WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Midnight is the deadline for the International Longshoreman's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance to agree on a new contract.
The state port in Wilmington is just one of many ports where a lockdown could happen.
If the union at the port and the U.S. Maritime Alliance don't agree, there will be a full work stoppage, ultimately, having big impacts on workers and consumers everywhere...
Thousands of dock workers will be on strike as of 12:01 Oct. 1, if the International Long Shoreman's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance don't reach a deal.
"I think for the American people, it's best they come to an agreement as soon as possible," said Thomas Fellows, a workforce commentator.
Experts are now weighing in on the potential strike, noting the potential impacts it will have on the economy.
"A two to three-day strike will take two weeks to clear. A one-week strike will bring us into November, and then a two-week strike will bring us into early next year before those containers and ships will be processed," said Danny Munch an American Farm Bureau Federation Economist.
The possible port shutdown would affect consumers, too, especially ahead of the holiday season.
"Since this was an event that we knew could potentially happen, a lot of retailers were bringing in these holiday items ahead of time," said Jason Miller, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Michigan State.
Given the devastation in the western part of North Carolina, a strike couldn't happen at a worse time, as countless supplies and materials will be needed to help rebuild and recover.
As to why the union workers may strike, experts say workers want better pay, they are also fighting artificial intelligence or automation taking over their jobs.
"We will see job loss because of artificial intelligence, in terms of how this could affect Wilmington's economy you're looking at agricultural exports being affected, manufacturing imports, energy imports, consumer goods and so forth," said Fellows.
As contract negotiations remain at a standstill Monday night, It's becoming more likely goods will be at a standstill soon too.
The Maritime Alliance posted a statement Monday saying the two sides have traded counter offers but WECT is told the ILA has not responded and that they still plan to strike.
WECT has reached out to the state port for an on-camera interview and the port has continuously declined.