Dockworkers at the Port of New York and New Jersey walked off the job after midnight Tuesday; part of a strike that could have a profound impact on the region’s economy and is the largest the industry has seen in almost 50 years.

Demanding better wages and a promise that their jobs won’t be taken over by automation, about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association stopped work at ports from Maine to Texas as their contract with the United States Maritime Alliance expired. The biggest port on the East Coast is New York and New Jersey and the strike — the first since 1977 — could potentially drive up already inflated prices of goods and food.

At least 35 ships on their way to the region will have to anchor offshore, supervised by the U.S. Coast Guard, while the union tries to reach a deal, according to Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

The longer they sit, the more chance there is for fresh produce to start going bad, according to industry experts. Other imported goods like wine and spirits won’t be able to reach store shelves or restaurant bars.

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