CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Port workers all along the East and Gulf coasts are walking out Tuesday morning after a contract was not agreed upon. How you can protect yourself in the event of a weather disaster ILA union docksmen or longshoremen across the east and gulf coasts began their strike at midnight after a new contract was not agreed upon with the port ownership. Over 45,000 workers said they would walk off the job when an agreement was not made with the United States Maritime Alliance and many workers across the east coast began at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning. The U.S. Maritime Alliance did deliver a last-minute offer, which included a nearly 50% increase in wages over 6 years and limited automation, but the ILA rejected it. The ILA's opening offer included a 77% pay raise over six years and a ban on automation. They said it was to account for inflation and lower raises. ILA President Harold Dagget told workers that this strike is going down in history also mentioning, that the port ownership can't last too long without a deal. This is their first strike in 47 years, since 1977. The strike will impact 36 ports including Boston, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia. This strike will greatly impact the imports and exports of the United States. It is estimated that a strike could cost the economy billions of dollars a week 22News spoke with John Rogers, a Professor of Economics and Finance at American International College and he said that if this strike goes on for any length of time, it could cause chaos and disaster. He mentioned that auto parts are a big industry that will feel the impact, but also the exports of agricultural products and perishable foods that if not shipped in time will go bad. Some supply chain experts say consumers won't see an immediate impact from the strike because most retailers stocked up on goods, especially holiday gift items. Local News Headlines Judges stretched thin in busy juvenile court Port workers from Maine to Texas go on strike after contract disputes Springfield man accused of sexual assault in hot tub Montague’s 5th Street bridge closed Tuesday for repairs WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.