Talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which represents 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group appear deadlocked on wage issues ahead of a Sept.

For the first time since 1977, East Coast port workers are on the verge of a strike. Here's what's at stake, for both workers and consumers.

The N.C. State Ports Authority says it will “recognize any and all work stoppages,” as contract negotiations falter.