SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Dockworkers at the Port of Savannah and other major ports in the East Coast and Gulf regions are close to going on strike if negotiators don’t agree on a new labor contract.

The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have until midnight Tuesday to avoid a work stoppage that experts say could have far-reaching impacts on the local and national economy.

“This will have a pretty big hit,” said Dr. Christian Rossetti, Associate Logistics Professor at Georgia Southern University. “All the truck drivers that come in and out, all the stuff that they buy and sell, all of the warehouses that you’ve seen in Pooler, these are pretty much going to come to a stop. As well as all the activity in and around the port.”

Locally, the Georgia Ports Authority said it employs approximately two thousand longshore workers with staff bracing for the possible work stoppage for weeks.

The G.P.A. said the Authority is not involved in negotiations, but has been preparing.

“Georgia Ports has been operating weekend gates and extended hours since mid-September to help customers and truckers move cargo prior to a potential October 1 work stoppage,” said G.P.A spokesperson Tom Boyd. “We remain hopeful for a smooth settlement and peaceful resolution to keep supply chains moving and competitive.”

Negotiations between the union representing dockworkers and the group representing cargo carriers appear to be at a standstill.

The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents dockworkers, is asking for increased pay and protection from automation for workers who load and unload cargo at ports.

In a statement on its website Monday, the I.L.A. says the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents cargo carriers, has refused the union’s demands as workers are crippled by inflation.

Meanwhile, the U.S Maritime Alliance says it’s filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against the I.L.A., accusing the union of not coming to the bargaining table.

“Labor has some power. They’re trying to exercise it, and especially in the face of increased automation, to try to get some guarantees for job security,” said Dr. Rossetti.

The Port of Savannah is the nation’s third-busiest port for container trade.

Once the current six-year contract ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, the strike would be the first walk off from I.L.A. members since 1977.