CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Union port workers are striking for the third day along the east, the Gulf Coast and some Lowcountry grocery stores are in need of a re-stock. Thousands of union workers along the East and Gulf coasts, including in Charleston, walked off the job Tuesday. It’s all over a contract dispute between the International Longshoreman’s Association and the U-S Maritime Alliance. The Longshoreman are demanding a 77% increase in their pay over the next six years and protection from automation.