NORTH BERGEN, NEW JERSEY, US — The chance of a strike this fall at US Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports is “growing more likely,” according to the leader of the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA).

The current contract between the ILA, which represents 45,000 dockworkers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents employers, expires on Sept. 30.

“Only 80 days remain before the end of our current contract and we are waiting on USMX,” said ILA President Harold Daggett. “The actions of violating our current Master Contract by some of their members caused us to cancel scheduled negotiations with USMX in early June.”

A strike at the ports would put agricultural containers at risk, according to the Soy Transportation Coalition. Bulk grain terminals in the Gulf Coast operate on separate contracts and should not be impacted by any work stoppage.

The negotiations impact 36 US ports along the East and Gulf Coasts and more than 50% of all US containers. A work stoppage would increase export costs and hurt the US’s reputation as a reliable supplier, the coalition said.

The ILA canceled talks over a system that autonomously processes trucks without labor. The union said it would not meet with USMX until the issue is resolved. It is also waiting for results from an audit for jobs created out of new technology.

Daggett said the ILA rank-and-file members are 100% percent behind him and are willing to “hit the streets” on Oct. 1st, if the union’s contract demands are not met.

“We will not entertain any discussions about extending the current contract, nor are we interested in any help from outside agencies to interfere in our negotiations with USMX,” said Daggett.