The union representing 45,000 East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers and a group representing employers will resume negotiations next month toward reaching a new six-year contract ahead of a Jan. 15 deadline, they announced on Friday. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union agreed to end a three-day strike on October 3 after securing an agreement for a 62% wage increase over six years with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group, following significant involvement from the White House and other Biden administration officials. This work stoppage was the first large-scale strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in nearly 50 years, briefly disrupting the flow of approximately half of the nation's ocean shipping. The negotiating committees are scheduled to meet in New Jersey next month, both parties stated in a joint release, with the objective of agreeing on terms to be presented to workers for ratification. They jointly expressed a desire to finalize a new agreement as soon as possible but declined to comment on any specific issues before the resumption of talks. A key unresolved issue remains the implementation of automation at the ports, officials informed Reuters. The Biden administration is concerned about the possibility of another work stoppage next year, a senior official indicated. The union had previously insisted that the employer group halt port automation projects, which they argue jeopardize jobs. The tentative deal announced earlier this month would increase average wages to approximately $63 per hour from $39 per hour over the contract's duration. This increase is contingent upon the...