Negotiations aimed at averting a strike by more than 750 clerical workers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach were scheduled to continue Wednesday, July 18.

The Associated Press reports that a strike could shut down ship loading and unloading operations at both ports if the International Longshore and Warehouse Union honors picket lines, as union officials have said they will.

Under their last contract, full-time clerical workers at the ports earn $78,000 a year. They also receive a pension, medical coverage without premiums and 20 paid holidays a year.