SAN ANTONIO – As dockworkers in the United States went on strike Tuesday to demand for better contracts, consumers across the nation are worried about how the strike can affect products, such as groceries.
H-E-B issued a statement on Tuesday stating that the company is in a “strong position” to keep its shelves stocked throughout the day.
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“At H-E-B, we regularly prepare for potential supply chain situations. We do not anticipate any customer impact from the port strike at this time,” the statement said.
H-E-B confirmed the port strike does not impact most of its products.
“Our stores are receiving shipments and are in a strong position that allows our partners to continue to restock shelves throughout the day,” H-E-B’s statement said.
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About 45,000 dockworkers went on strike on Tuesday at 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas over wages and the use of automation.
A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at big and small retailers alike as the holiday shopping season — along with a tight presidential election — approaches.
How will this affect consumers?
The strike could last weeks — or months. If the strike is resolved within a few weeks, consumers probably wouldn’t notice any major shortages of retail goods. But a strike that persists for more than a month would likely cause a shortage of some consumer products, although most holiday retail goods have already arrived from overseas. Shoppers could see higher prices on a vast array of goods, from fruit and vegetables to cars.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
