Dockworkers have resumed operations at ports along the East and Gulf coasts, but their union has cautioned that significant unresolved issues concerning automation must be addressed before the current contract extension expires in early 2025. Major terminals reopened on Sunday to facilitate the resumption of container handling following a three-day strike by 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The strike had halted import cargo and caused dozens of ships to wait at anchor outside marine terminals from New England to Texas. It is estimated that up to 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo could have been stranded outside the ports had the strike continued for a full week. The ILA called off its work stoppage late Thursday after reaching a tentative agreement for a 62% pay raise with port employers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). With the involvement of Biden administration officials, both parties also agreed to extend the current master contract until January 15th and recommence negotiations for a new six-year agreement. Key points of contention include benefits, container royalties, and the union's demand to prohibit automation technology at 14 container handling centers across 36 ports. "While securing a substantial wage increase is an important part of the contract, we must also protect our historical work jurisdiction [over specific jobs] and prevent automation from replacing jobs," stated President Harold Daggett in a message to union members.