5 things to know about longshoremen

The International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance negotiated a 30-day contract extension Friday to avert a potential strike Sunday by more than 14,000 dockworkers that could have brought commerce at major ports along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico to a near-standstill.

1. PORTS THAT ARE AFFECTED

New York-New Jersey; Boston; Delaware River; Baltimore; Hampton Roads, Va.; Wilmington, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Port Everglades, Fla; Tampa, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; New Orleans; and Houston.

2. THE DEADLINE

The parties agreed Friday to a second contract extension, this time for 30 days. Federal mediators are involved, and the White House has urged dockworkers and shipping companies to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.

3. A KEY STICKING POINT

Union members want the Maritime Alliance to drop a proposal to freeze royalties workers get for every container they unload, but the Alliance says longshoremen are well-compensated, earning an average of $124,138 per year in wages and benefits.

4. GOODS THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED

A wide range of items that are transported in containers on ships, including things like flat-screen TVs, sneakers and snow shovels.

5. GOODS THAT AREN'T AFFECTED

Items including military cargo, mail, and perishables such as food.