After reaching a tentative deal that suspended a short strike in October, unionized dockworkers and port operators face another crucial test.

Dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association are entering negotiations in an effort to avoid a second port strike in a matter of months.

As tensions over automation grow, 45,000 U.S. dockworkers are threatening a massive strike that could paralyze ports along the East and Gulf coasts. A standoff could send shockwaves through the economy with East and Gulf Coast ports handling over half of the nation's container traffic,

Back in October, the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike against the U.S. Maritime Alliance at our local ports. The two sides agreed to suspend the strike for 90 days. But the 90 days are up next Wednesday,