Ron Leibman, chair of McCarter’s Transportation, Logistics & Supply Chain Management Practice, spoke with NJ Spotlight News in an on-air interview about the potential impact of a renewed strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association. The strike that began in October lasted just three days but caused disruptions at key ports, including Newark. It was paused after a tentative agreement was reached to raise wages by 62 percent over six years. However, negotiations are still ongoing regarding the use of automated cargo cranes, a technology the union fears could lead to job losses.
As the January 15 deadline approaches, Leibman warns that consumer prices could rise sharply if the strike resumes. “I see prices rising, I see prices rising quickly,” Leibman said. He added, “I don’t foresee mass shortages.” He noted that East and Gulf Coast ports handle over half of the nation’s shipping traffic, so any disruption could have significant consequences. Shipping companies have urged customers to pick up cargo before the deadline, and some are already re-routing shipments to other locations like California or Canada.