Automation was at the center of a long-running labor dispute that threatened to close East and Gulf Coast ports.

Key Takeaways Dock workers and employers at East and Gulf Coast ports have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract.The deal averts a strike that could have restarted when the current deal expires on Jan.

The United States Maritime Alliance said on Wednesday it reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year master contract with the International Longshoremen’s Association.