Harold Daggett, the President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, is leading a strike involving nearly 50,000 union members at three dozen port facilities along the East and Gulf Coasts. This strike, the first in 47 years for the union, has disrupted the movement of containerized cargo in and out of the United States. A colorful character with a history in the union dating back to 1967, Daggett is known for his tough demeanor, gold chains, and diamond rings. He has expressed a determination to fight for the union members and their demands, using colorful language and threats to bring the world’s economy to a standstill.
Daggett’s involvement in the strike has drawn increased attention, but it has also led to harassment and death threats. Despite earning a significant salary from his positions within the ILA, including a statue erected in his honor, Daggett has faced criticism and allegations of wrongdoing. These include federal racketeering charges in 2005, which were mostly dismissed, and accusations of ties to the mob. Daggett has denied these accusations and emphasized his dedication to the union and its members.
Daggett has a history of ties to former President Donald Trump, with whom he has had a relationship for decades. In a post on social media, Daggett shared a photo of himself shaking hands with Trump and praised their discussions regarding automation at the ports. The union has not officially endorsed Trump but has supported Democratic nominees in the past. Daggett has also expressed appreciation for Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su’s efforts to mediate a deal before the strike, despite the union’s initial reluctance to involve federal mediators.
The timing of the strike was influenced by the expiration of the previous six-year contract and the union’s desire to capitalize on the record profitability of the shipping industry. Seeking a substantial pay increase for union members, the ILA rejected a company offer and proceeded with the strike, aiming to secure a $5-an-hour increase over the contract’s duration. Despite the potential political implications of the strike during a presidential election, the union felt it was necessary to take action to achieve their goals. Overall, Daggett’s leadership in the strike has brought attention to the issues faced by union workers in the shipping industry and sparked a larger conversation about labor rights and demands in the modern economy.
