US Dockworkers Head Back to Work, Talks Extended to January (2)

US dockworkers agreed to end a three-day strike that had paralyzed trade on the US East and Gulf coasts and threatened to become a factor in the presidential election.

The International Longshoremen’s Association and the US Maritime Alliance extended their previous contract through Jan. 15, the two groups said in a joint statement Thursday. Ports are opening Friday and the two sides will restart negotiations on a long-term agreement, which will include a pay increase of about 62%.

Fears of a sustained emergency swelled through the week, with analysts and industry officials warning that the disruption would quickly extend beyond ...