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Port: Blockades Cost Millions In Lost Activity

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Port of Oakland officials say disruptions caused by protesters likely cost businesses, workers and the surrounding community millions of dollars.

Port spokesman Isaac Kos-Read said Tuesday that officials estimate the port generates around $8.5 million per day in business revenue, wages, taxes and other economic activity.

Protesters began blocking port entrances early Monday morning, leading to a major slowdown of operations when most longshoremen were sent home from the morning shift. Protests in the afternoon and through the night led to the cancellation of two more shifts.

The longshoremen's union said the blockades resulted in about 500 cancelled shifts but that the work will have to be made up to handle the backlogged cargo.

Port officials said normal operations at the port resumed Tuesday morning.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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