CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga (WSAV) - Dockworkers across the Atlantic and Gulf Coast are demanding higher wages, and if they don't get it, they're threatening to strike. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) is taking a stand to fight for higher wages for dockworkers across the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. The U.S. Maritime Alliance is trying to agree on the deadline on Sept. 30. The alliance said the association has not been willing to resume negotiations. The Georgia Ports Authority is preparing for the strike by keeping extended hours for trucks to move cargo before Oct. 1. They said they do not have a seat at the table during negotiations. Chatham County Commissioner Chairman Chester Ellis told News 3 this would have a major impact on the region. "We know that the port is one of our number one employees, so we know that if there is a strike it is going to affect us greatly,” Ellis said. A short strike could cause disruptions. A prolonged strike would hurt the U.S. economy and will cause a shortage in consumer products. According to the master contract, port workers at the top of the pay scale earn a rate of $39 an hour or around 81-thousand dollars a year. ILA President Harold Daggett said a sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1.  "If all of that came to a halt that’s going to affect every household in Chatham County,” Ellis said.The alliance said they are willing to resume talks to avoid the first national longshoreman's strike since 1977.