A strike in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach put a halt to the nation’s busiest cargo complex.
Every week Costco in Iwilei ships in between 45 and 65 containers from the west coast. But next week those shipments may not all arrive as scheduled.
"Our Monday boat will be on time, our Thursday boat or vessel that comes in will be a little late," said Tom Burba, Costco Iwilei.
A strike at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has continued into its fourth day.
About 600 clerical workers are in a contract dispute with several shippers and the Longshoremen refuse to cross the picket line.
"Most of the terminals at the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach are idle today, there are about 18 ships at birth or anchor in the harbor, so things are beginning to back up here," Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Employers Association spokesman Steve Getzug said.
The Harbor Employers Association says each ship not loaded and unloaded as scheduled causes a delay.
"Anything that comes in later will take longer to get processes, that potentially puts at risk cargo destined for Hawaii," Getzug said
Horizon Lines has made arrangements with another terminal operator. Matson and Pasha say business has not been impacted by the strike.
Costco says they have a full house of supplies, still some are preparing for the potential delays in goods to the state.
"What I have noticed is the restaurant owners are stocking up, through our business delivery our business has gone much higher because they are worried if they run out of ingredients they will be out of business," Burba said.
Alicia’s Market on Nimitz has been through this before and says consumers should prepare, but not panic.
"If I hear that things are going to be delayed, I have to try and plan ahead of time. I’m sure the prices are going to go up as well," Alicia’s Market owner Leonard Kam said.
Contract talks were to resume Friday, but at last check, the picket line remains.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
