Port workers, shippers agree to meet with mediator to avert strike

The union representing 15,000 East and Gulf Coast longshoremen, including 1,400 Baltimore dockworkers, and the alliance that represents shipping companies and port operators have agreed to meet with a federal mediator to try and divert a strike before the expiration of their contract extension at midnight Saturday, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Talks between the International Longshoremen's Union (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance stalled last week as both sides traded accusations. A strike would…