Md. Governor Praises Longshoremen's Contract Extension - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is commending union dockworkers and port operators for averting a weekend strike or lockout by extending contract negotiations for another month.

The Democratic governor said Friday that the Port of Baltimore is a major part of Maryland's economy.

He says he hopes the International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance can reach a long-term resolution by Jan. 28.

A federal mediator announced the extension Friday.

The dispute involves 14,000 union dockworkers along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. About 1,500 of them work at the Port of Baltimore.