NewsCovering Colorado

Actions

Workers at major ports are on strike, how it impacts southern Colorado

Posted
and last updated

COLORADO SPRINGS — Tens of thousands of workers at major ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast are now on strike. Where we may see an immediate impact here in Colorado is at the grocery store.

Colorado Motor Carriers Association says the dockworkers' strike is concerning. They say the longer the strike lasts, the bigger the damage it could bring for trucking businesses.

The association says you may see a shortage and higher prices of produce at local grocery stores.

"The impact will be much more substantial," said Greg Fulton, President of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association.

Hearing unexpected news that surprised thousands of local trucking businesses, Fulton says the dockworkers' strike could have ripple effects on the whole economy.

"Most immediately it's going to impact food and produce… essentially in (a) few days," said Fulton.

"If they can't come to east coast ports and the strike goes all the way from Texas to New York, you are going to have to go around Panama Canal to the west coast," said Scott Van Ness, an instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

If items don't make it to the ports, trucking businesses may have to make tough decisions.

"The fact is, it's not getting (to) those locations," said Fulton. "You have people starting to look into... should I cut back our work or lay off folks?"

Fulton says he waits and hopes the strike will end soon.

___



Prop. 130 Would Increase Funding For Law Enforcement Across Colorado

In November, Colorado voters will decide whether to give $350 million in state funding to local law enforcement agencies across the state and a one-time $1 million payment to families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Former clerk believes Tina Peters case illuminates the influence of election denial rhetoric

News Tips
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.