Dockworkers at the Port of Newark are pledging to stay on the picket line 24 seven until a new contract deal is reached.

Some businesses and distributors say at just two days into the strike, they're already feeling the effects.

Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis has the latest.

The energy is not changing.

We're committed to stay out here until we get a fair contract.

The energy here is we're all in this together.

We're not going to stop fighting and whatever our union needs, we're going to hold this picket line until they tell us not to.

It's day two of the biggest port workers strike since 1977.

Longshoremen and other workers at the docks walked off the job at 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coast yesterday.

No contract work.

Their demands for a 77% wage increase that they say is fair, considering the billions in profits that their employer, the U.S. Maritime Alliance or U.S. Amex has made.

And they're fighting automation projects that they say could cost members their jobs.

They were buoyed by the support of union delegates today, reminding them of their leadership's efforts.

While they're out here picketing.

You guys are unbelievably strong.

Dennis and Harold Howes on his way to Baltimore.

Standard issue down there.

Dennis is working with the senators right now for the state.

I just want, you know, we are grinding away, and we've really, really, really love what you guys are doing.

All of you, ladies and gentlemen.

Hang in there.

We're going to win this damn thing.

All right?

And then there was this.

Show of support from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that sent a massive truck caravan past the picket line.

And a visit from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

You look like you ain't going nowhere.

The trucks.

So now we need to have.

And damn, we need that, like today.

And that's because retail owners are furiously calculating the goods they have in stock.

And how long those will last while the ports remain closed.

Folks like Kyle Staffa, who owns staff a stone in Ocean County.

Currently, we are fortunate that we have product sitting on the ground that I can sell for for today or tomorrow, but I don't have enough, resources or product sitting on the ground for six months.

Staff says delays will impact his ability to complete jobs like home construction projects.

Chris Butler heads the Cranford based National Tree Company, which sells artificial Christmas trees and decor.

He's concerned the strike could impact his busy season that drives most of his profits.

If the strike lasts for 1 to 2 weeks or more, then that will put us in considerable difficulty and a significant hit to the cash flow.

It would mean a significant hit to profitability will survive, but albeit with a significant dent in all of those metrics for sure.

Yesterday, trucks were still moving up and down the streets, able to ship goods that had already come in through the ports.

But today, as you can see, the streets are so much quieter.

And if this strike continues by tomorrow, the roads could be clear.

We're probably going to see an impact, probably not in the next couple of days.

But if this strike goes on into next week and longer, I think that's when you're going to start to really feel the impact, because a lot of the materials are in warehouses, maybe they're out the plants already.

But the concern is the longer the strike goes on, the more concerned we're going to grow.

President Biden has urged U.S. medics to come to the table and present, quote, a fair offer to the workers of the island, saying that foreign ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic, when longshoremen put themselves at risk to keep ports open.

It's time those ocean carriers offered a strong and fair contract that reflects Ila worker's contribution to our economy and to their record profits.

USMX put out a statement late yesterday saying our current offer of a nearly 50% wage increase exceeds every other recent union settlement, while addressing inflation and recognizing Ely's hard work to keep the global economy running.

We look forward to hearing from the union about how we can return to the table and actually bargain.

A union rep told us today that no talks have happened, but they are ready to talk as this prolongs itself.

It may present a problem to local municipalities like Newark.

So we need to make sure that it doesn't prolong and go further.

And so at some point, somebody should intercede.

U.S. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su is urging both sides to sit down together, but so far they're standing oceans apart.

In Newark, I'm Joanna Gagis NJ Spotlight News.