PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The bustling waterfront cargo terminals the Port of Virginia operates in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News could fall silent by Monday night if a deal on a new contract between dockworkers and an alliance representing East coast port operators isn’t reached.
Earlier this week, the state-run port authority revealed it will halt operations by 6 p.m. Sept. 30 if a strike occurs — meaning, nothing in or out. Plans include times for trucks, trains and ships to be off port property.
As part of their preparation, the port is also extending hours this coming weekend in an effort to handle as much cargo as possible before the longshoreman’s current contract expires.
Roughly 45,000 workers will be walking off the job between Maine and Texas if the International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance don’t come to agreement by Oct. 1.
Thousands more jobs remain hanging in the balance.
Longshoremen at key US ports threatening to strike over automation and pay