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President-elect Trump Expressed his support for dockworkers’ protests against automation at US ports this week, and his transition team is set to meet with representatives of port employers, amid threats that a deal will not be reached if no deal is reached before he returns to the White House. So another strike may begin.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union that represents 45,000 dockworkers who went on strike in October, and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents port employers, agreed when the strike ended to extend his contract until January 15 – five days before Trump’s inauguration.
Dockworkers strike at the Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook, Texas on October 1, 2024. Ports on the US East and Gulf Coast were closed in October after ILA and USMX failed to reach a contract agreement. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The two sides agreed to a substantial wage increase for workers, but talks broke down in November over a dispute over implementing automation at the ports, which unions say poses a threat. union jobsUSMX argues that automation will improve safety and efficiency.
Port strike union boss rails against Ezpass, self-checkouts: ‘Machines shut down’
Trump said in a post on his Truth social platform Thursday that he met with ILA President Harold Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett and said he is in favor of the union when it comes to automation.
International Longshoremen’s Association President Harold J. Daggett talked about dockworkers at Maher Terminals in Port Newark, New Jersey going on strike on October 1, 2024. (Brian R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The amount of money saved (by automation) does not even come close to the distress, injury and harm it will cause to American workers, in this case, our longshoremen,” Trump wrote. “Foreign companies have made their fortunes in America by providing access to our markets. They should not be looking for every penny, knowing how many families have been harmed.”
The president-elect added, “They’ve made record profits, and I’d rather these foreign companies spend it on the great men and women we have on our docket than on machinery that is expensive and must be constantly replaced.” ,
Former Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks to guests during a campaign stop at automotive parts manufacturer Drake Enterprises on September 27, 2023 in Clinton Township, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Ultimately, they got no benefit and I hope they understand how important an issue this is to me,” he said. “For the great privilege of access to our markets, these foreign companies should be hiring our incredible American workers, not firing them and sending those profits back to foreign countries.”
ILA union boss lives ‘luxurious’ lifestyle despite leading port strike talks
In response to Trump’s post, the USMX issued a statement saying they appreciated and valued the President-elect’s statement on the importance of U.S. ports, and said it was clear that he, the USMX and the ILA are “all concerned about the security And share the goal of connecting.” “Good-paying American jobs in our ports.”
“But this agreement goes beyond our ports – it’s about supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and to new businesses to sell their products. To innovative start-ups looking for markets,” reads the statement.
The New York Post’s political reporters join ‘Varney & Company’ to discuss the East Coast port strike and the ongoing federal trial of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity and strengthen our supply chains. Compensation of ILA members increases with the more cargo moved. “Grows up – the greater the capacity of our ports and the more goods that are moved, that means more money in their pockets.”
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USMX said, “We look forward to working with the President-elect and the incoming administration on how our members are working to support the strength and resiliency of the U.S. supply chain and support ILA members and millions of workers and businesses. “Those who are making significant investments are making significant investments.” “Across the entire domestic supply chain, improving efficiency and creating even more high-paying jobs for ILA members.”
a source tells Fox Business USMX has scheduled a meeting with Trump’s transition team, but has not said when it is scheduled to take place.
