The International Longshoremen’s Association, the union that has been on strike since early Tuesday at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, and the management group representing shipping lines, terminal operators and port authorities are close to a deal to end the potentially disruptive work stoppage,

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), an association of companies that operate East and Gulf Coast ports, reached a tentative agreement Thursday to end a two-day strike.

We’re prepared to stay on strike for as long as it takes to secure the wages and protections our members deserve.”