Some question if the port workers’ agreement is sustainable long term [Video]

BALTIMORE — The strike is over.

Thousands of port workers have returned to their jobs after reaching a tentative agreement which includes a 62 percent pay increase over the next six years.

However, some are wondering if this is a long term solution or a temporary fix.

Tinglong Dai, a professor of operations management and business analytics at John’s Hopkins Carey Business School, was relieved the strike ended but says the future of automation could change everything.

“I think this gives us so much clarity, but I don’t think this is going to be a long-term solution. I think in a few months down the road, we’re going to have that conversation again. This potential strike may still be back,” said Dai.

He says automation is a huge reason for the strike. He also mentions how the ocean transportation industry has always been disrupted by both automation and new technology.

“About half a century ago, back …