US dockworkers to head back to work after tentative deal

US dockworkers will return to work after a three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports.

The union and port operators reached a tentative deal on pay and extended the current contract to January 15, both sides said Thursday.

The International Longshoremen's Association had launched a work stoppage early Tuesday after negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping companies and terminal operators. The strike was the first walkout by the union since 1977 after negotiations stalled over union demands for significant wage increases and protection against automation-related job loss.