NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) — Almost 47,000 dock workers across the United States are on strike including the Port of New Orleans. The International Longshoreman’s Association Union members are saying they want a 77% wage over the next six years and a total ban on the automation of cranes and other equipment.

The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach an agreement overnight, causing union port workers along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico to go on strike until an agreement is met.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association walked out for the first time since 1977 in a standoff over wages, benefits and job security.