HONOLULU -- The labor dispute between Matson Navigation Co. and the unions that represents crew on board their ships still hangs in the balance.

They went back into another marathon session on Friday morning and they are still talking. However, at any time the union could walk out and management could lock out the workers.

The threat of a strike is making many small businesses very nervous.

Local businesses that have been challenged by the economic downturn said the last thing they want to see is a dock strike.

"Keep this economy going. We don't need this right now," said Jim Byxbee, of Homeworks Construction.

Homeworks has had to lay off 20 people since September. Byxbee wants to keep the crew that he has working. However, any disruption at the docks could have a ripple effect.

"We have cabinets sitting on the docks in California and Seattle and we have lumber on the water right now. So, I don't know what we are going to do if they don't arrive. People are going to have to sit home," Byxbee said.

Homeworks said its business is already off by about 25 percent. Instead of higher-end homes the company is doing more modest residences and more home renovations.

Across town, small businesses that rely on big box stores to get their supplies nervously eyed shelves.

"How you are doing on rice?" KITV reporter Catherine Cruz asked Cooke Street Café workers.

"We only have three. So, I don't know what the situation is going to be," said Margaret Harada, of Cooke Street Café.

Running out of rice at plate lunch places is just not supposed to happen.

Depending on where and when the Matson ships are in transit if a strike is called, the impact on companies could be crippling, particularly if a walkout is protracted.

On the other hand, if negotiators can come to terms on a contract, it may take some time to ratify since the crews could be out at sea.

"It will take time, typically two to three weeks," said Charles Khim, of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots.

More than likely there would be some agreement in place for the workers to keep working until the results of the vote are in.