Dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association are entering negotiations in an effort to avoid a second port strike in a matter of months.

The U.S. economy dodged a bullet in October when a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association against East Coast and Gulf Coast ports was limit

After reaching a tentative deal that suspended a short strike in October, unionized dockworkers and port operators face another crucial test.

The International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume labor negotiations Tuesday in the hopes of averting a sequel to October’s massive port strike.

Dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts threaten to walk off the job on January 15, over concerns about increased automation and job losses, creating economic uncertainty.

Negotiations aimed at heading off a new strike at the ports up and down America’s East and Gulf Coasts are set to resume Tuesday.

Union workers and port employers restarted negotiations to hammer out an agreement before the January 15 deadline.