Tens of thousands of dockworkers are set to strike as soon as Oct. 1, potentially snarling dozens of ports along the East and Gulf coasts with major implications for the U.S. economy. A shutdown of the ports would cost the economy up to $4.

The ports that would be affected by a potential strike bring over half of the nation's knitted and non-knitted apparel, valued at $32.8 billion combined, as well furniture valued at $23.4 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

It's increasingly likely that thousands of dockworkers at major ports along the East and Gulf coasts will strike on Oct. 1, those close to the parties tell Axios. Why it matters: Americans would feel this one.

By Lisa Baertlein, David Shepardson and Daniel Wiessner LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Employers negotiating a labor contract at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports on Thursday filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the union,

Shipping companies filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the International Longshoremen's Association, which threatens to strike Oct. 1.

Norfolk International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, Newport News Marine Terminal, Pinners Point Container Yard, Portsmouth Chassis Yard, Reefer Service Area and the Damage Annex could

Major shipping ports along the East Coast could shut down as early as next week due to a labor dispute. Tens of thousands of dockworkers have threatened to go on strike if their union cannot reach a deal to renew their contract with the operators of those ports.