CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas have started walking picket lines in a strike over wages that could cause real problems if it goes on for more than a few weeks. Massachusetts lawmakers demand answers on price-gouging study between Stop & Shop locations Longshoremen at ports up and down the East Coast along with the Gulf Coast are going on strike from a contract dispute. Thousands of workers are currently picketing at the ports, causing a halt in imports and exports and the supply chain. Many goods come in through the ports including food, clothing, cars, and electronics, but the us also exports many items, many of which are perishable agriculture items. One person 22News spoke to is preparing in advance if the strike is prolonged. “I'm concerned about medicines, especially for the children, I was going to go in and buy some baby Tylonel for my grandchildren, in case I don't know,” said Barbra Consolini of West Springfield.  One of the food items that residents could possibly see a big impact on is bananas. The ports that would be affected by the strike handle 75% of the nation's supply of bananas. This is a developing story. 22News will update this story as soon as more information becomes available. Local News Headlines What to expect for October weather in Massachusetts Massachusetts lawmakers demand answers on price-gouging study between Stop & Shop locations Cedar Street in Sturbridge closed due to water main break Magic for Maddie 5K and Carnival fundraiser in Holyoke for brain cancer research WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.