West Virginia (CNN)- Americans may soon have trouble finding their favorite foods and popular products.
A significant port strike could start this week, preventing these items from getting to retailers.
Days after Congress prevented a government shutdown, the U.S. economy faces another potential challenge this week.
Union workers at three dozen facilities covered by 14 port authorities from Maine to Texas are threatening to walk off the job.
The deadline is 12:01 a.m., eastern, Tuesday.
It could be the most disruptive strike the U.S. has seen in nearly five decades.
Economists say the potential strike would impact supplies of items such as chocolate, alcohol, fruits, hot peppers, and European cars.
The International Longshoremen’s Association calls for a five-dollar-per-hour pay hike per year over a six-year contract, raising the top hourly wage from $39 to $69 and keeping its current ban on fully automated equipment.
If there is one way for consumers to view this economic glass as half-full, it is that there will be plenty of gifts in stores this December.
Economists estimate that a week-long strike could reduce US GDP by up to $4.5 to $7.5 billion, or 0.1% annualized, for every week it continues.
