Around 45,000 dockworkers went on strike Tuesday for the first time in almost 50 years, in a move that could temporarily put up to 105,000 workers out of work.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977. Workers began walking picket lines early Tuesday, picketing near ports all along the East Coast.

From Maine to Texas, dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern U.S. are now on strike for the first time in decades. And the work stoppage could snarl supply chains — leading to shortages and higher prices if it stretches on for more than a few weeks.