Port workers strike begins, causing supply chain concerns [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – In the coming days, experts said consumers could start to experience shipping delays or menu items missing from fast-food joints.

“You’ll know why. It’s probably sitting at the port, ready to be unloaded,” said Dr. Dorian Williams, Dean of the College of Business at Dillard University.

In the absence of a new agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance by Monday’s 11 p.m. deadline, a massive nationwide dockworkers strike began shutting down ports across the east and Gulf coasts. The Port of New Orleans is among those affected.

“Everybody’s hating the longshoremen now, because now they realize how important our jobs are,” said Harold Daggett, president of the International Longshoremen’s Association.