More inflation: A looming strike threatens to drive supply down and prices up

Surveys show inflation remains a top concern for most Americans — and no wonder, with groceries and rent up by more than 20 percent since January 2021.

Now it appears more price hikes and supply-chain problems are coming. Union contracts between East Coast port workers and management expire on Sept. 30, and the International Longshoreman’s Association is threatening to strike.

The 85,000-member ILA is aiming for the West Coast port workers’ 2022 pay increase of 32 percent, plus bonuses and hazard pay.