A strike by roughly 45,000 longshoremen at major ports across the U.S. could have significant impacts on Arkansas farmers and consumers if it continues beyond a few days. The strike, over negotiations for higher wages, is the first time in 50 years that workers with the International Longshoremen’s Association have walked off the job. Although workers at the Port of Little Rock are not striking, if the national strike extends, there would be detrimental effects on consumers and goods shipped to inland ports like the one in Little Rock. The strike has already halted about half of the country’s ocean shipping, affecting the transport of goods from food to cars.
Arkansas farmers, especially those shipping through ports in south Louisiana, stand to be impacted as the fall harvest is in full swing. Low water levels on the Mississippi River are already posing challenges for loading barges to full capacity. With cotton production being entirely dependent on container shipping, Arkansas ranks third nationally in cotton production and could see substantial impacts on exports.
President Joe Biden declined to intervene in the strike before the workers walked off the job, urging collective bargaining between the workers and the U.S. Maritime Alliance for a fair offer. The strike comes at a time when Arkansas farmers are already facing financial stress, and a prolonged strike could have larger impacts on agricultural products moving to global markets.
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