Dennis Daggert, the Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), recently met with President Donald Trump, a meeting that he described as both enlightening and encouraging as contract negotiations are imminent following a pause in the dockworkers’ strike last October. Representing 45,000 workers across 36 ports from Maine to Texas, the ILA is focused on securing both fair wages and job protection, especially against the increasing threat of automation. Following this meeting, Daggert took to ILA’s Facebook page to express his optimism regarding Trump’s understanding and respect for the hard work of dockworkers.
In his open letter, Daggert reflected on his experience meeting Trump, noting that it was a meeting he never anticipated. He stated that he was impressed by how the President grasped the significance of the work performed by ILA members daily. According to Daggert, Trump exhibited a comprehensive understanding of the existential threat that automation poses not just to longshore jobs but also to entire communities and the nation’s integrity. He acknowledged the rarity of encountering a leader who is both attentive and willing to address these concerns proactively, emphasizing that such engagement was a refreshing departure from previous experiences.
Daggert encouraged the workforce to set aside political differences, emphasizing his astonishment at Trump’s readiness to champion the working class. In over 25 years of experience in Washington, he had not seen a Republican politician advocate fervently for the working men and women. Daggert articulated a sentiment of hope, highlighting that Trump’s messages of support were not only conveyed privately but also made public, effectively signaling the President’s commitment to working-class issues. This newfound alliance offers potential benefits as the ILA prepares for negotiations under Trump’s leadership.
While last October witnessed the ILA ending a brief strike after securing a wage agreement, the contract issues extend beyond just salaries. A significant development was the announcement that the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. reached a tentative wage agreement and extended their Master Contract until January 15, 2025. The extension is critical, enabling both parties to continue negotiations about other pressing issues, particularly those related to job security amidst automation that threatens the livelihoods of dockworkers.
In his letter, Daggert committed to continuing the fight for the jobs and futures of working-class individuals, underscoring the importance of solidarity among union members. He stressed the need for vigilance and proactivity as they navigate negotiations and address challenges borne of technological advancements. The renewed focus on cooperative negotiations may yield fruitful outcomes, especially with support from the federal administration.
While the trajectory of negotiations remains to be seen, the initial meeting between Daggert and Trump offers a promising outlook for ILA members. As the landscape of dockwork and labor continues to evolve with automation looming large, it is critical for organizations like the ILA to engage with political leadership meaningfully. Daggert’s reflections promote a message of hope and collaborative action within the labor movement, emphasizing that the fight for worker protections and fair wages is far from over. The ILA’s focus on job security and fair working conditions, in light of technological changes, is paramount as they work towards a viable contract that ensures stability for their workforce.
