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Anthony Hylton, Opposition Spokesman on Investment, Trade & Global Logistics
Tens of thousands of dockworkers went on strike at midnight, Monday, shutting down major ports along the East and Gulf coasts and choking off deliveries.
The action by members of the International Longshoremen's Association will cut the flow of many of America's imports and exports in what could become the country's most disruptive work stoppage in decades.
The strike will stop the flow of a wide variety of goods over the docks of almost all cargo ports from Maine to Texas.
These include bananas, European beer, wine and liquor, along with furniture, clothing, household goods and European autos, as well as parts needed to keep US factories operating and American workers in those plants on the job, among many other goods.
It could also stop US exports now flowing through those ports, hurting sales for American companies.
A wide gap remained between the union's demands and the contract offer from the United States Maritime Alliance.
The contract between the workers and port operators came to an end at midnight.
Bad for Jamaica
Reacting to the portworkers strike, Jamaica's Parliamentary Opposition has expressed concern about the likely implications for the country's economy.
Opposition Spokesman on Investment, Trade & Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton says the action could result in a fall-out for Jamaica's import and export trade with the United States.
Mr Hylton says a strike at this time by workers at the US ports, where the bulk of cargo destined to and from Jamaica are shipped, could be damaging for the Jamaican economy.
He says the strike could result in a delay in the delivery of goods and an increase in the cost of goods and services.
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