Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), is leading a strike of nearly 50,000 union members at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. This strike has halted the movement of containerized cargo in and out of the United States. Daggett, a former dock worker, is known for his tough and colorful leadership style, often swearing and making threats to bring the world’s economy to a standstill. Despite facing harassment and death threats, he remains steadfast in his commitment to fighting for the union’s demands. Daggett has faced allegations of wrongdoing in the past, including federal racketeering charges in 2005, but was acquitted of most charges and denies any ties to the mob.
Daggett has been involved in high-stakes negotiations seeking a significant pay increase for ILA members. The union is pushing for a $5-an-hour pay raise each year for the duration of the six-year contract being negotiated, which would raise top hourly pay by 77% over the life of the contract. Despite facing criticism for his high salary compared to counterparts in other unions, Daggett remains committed to fighting for what he believes the ILA members deserve. The union’s demands come at a time of record profits for the shipping industry, with industry profits surpassing $400 billion from 2020 to 2023. This period of profitability has given the ILA an opportunity to push for dramatic pay increases for its members.
Daggett has longstanding ties to former President Donald Trump, with whom he has a relationship dating back decades in New York City. While the ILA did not endorse Trump, Daggett met with him to discuss concerns about increased automation at the ports potentially costing union jobs. The union has also supported Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Despite disagreements with federal mediators involved in negotiations, Daggett praised Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for her efforts to broker a deal ahead of the strike. The union’s Political Action Committee has donated more to Democrats than Republicans in the current election cycle.
The strike was triggered by the expiration of the previous six-year contract, not by the US presidential election. The union chose to strike during a period of record industry profits, believing it to be the best time to push for significant pay increases. Despite facing challenges and backlash, Daggett remains resolute in his mission to fight for the rights and fair treatment of ILA members. The union’s demands and actions have drawn widespread attention and criticism, but Daggett remains focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the workers he represents.
