U.S. ports from Maine to Texas could shut down Tuesday if a union representing about 45,000 dockworkers carries through with a threatened strike. A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at big and small retailers alike as the holiday shopping season — along with a tight presidential election —

Dockworkers along the East coast from Maine to Texas are going back to work Friday after their port strike was suspended, averting a major blow to the US economy and offering relief to shoppers. "Effective immediately,