Longshoremen's strike sparks panic buying – NBC New York

You may have noticed empty shelves in your local store where you would normally find toilet paper.

Although it seems that news of the longshoremen's strike has many panicking and stocking up on paper towels and toilet paper, experts believe this is unnecessary – especially since we don't import toilet paper.

“If you look at some of the things that people are buying that they're really worried about, those are things that are actually made in the United States and travel by train,” said Christine Romans, senior business correspondent at NBC News, TODAY. “That’s just how we behave.”

It is the third day of the port strike as workers demand higher wages and protection from automation. On Thursday, many striking workers brought their children to the picket line to show the world why they are striking: to provide for the future of their families.

The strike is impacting the country's economy, costing up to $1 billion per day.

USMX, an alliance of container shippers and port associations, said it had offered a 50% wage increase, but the International Longshoremen's Association said their wage demands still have not been met, which is why they are striking and will continue to strike for as long as necessary.

Stores from Brooklyn to Staten Island are running out of items that are normally fully stocked: items like paper towels and bottled water. However, these items are manufactured in the United States and shipped by train, so there is no need to stockpile as they are not affected by the strike. When it comes to fresh produce, canned goods, auto parts, electronics and more, it's a different story. These items are lying in container ships off the coast.

Executives are reminding the public that it is still early days in the strike and that retailers have contingency plans in place.

“It is not time to panic when purchasing groceries or other products,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Negotiations continue today.