(CNN)– The U.S. economy and consumers nationwide can now breathe easy. Port workers have left the picket like and returned to work on Friday, October 4. It will once again be smooth sailing at the U.S. ports along the east and gulf coasts. Less than a week after the walk-off started, the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance issued a joint statement Thursday saying a tentative deal has been reached. The agreement includes an annual $4 per hour raise for the 6 year contract. Categories: News Tags: U.S. economy