In the first strike, all East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, in almost 50 years, dockworkers from Maine to Texas walked out on strike at midnight this morning. The International Longshoremen’s Association represents some 40,000 dockworkers at 36 ports who are demanding higher wages and guarantees that jobs won’t be automated.

Dockworkers at dozens of U.S. ports are digging in for a massive pay increase, seeking to flex their power in a strike that aims to strangle the flow of trade across much of the country.“This is going down in history what we’re doing here,

The ILA has no plans for picketing at Port Canaveral, although Kellem said his local's members plan to picket on their days off at Florida ports that are affected by the strike, including ones in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa.

Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas are on strike, a standoff that may affect prices on items including food and cars. The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight,

Ports slowdowns on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico could mean delays for manufacturers, grocery stores and holiday retailers.