North Carolina state port preparing for potential strike as Oct. 1 deadline looms [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – One week from Tuesday, ports in Wilmington and all along the East Coast may face a potential shutdown because of a labor dispute.

The International Long Shoreman’s Association may go on strike Oct. 1 if the union does not get a new contract.

According to the head of the International Long Shoreman’s Association, his members are not going to accept what they consider to be a “lowball wage package” offer from the United States Maritime Alliance.

If a strike happens, it could affect everything from your holiday shopping to the everyday trip to the grocery store.

An East Coast strike hasn’t happened since 1977.

“The ports will not be able to service the vessels, they will not be able to move the cargo. We’re going to be at a standstill,” said Lauren Beagen, the founder and CEO of Maritime Professor and a maritime attorney.

Beagen says the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance still haven’t formally sat down for negotiations.

“It …