Labor disputes at ports on both US coasts could disrupt trade in the new year and skew high frequency employment data. In could produce shortages of some consumer goods. The resulting higher prices could filter through into measured inflation. The proximate cause of the disputes differ, but at its heart is a push by the employers to boost competitiveness through forcing changes in labor practices. In 15 ports from Massachusetts to Texas, including the New York and New Jersey, the employers' union association, the U.S. Marine Alliance, seeks to cap the "container royalty", which are payments made to workers based on ... (full story)