CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Port of Virginia longshoremen have joined the strike that has impacted ports along the East Coast, with local businesses preparing for potential disruptions. NBC29 spoke with Charlottesville business owners who expressed concerns about inventory shortages. Tom Phillips of Phillips Discount Furniture noted that, even for products made in the U.S., many components and materials come through the Port of Virginia, affecting supply chains for furniture and technology alike.

University of Virginia economist Ed Burton explained that short-term price increases are likely during the strike. Burton added that President Biden has the authority to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act, which could suspend the strike for 90 days under a “cooling-off period.” However, he believes this is unlikely ahead of the election due to the Harris-Walz campaign’s need for union support. Burton also predicts that while the longshoremen may secure a pay raise, it will likely fall short of their current demand for over 70%. He expects prices to return to near current levels once the strike concludes.