A strike launched this week by roughly 45,000 port-workers in the US has been postponed after three days.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association walked out of 14 major ports along the US East Coast and Gulf Coast on Tuesday.

The Ministry of National Security in Bermuda said then that it was “closely” monitoring the strike, which stood to have “significant repercussions within the US and internationally”.

Contingency plans were said to be in place to maintain “the steady flow of goods” to the island.

This evening the ministry welcomed the move, with Michael Weeks, the minister, adding: "We are pleased that the strike has been suspended, and that the flow of goods to Bermuda will not be disrupted.

“We remain confident in our contingency plans and will continue to monitor the situation as negotiations progress into January.’

Mr Weeks said collaboration would continue with suppliers and shippers to safeguard Bermuda’s supply chain and keep the island “prepared for future developments”.

The ILA yesterday announced that members would return to work today after a tentative wage agreement and the extension of a master contract to January 15. Talks were expected to continue for the negotiation of outstanding matters.

In Bermuda, the Government earlier warned against stockpiling goods in the lead-up to the strike and explained how shipping companies put in place alternative measures to minimise disruption to the import of goods.

The ILA action began amid concerns about wages and the automation of their jobs.

Ports across the East Coast and Gulf Coast that have links to the ILA were expected to reopen throughout the day.

George Butterfield, of Meyer Freight Ltd, which acts as an intermediary for Bermuda International Shipping Ltd and Somers Isles Shipping Ltd, said that the companies were nearly unaffected by the strike.

He said that the ports that they operate in Salem, New Jersey and Fernandina Beach, Florida, while unionised, we not represented by the ILA.

Despite this, Mr Butterfield added: “As our competitor had cancelled a voyage and potentially would have cancelled voyages indefinitely, BISL’s single biggest concern was having enough refrigerated containers to meet customers demands.

“In the short term, BISL was able to lease additional equipment.

“During the three-day strike, BISL’s greatest challenge was the increased workload on our truckers to position equipment at shipper’s warehouses.

“Due to the short duration of the work stoppage, SISL was not affected.”

Mr Butterfield said that January was considered the slowest time of year for imports to Bermuda.

He admitted that the shipping company would have to contend with winter storms, but was confident that its cargo ship, Bermuda Islander, could weather them well.

Mr Butterfield said: “BISL and SISL are thankful that the strike has been suspended.

“Our hope is the parties will reach an amicable solution.”

He added: “If this situation repeats itself, it’s my hope that importers will prepare earlier and keep a little extra essential supplies on hand.”