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U.S. East and Gulf Coast port workers are poised to go on strike at midnight on Monday as negotiations to avert a stoppage threatening container traffic from Maine to Texas have hit an impasse. The labor contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group is set to expire late Monday with no resolution in sight over pay.

The ILA announced on Sunday that a port strike will begin on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. ET, citing the USMX’s refusal to address longstanding wage issues as the reason for the stoppage. This strike would be the first coast-wide ILA strike since 1977, affecting ports handling about half of the nation’s ocean shipping.

No talks are currently scheduled before the deadline, heightening concerns about the potential economic impact of a strike that could disrupt the flow of goods ranging from food to automobiles at major ports. The Business Roundtable has expressed deep concerns about the potential strike, warning of billions of dollars in daily economic losses that could affect businesses, workers, and consumers nationwide.

While a short strike may have limited economic consequences due to pre-emptive measures by companies, a prolonged strike could have significant economic ramifications. The dispute between the ILA and employers like Maersk has raised alarms among businesses reliant on ocean shipping for trade.

As the strike deadline looms, concerns are mounting over the implications for the national economy and the upcoming presidential election. President Joe Biden has indicated he will not intervene to prevent a walkout if dock workers fail to secure a new contract, leaving the situation poised for potential escalation.

Retailers, anticipating disruptions in container shipping, have implemented contingency plans ahead of the holiday sales season. Major players like Walmart and Costco are working to mitigate any impact, but smaller businesses without the resources to stockpile supplies face greater challenges.

Amidst the uncertainty, shippers like Ash Bhardwaj, CEO of Onx Homes, are resigned to the impending disruption. The looming strike poses a significant threat to businesses reliant on East and Gulf Coast ports, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing labor dispute.

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