Dennis Daggett, the executive vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), recently commended President-elect Donald Trump for his stance on working-class issues, marking a notable shift in his views toward the Republican Party.
In a Facebook post, Daggett expressed his surprise at the meeting he had with Trump, describing it as an experience that defied his expectations. He acknowledged that, despite his previous skepticism, Trump’s commitment to supporting the working class was clear and genuine.
Daggett, who had been cautious about expressing his opinions on Trump and traditionally aligned with Democrats, said that his conversation with the president-elect was eye-opening.
“This man truly wants to fight for America and its working class,” Daggett wrote.
He highlighted Trump’s dedication to the issues facing workers. In his 25 years of experience in Washington, Daggett noted that he had never seen a Republican take up such a strong pro-worker stance.
“He didn’t just tell us in private that he supports workers — he made it clear to the whole world,” he added.
The meeting, which took place in December, addressed significant concerns within the longshoremen community, particularly the threat automation poses to jobs in the maritime sector. Trump, who has taken a protectionist approach to trade, discussed the negative impact automation could have on American workers, including dockworkers. He expressed his understanding of the economic trade-offs associated with automation, emphasizing the potential harm to longshoremen despite the cost savings it might offer businesses. Following the meeting, Trump made public remarks on Truth Social, reiterating his opposition to automation at docks and asserting that the financial benefits were not worth the damage it could do to American workers.
Daggett’s comments come after the ILA had reached a tentative deal in October following a brief strike that disrupted ports on the East and Gulf coasts. The strike, which was largely driven by concerns over wages and the impact of automation, resulted in a temporary agreement that included a 62% wage increase over six years. However, the union’s reluctance to embrace automation, which it sees as a threat to jobs, has continued to be a point of contention in ongoing negotiations. Despite these challenges, Daggett’s praise for Trump highlights a shift in the labor landscape, with some union leaders acknowledging that Trump’s focus on protecting American jobs aligns with their priorities.
In the broader context, Trump’s outreach to labor unions, including his meeting with the ILA, has drawn attention, especially as the Republican Party has increasingly embraced working-class issues and trade protectionism. This marks a departure from traditional Republican opposition to union power and worker protections, as seen in the party’s past stance on labor-related matters.
With input from New York Post and the Wall Street Journal.
