It’s crunch time at the California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in terms of a possible strike by clerical workers.

According to Reuters, the clerks’ union presented its final contract offer to 17 shipping firms on Saturday, July 21.

If the clerks go on strike, leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have said their members will honor the picket lines – effectively shutting down the two ports.

That would also idle thousands of truckers who haul container cargo from the ports.

The clerks presently earn about $78,000 a year, but, at one point, were asking for more than $110,000 annually.

The shippers countered with a $2-an-hour increase offer.