Potential port strike looming in Boston, other East and Gulf Coast ports NBC Boston [Video]

MIDNIGHT UPDATE: Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and automation.

With a strike deadline looming, the union for 45,000 dockworkers and the group representing East and Gulf Coast ports had exchanged wage offers, leaving a ray of hope that a deal could be reached without a major work stoppage.

In a statement, the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents 36 ports from Maine to Texas, said that both sides had moved from their previous positions. The alliance said it also asked the union to extend the current contract.

The International Longshoremen’s Association was threatening to strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday in a move that could silence ports that handle about half the ship cargo coming in and going out of the U.S.

A message was left Monday evening seeking comment from the union.

“We are hopeful that this could allow us …