A strike that is potentially just weeks away has the potential to have a weeks if not months-long impact on the U.S. economy.

A strike could start on October 1 if the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) do not reach a deal.

About 45,000 dockworkers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are threatening to strike on Oct. 1, a move that would shut down ports that handle about half the nation's cargo from ships.

Determined to thwart the automating of their jobs, about 45,000 dockworkers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are threatening to strike on Oct. 1.