Dennis Daggert, the vp of the Worldwide Longshoremen’s Affiliation (ILA), shared encouraging phrases following a gathering with President Trump on Thursday as contract negotiations loom following a pause of the dockworkers strike in October.
The ILA represents 45,000 employees at 36 ports from Maine to Texas.
Daggert famous that Trump understands “the significance of the work our members do each single day.”
Daggert shared an open letter on ILA’s Fb web page following the assembly:
Expensive Brothers and Sisters,
I had the honour of assembly with President-elect Donald Trump yesterday, and I wish to share an expertise I by no means imagined in my wildest goals. All through my profession, I’ve by no means seen a politician—not to mention the President of the US—really perceive the significance of the work our members do each single day. However yesterday, President-elect Trump not solely demonstrated that understanding but additionally confirmed the utmost respect for the arduous work, sacrifices, and dedication of our membership.
He was not simply attentive to our considerations; he was receptive and genuinely engaged in a dialogue concerning the existential risk automation poses—not solely to the Longshore sector however to our communities and the very material of this nice nation. It’s uncommon to fulfill a frontrunner who really listens, and even rarer to seek out one who’s keen to behave.
Let’s put politics apart for a second, as I do know it may be difficult for some to know. However I witnessed one thing extraordinary firsthand—this man really needs to struggle for America and its working class. In over 25 years of working in Washington, I’ve by no means seen a Republican take up the mantle for working-class folks. President-elect Trump proved me unsuitable yesterday.
He didn’t simply inform us in personal that he helps employees—he made it clear to the entire world.
As we transfer ahead, allow us to concentrate on the alternatives forward. I’ll proceed to struggle in your jobs, our communities, and the way forward for the working class on this nation.
In solidarity,
Dennis A. Daggett
Government Vice President
Worldwide Longshoremen’s Affiliation
In October, the dockworkers ended a brief strike after reaching a deal on wages.
“The Worldwide Longshoremen’s Affiliation and the US Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative settlement on wages and have agreed to increase the Grasp Contract till January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining desk to barter all different excellent points,” The Worldwide Longshoremen’s Affiliation and the US Maritime Alliance mentioned in a joint statement.
The deal prolonged their present contract via Jan. 15 to offer time to barter a brand new contract, which is able to now happen underneath President Trump’s management.
Whereas a deal was made on wages, the union made clear that problems with additionally job safety within the face of creeping automation should be addressed.
