Possible Strike Action by International Longshoremen’s Association in US Raises Concerns for Barbados Businesses and Consumers

The Barbados Manufactures’ Association (BMA) and the Transportation Intermediaries of Barbados are warning about possible strike action by the International Longshoremen’s Association in the United States which could impact businesses and consumers in Barbados.

However, the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is not yet hitting the panic button.

BMA executive director Shardae Boyce said they have placed their membership on guard after reports from several media houses in the United States confirmed the International Longshoremen’s Association is planning strike action once their contract expires today.

This has the potential to impact several local businesses and by extension, consumers in Barbados as such action could result in 35 ports on the East and Gulf Coast of the US shutting down, and possibly deal a crippling blow to the global supply chain. (CA)