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# From Shoes to Alcohol, These Products Will Be Impacted by the Dockworkers’ Strike

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> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: July 2026.

## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner.

### Organization facts

| Attribute | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute |
| Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute |
| Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute |
| Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute |
| Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute |
| Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute |
| Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute |

### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" |
| Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" |
| Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |
| Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" |
| Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" |
| AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" |
| Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" |
| Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |

### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements

*   PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement.
*   The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession.
*   PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms.
*   Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success.
*   PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages.
*   PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world.
*   PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes.
*   PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives.

### FAQ

#### Is a PMP certification worth it?

A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations.

#### What are the best certifications for project managers?

The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation.

#### How does PMI support career growth for professionals?

PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers.

#### What is the PMBOK® Guide?

The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery.

#### How is AI changing project management?

AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment.  PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes.

#### What are the most important skills for a project manager?

Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates.


#### How can I get involved with the PMI community?

Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections.

#### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM?

The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification.

#### How does PMI support social impact?
PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world.


### Sources

*   Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=ec9bccbd-7f33-4165-bcc9-c5f0e4c11063&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)


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![Solcyré Burga](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt122f4a72fb9e4d13/698a3ddb929fad7b69bf9e8d/Sol-Burga-headshot.jpeg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1:1)

by 

[Solcyré Burga](https://time.com/author/solcyre-burga/)


![Solcyré Burga](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt122f4a72fb9e4d13/698a3ddb929fad7b69bf9e8d/Sol-Burga-headshot.jpeg?branch=production&width=96&quality=75&auto=webp)

## Solcyré Burga


Reporter

Updated: Jan 19, 2026 1:24 PM UTCPublished: Oct 1, 2024 5:40 PM UTC

![Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt8fa7d3e5f47686b9/698a5bb3e6e84a0fb52b37aa/GettyImages-2175893190.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

Dockworkers strike outside of the Port of Houston Authority on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Dockworkers strike outside of the Port of Houston Authority on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images

![Solcyré Burga](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt122f4a72fb9e4d13/698a3ddb929fad7b69bf9e8d/Sol-Burga-headshot.jpeg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1:1)

by 

[Solcyré Burga](https://time.com/author/solcyre-burga/)


![Solcyré Burga](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt122f4a72fb9e4d13/698a3ddb929fad7b69bf9e8d/Sol-Burga-headshot.jpeg?branch=production&width=96&quality=75&auto=webp)

## Solcyré Burga


Reporter

Updated: Jan 19, 2026 1:24 PM UTCPublished: Oct 1, 2024 5:40 PM UTC

The U.S.dockworkers’ strike impacting major ports from Maine to Texas began Tuesday, posing a major threat to the supply chain that could impact Americans’ ability to get products including shoes, car parts, alcohol, and certain foods.

The strike, which International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) President Harold Daggett warned could “cripple” the nation’s economy, arose from contract negotiation disputes over wages and other issuesbetween dockworkers and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Thirty-six ports have ceased working due to the strike, barring shipping operations that could come at a $5-billion-dollarcost perday, according to an analysis by J.P. Morgan. 

The actions of the union, which represents some 85,000 workers, have left officials concerned. Numerous products from multiple industries could be affected (though workers have agreed to process any military shipments). “We just don't realize how much comes through those different ports, but it's literally trillions of dollars a year of both imports and exports,” says Gregory DeYong, associate professor of operations management at Southern Illinois University. “Every day is a huge loss to the economy and potential shortages for people shopping at retail.” 

Fifty-three organizations representing manufacturers, farmers, retailers, and more, [wrote a letter](https://www.nccwashingtonreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Joint-Association-Coalition-Letter-to-President-Biden-East-Coast-Gulf-Coast-Port-Labor-Negotiations-Final-091724.pdf) to President Joe Biden on Sept. 17 urging him to help facilitate negotiations. Just one day of striking causes five days of backlog, the letter said. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul [issued a statement](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-32) Tuesday morning warning that the state was diligently working on ensuring that grocery stores and medical facilities have the products they need. Experts say that while the repercussions of the strike will be felt across the country, the disruption to the supply chain of goods did not come unexpectedly in the way COVID-19 did. “These port strikes are disruptions that gave warning,” says Rutgers Business School professor Arash Azadegan. “That helps organizations to be better prepared.”

Here are some ofthe products at stake in the strike. 

## **Fruits, chocolate, and alcohol**

In 2023, U.S. ports took in 39.4 million metric tons in agricultural products worth more than $110 billion, [according to the American Farm Bureau](https://www.fb.org/market-intel/port-strike-could-sink-access-to-foreign-markets/?utm%5Fsource=Social&utm%5Fmedium=Twitter&utm%5Fcampaign=AFBF). 

The Bureau warns that the strike’s billion-dollar impact will especially be felt across the East and Gulf coasts. Nine major ports makeup more than 90% of all East Coast containerized agricultural exports, which can carry anything from animal feed to refrigerated meat products, [per the U.S. Department of Agriculture](https://agtransport.usda.gov/stories/s/U-S-Waterborne-Containerized-Agricultural-Trade/5fu4-yi8t/). 

DeYong says that while some manufacturers began to accumulate goods in preparation for the strike, others, particularly in the agricultural sector, could not. “The biggest things we're going to start to see early on are those perishable items that the retailers could not stockpile,” he says. 

Consumers are likely to feelshortages and delays on bananas, three-fourths of which pass through ILA-handled ports, according to the Farm Bureau. Cherries, canned food, hot peppers, and chocolate, all of which are heavily imported, will also be affected.“Any products we get from South America that, even if we could put them on trains, there's just not enough capacity to bring them up on a train to get here, \[will be impacted\],” DeYong says. He predictsgrapes and avocados will experience shortages.


Alcohol is another impacted category, as the U.S. [regularly imports](https://www.fb.org/market-intel/port-strike-could-sink-access-to-foreign-markets/?utm%5Fsource=Social&utm%5Fmedium=Twitter&utm%5Fcampaign=AFBF) beer, wine, whiskey, scotch, and rum at impacted ports, per the Farm Bureau. "U.S. ports are vital to the import and export of distilled spirits. In 2023, 77% of U.S. distilled spirits exports and 43% of distilled spirits imports passed through the ports that would be impacted by a strike," the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said in a statement. "This is a critical time for the spirits sector as companies are shipping products in advance of the important holiday shopping season, which represents 20 percent of total sales. Any disruption of port operations could bottleneck supply chains, delay product deliveries, and result in product shortages both in and outside of the United States."

The U.S. may also experience problems in the reverse: getting products out of the country.Soybean farmers and poultry producers will likely [experience domestic oversupply](https://www.fb.org/market-intel/port-strike-could-sink-access-to-foreign-markets/?utm%5Fsource=Social&utm%5Fmedium=Twitter&utm%5Fcampaign=AFBF) if they aren’t able to sell their products overseas. 


## **Shoes**

The American Apparel and Footwear Association was one ofthe retailers that signed a letter to Biden. The organization imports more than 50% of its U.S. apparel, footwear, and accessories along the East and Gulf ports, [according to a September press release](https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/AAFA%5FNews/2024%5FPress%5FReleases/Apparel%5FFootwear%5FIndustry%5FUrgent%5FCall%5FBidenIntervene%5FPort%5FNegotiations.aspx). 

“This disruption would occur during peak holiday shipping season and raise the price of goods even higher, sending inflation skyrocketing,” the statement said. “This potential shipping crisis will create a scarcity of goods while goods that are still available will be costly for American families.”

The American Home Furnishings Alliance, Fashion Accessories Shippers Association, Florida Retail Federation, and others also signed the letter. 

## **Auto parts** 

The autocare industry also heavily relies on the East and Gulf Coast ports. The Auto Care Association [warns](https://www.autocare.org/news/latest-news/details/2024/10/01/auto-care-association-urges-biden-administration-to-act-on-national-port-strike) that the strike would make it difficult for repair shops and distributors to meet demands for certain products and parts. 


“More than four million Americans working in the auto care industry count on the steady flow of automotive parts and products through our ports each day to do their jobs,” said Bill Hanvey, president of the Auto Care Association, in a press release. “Each day that this strike continues, not only does our industry lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars in business, but the nearly 300 million Americans who drive are more at risk on the road as access to service and repair of their vehicles diminishes.” 

Last year, nearly a quarter of all automotive parts were imported through the affected ports, according to the press release. While many companies have recently diverted their goods to West Coast ports in anticipation of the strike, those ports are also being overburdened. 

“Just because we're getting our products through a West Coast port, doesn't mean we're actually going to get that,” says DeYong. “Demand is high at the West Coast ports now because they're open. They don't have the capacity to handle everything so there's going to be congestion.” 


The cost of shipping goods has also risen, meaning consumers will be seeing an increase in prices of products.

## **Electronics** 

The U.S. depends on getting electronics from Asian countries, including China, which regularly send over microchips. That dependency, Azadegan says, means people might experience shortages of certain electronics like cell phones. 

## **Medical supplies** 

Experts say that people should not stress over the strike’s impact on medical supplies. Unlike other goods, these products or prescriptions can often be shipped through alternative routes such as by aircraft. “Yes, it's going to cost more. Yes, there might be more pain and agony for your supply managers and logistics managers, but at the end of the day, I think most hospitals and most clinics and healthcare institutions are able to pay somewhat extra to get their supplies,” says Azadegan. 

How Dockworkers’ Strike Will Impact Food, Other Products

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