Tens of thousands of dockworkers from ports spanning Maine to Texas walked off the job early Tuesday as they went on strike, demanding better wages and protections against automation. The strike comes as the contract between the International Longshoremen's Association union and U.

The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight

Workers who load and unload shipping containers from cargo ships are at an impasse in labor contract negotiations.

Retailers say they can weather a short shutdown but prices are likely to rise and shortages might grow in a prolonged walkout.

Dockworkers on East and Gulf coasts hit picket lines in strike that could bring higher prices and shortages of goods.

Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and automation.

The International Longshoremen’s Association signaled 45,000 members were walking off the job at midnight, kicking off a strike that would cost billions a day.

Dockworkers at seaports on the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike Tuesday after negotiations with port employers over a new contract remained at an impasse.