(NAFB.com) – Shippers have less than two weeks to prepare contingency plans if workers strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports in the U.S. Composed of 85,000 members, the International Longshoremen’s Association is approaching the expiration of its master contract with the United States Maritime Alliance, or USMX, on September 30. The union’s chances of averting an Oct. 1 strike are dwindling as automation concerns and wage disagreements stall negotiations. ILA President Harold Daggett has been clear about the union’s intentions to strike and shared a strike mobilization plan earlier this month. A strike would have a major impact on operations and the flow of goods at several ports. The contract between the ILA and USMX covers ports in states such as Texas, Maine, New York, New Jersey and Florida, but a strike could spur disruptions for other regions and industries. West Coast, Canada and Mexico ports are seen as viable alternatives if a strike becomes reality.