For the first time since 1977, East Coast port workers are on the verge of a strike. Here's what's at stake, for both workers and consumers.

The ports that would be affected by a potential strike bring over half of the nation's knitted and non-knitted apparel, valued at $32.8 billion combined, as well furniture valued at $23.4 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The International Longshoremen’s Association’s contract expires Sept. 30, and Eastern and Gulf Coast ports are bracing for a strike starting the next day.