West Coast Dockworkers Dispute Could Paralyze U.S. Economy

If not, and if the two sides hold out past July, a port stoppage could create catastrophe. "The first day doesn't cost you much; neither does the third or fourth," Cohen said, adding that there comes a point when factories begin running out of supplies. "By the 30th day, my God: it's a grand snowball, and at some point the snowball becomes an avalanche."