Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), has become a controversial figure due to the ongoing dockworkers’ strike affecting U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Here are the key points about the situation:
Strike Impact and Daggett’s Stance
The strike, which began on October 1, 2024, has significantly disrupted shipping operations, affecting about half of the country’s ocean shipping[1]. Daggett has been unapologetic about the strike’s impact, emphasizing the union’s determination to secure better terms for its members.
Criticism and Controversy
Daggett has faced criticism on several fronts:
Lavish Lifestyle: Reports have highlighted Daggett’s high salary and luxurious possessions, including:
- An annual salary of $728,000 from the ILA and an additional $173,000 from a local union branch[1]
- A 7,000-square-foot mansion in New Jersey[3]
- Ownership of multiple yachts (though he reportedly recently sold a 76-foot yacht)[1][4]
- A Bentley convertible[3]
Negotiations Breakdown: The strike resulted from failed negotiations between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over wages and automation concerns[1].
Political Connections: Daggett’s relationship with former President Donald Trump has drawn attention, though the ILA supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election[4].
Union’s Defense and Threats
The ILA has strongly defended Daggett against what they call a “vicious smear campaign”:
- They argue that Daggett has faced death threats and harassment[2].
- The union condemned the New York Post for publishing aerial photographs of Daggett’s home, citing safety concerns[2][3].
- Daggett’s attorney has demanded the removal of these images, stating they put Daggett and his family at risk[3].
Strike Justification
The ILA maintains that the strike is necessary to secure fair compensation for its members:
- They rejected a proposed wage increase, arguing it was insufficient given the high-value equipment operated by members and current minimum wage levels[3].
- Daggett emphasized the sacrifices made by ILA members, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic[1].
The situation remains tense, with significant economic implications as the strike continues to affect major U.S. ports.
Citations:
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/harold-daggett-owns-more-yachts-than-elon-musk-ila-strike-9599564/lite/
[2] https://ilaunion.org/ila-president-and-chief-negotiator-harold-j-daggett-subjected-to-death-threats-and-harassment-including-new-york-post-publishing-his-home-address-putting-his-safety-at-risk/
[3] https://www.newsweek.com/port-strike-leader-harold-daggett-rails-against-smear-campaign-1963199
[4] https://www.newsweek.com/harold-daggett-salary-trump-connection-us-port-strike-1962260
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojEKhhuiwfU
[6] https://san.com/cc/who-is-harold-daggett-the-union-boss-leading-the-port-strike/
[7] https://nypost.com/2024/10/02/business/union-boss-harold-daggett-rages-against-e-zpass-for-costing-union-jobs-in-video-weeks-before-strike-shut-down-ports/
[8] https://nypost.com/2024/10/02/business/harold-daggetts-sprawling-nj-mansion-has-bentley-5-car-garage-and-guest-house/
Source: Midtown Tribune