East Coast Ports Paralyzed: ILA Strike Highlights Union's Unique Approach

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has initiated a strike that has brought East Coast ports to a standstill, affecting shipments from Maine to Texas. This action, led by Harold Daggett, the union's president, showcases the ILA's unique approach to labor relations and negotiations.

Founded in 1892, the ILA has a rich history of representing dock workers along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, as well as the Great Lakes and major U.S. rivers. The union's current strike, its first since 1977, comes at a critical juncture, coinciding with heightened political tensions just weeks before a major election. However, labor experts emphasize that the timing is dictated by the contract's expiration date set six years ago, rather than political considerations.

Harold Daggett, 78, known for his confrontational style, is demanding substantial wage increases for ILA members. The union is seeking a 61% raise over six years, while the U.S. Maritime Alliance has offered 50%. Daggett's aggressive approach is evident in his statement from a New Jersey picket line:

"These companies ... they don't give a ---k about us. Well, we're gonna show them they're gonna have to give a ---k about us. Because nothing's gonna move without us."

The ILA's structure and leadership differ significantly from other major unions. Daggett is one of the highest-paid union leaders in the country, earning over $900,000 in 2023, despite overseeing a moderately sized union of 85,000 members. In contrast, the Teamsters president, representing over a million members, earned $250,000 in the same year.

The union's political affiliations are complex. While the ILA primarily donates to Democrats, Daggett maintains a friendship with former president Donald Trump. The union endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 but has not yet made an endorsement for the upcoming election.

Longshoremen face significant challenges in their work, including irregular hours and safety risks associated with heavy machinery and cargo handling. The ILA has been at the forefront of adapting to technological changes in port operations, including computerized systems and the containerization of cargo that began in the 1950s and 1960s.

The current strike focuses on securing higher wages and protecting jobs against automation threats. The ILA has historically negotiated master contracts covering multiple ports simultaneously, demonstrating its significant influence in the maritime industry.

Daggett's leadership style, while controversial, appears to have strong support among rank-and-file members. His background includes a third-generation longshoreman heritage and involvement in organizing pickets during the 1977 strike. Despite past legal challenges, including an acquittal in a 2005 federal corruption case, Daggett has maintained his position and influence within the union.

As the strike continues, its impact on the economy and supply chain is becoming increasingly apparent. The ILA's ability to "cripple" port operations, as Daggett warned, underscores the critical role longshoremen play in global trade. The outcome of this labor action could have far-reaching consequences for the shipping industry and potentially influence future labor negotiations in other sectors.