The U.S. dockworkers’ strike impacting major ports from Maine to Texas began Tuesday, posing a major threat to the supply chain that could impact Americans’ ability to get products including shoes, car parts,

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The 45,000 dockworkers who went on strike Tuesday for the first time in decades at 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas may wield the upper hand in their standoff with port operators over wages and the use of automation.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas could shut down if a union representing about 45,000 dockworkers carries through with a threatened strike early Tuesday.