NEW YORK (Michigan News Source) – For the first time since 1977, union members in the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are ready to walk the picket lines.

An estimated 45,000 union dockworkers are expected to walk off the job at midnight. That move is expected to shut down ports across the East and Gulf coasts.

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The looming work stoppage threatens to significantly stall the supply chain nationwide. This could lead to higher prices and delays if the strike lasts more than a few days. The strike by ILA members could cause 36 ports to shutter. These ports handle half of the goods shipped into and out of the U.S.

Over the weekend, ILA said members would hit the picket lines at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. As of Monday afternoon, the union continued to blame the United States Maritime Alliance for little progress in contract talks as the deadline approached. Members are asking for higher wages and a ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used in the loading or unloading of freight.

“ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing,” said ILA in a statement.

If the strike last several weeks, it would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season. In addition, Americans could shell out more at grocery stores and retailers.