Trump Strongly Supports Longshore Union Amid Potential Port Strike
President-elect Donald Trump has once again voiced his support for the longshore union as tensions rise with the looming possibility of a port strike. This past weekend, Trump doubled down on his opposition to automation in port operations, aligning with union dockworkers at the East and Gulf Coast container ports.
On Saturday, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to amplify a message from Dennis Daggett, Executive Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). Daggett praised Trump for his unwavering support during the union’s extended contract negotiations with employers on the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast.
Trump’s Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
The support from Trump follows a recent meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida with both Dennis Daggett and his father, Harold Daggett, President of the ILA. In a heartfelt social media post, Dennis Daggett expressed gratitude towards Trump, noting, "Throughout my career, I’ve never seen a Politician – let alone the President of the United States – truly understand the importance of the work our members do every single day."
Union and Employers Standoff
The endorsement by Trump comes as contract negotiations have hit an impasse between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The core issue remains automation, with the union arguing that it is a threat to jobs, whereas the USMX contends that automation is crucial for keeping ports globally competitive.
As both sides face a January 15 deadline to finalize a new agreement, they are reminded of the potential impact—tens of thousands of union workers at numerous ports, spanning from Massachusetts to Texas, could be affected.
Previous Strike and Pay Raise Discussions
In October, a three-day strike by the union demonstrated the significant impact of such actions, bringing container and roll-on/roll-off traffic to a standstill. The intervention by Acting Labor Secretary Julie Tsu saw an end to the strike, leading to negotiations that included a notable pay increase for workers—though this may be jeopardized if no agreement is reached before the deadline.
Trump's Public Support
While Trump has publicized his backing for the union, it remains uncertain what actions he might take should a prolonged strike occur. Pre-election, President Joe Biden indicated he would not intervene in similar circumstances. However, federal law under the Taft-Hartley Act does allow a president to end a strike if it threatens national interests.
Preparing for Disruptions
Businesses have been bracing for possible labor disruptions by increasing imports ahead of the potential strike and adjusting shipping routes to mitigate impact. Shipping lines like CMA CGM have issued advisories to their customers outlining contingency plans and expected operational halts if a strike commences.
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