Dockworkers’ union says Trump understands hard work of members
Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok joins Barron’s Roundtable with his analysis of inflation in America and the Federal Reserve ahead of the Trump transition.
The vice president of the union representing thousands of dock workers said after a recent meeting President-elect Trump that the incoming commander-in-chief understands “the importance of the work that our members do every day.”
Dennis Daggett, executive vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents the 45,000 longshoremen who went on strike in October, said he met with Trump on Thursday after the strike ended agreed to extend the dock workers’ contract through Jan. 15, five days before Trump’s inauguration.
The ILA and USMX had agreed on a significant wage increase for workers, but talks broke down in November amid an ongoing dispute over the introduction of automation at the ports, which the union says is a threat. union jobs. USMX claims automation will improve safety and efficiency.
“Yesterday I had the honor of meeting President-elect Donald Trump and I want to share an experience I never imagined in my wildest dreams,” Daggett wrote on Facebook Friday morning.
TRUMP BACKS MARINE GUARDS UNION ON DEFENSE AUTOMATION, TRANSITION TEAM TO MEET USMX
President-elect Donald Trump rings the opening bell on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on December 12, 2024 in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
“I’ve never seen a politician in my career, let alone the President of the United States, truly understand the importance of the work that our members do every day,” he continued. “But yesterday, President-elect Trump not only demonstrated that understanding , but also showed the utmost respect for the hard work, sacrifices and dedication of our membership.”
Trump shared Daggett’s post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.The president-elect said in a post earlier that he met with the president and vice president of the ILA on Thursday, saying he is on the side of the union when it comes to automation.
Daggett said Trump has been attentive to the group’s concerns, receptive and discussing the “existential threat” automation poses to the Longshore, American communities and “the fabric of this great nation.”
Dock workers go on strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas on October 1, 2024. (MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
He said it is “rare to find a leader who really listens, and even rarer to find one who is willing to act.”
“Come on put politics aside a moment, because I know it might be hard for some to understand,” Daggett said. “But I’ve witnessed something extraordinary in my 25-plus years in Washington that this man really wants to fight for America and its working class I’ve never seen a Republican take on the mantle of working class people in a long time. President-elect Trump proved me wrong yesterday.”
“He didn’t just tell us in private that he supported the workers, he made it clear to the whole world,” he continued.
PORT STRIKE UNION BOSS RILES VS EZPASS, SELF-IMPOSITION.
Dock workers go on strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas on October 1, 2024. (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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Daggett concluded. “As we move forward, let’s focus on future opportunities. I will continue to fight for your jobs, our communities and the future of the working class in this country.”
USMX has reportedly set up a meeting with Trump’s transition team, though it’s unclear when the meeting will take place.
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