NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY/AP) — The union representing 45,000 striking U.S. dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports, including the Port of Virginia, have reached a deal to suspend their strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate a new contract. Cargo operations halt at Port of Virginia as strike begins The International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, in a joint statement, said they "have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the master contract until Jan. 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. "Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease and all work covered by the master contract will resume." The AP reports that union workers will resume working immediately, at least until January, allowing time for the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents major ocean freight and port operators, to negotiate a new 6-year contract. Both sides have also reached agreement on wage increases, but details weren't immediately available. The strike began early Tuesday after the ILA contract expired after disputes over pay and automation of tasks at ports from Texas to Maine. It came at the peak of holiday shopping season at 36 ports that handle about half the cargo from ships coming in and out of the United States. Port strike threatens food supply, causing potential shortages for local food banks Some panic buying reported in Hampton Roads amid dockworkers strike Transportation secretary insists port strike deal is within reach Extended strike could move local ships, containers out west Check with WAVY.com for updates.