Some 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports are returning to work after their union reached a deal to suspend a strike that could have caused shortages and higher prices if it had dragged

Conley Terminal, the main cargo port in South Boston, will re-open Friday morning, after dockworkers suspended their strike.

The union representing 45,000 striking U.S. dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports has reached a deal to suspend a three-day strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract.