U.S. dockworkers are heading back to work after reaching a tentative agreement after being on strike since Tuesday. The International

At least 25,000 dockworkers across 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts in the U.S. can return to work amid a tentative agreement made on wages that would extend their current contract until Jan. 15.

The strike, which began on Tuesday after dock workers said management stalled pay increases and refused to provide sufficient protections against automation, threatened to cripple the economy as key imports were set to be held up.

The union for striking dockworkers said Thursday evening they'll return to work at U.S. ports after reaching a tentative deal with the United States Maritime Alliance, ending three Why it matters: There were concerns that if the first port strike on the East Coast since 1977 had continued it could have hit supply chains and drive shortages and higher prices as the U.