=viewlive&sp_id=1421
