The union representing dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports has reportedly reached a deal to suspend their strike until January 15. This suspension would allow time for the International Longshoremen’s Association to negotiate a new contract with the US Maritime Alliance.

A person briefed on the matter told the Associated Press that the union is would resume working immediately until at least January. 

The suspension agreement will allow the union and the US Maritime Alliance time to negotiate a new six-year contract. The source said that both sides had reached an agreement on wage increases. US Maritime Alliance represents the shippers and ports.

The union went on strike early Tuesday after their contract expired over pay disagreements and the automation of tasks. The strike affected 36 ports which handle around half of al cargo ships coming into and out of the country.

The president of the union, Harold Daggett, said that the strike would "cripple" the US. “I will cripple you and you have no idea what that means,” Daggett said.

“Everything in the United States comes on a ship. They go out of business. Construction workers get laid off because the materials aren't coming in, the steel's not coming in, the lumber is not coming in. They lose their jobs,” Daggett said, insisting that the companies would be “better off sitting down and let’s get a contract.”