Oct 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden urged the

United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group to

negotiate a fair contract with U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast

dockworkers, who began their first large-scale stoppage in

nearly 50 years on Tuesday.

"I have urged USMX, which represents a group of

foreign-owned carriers, to come to the table and present a fair

offer to the workers of the International Longshoremen's

Association that ensures they are paid appropriately in line

with their invaluable contributions," Biden said in a statement.