Harold J. Daggett advocating for increased wages for East and Gulf Coast longshoremen to align with their counterparts on the West Coast.
Harold J. Daggett, a former midlevel official of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), is currently leading a strike at a dozen major ports on the East and Gulf Coasts. The strike, which began on Tuesday, has halted most trade activities as the union demands higher wages, better benefits, and restrictions on labor-saving technology. Daggett, who was acquitted of fraud and extortion conspiracy charges nearly two decades ago, is now seeking to secure a favorable agreement for the 47,000 ILA members he represents.
The strike led by Daggett is framed as a confrontation against large multinational corporations that have reaped significant profits amid the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. He argues that the ILA members hold a crucial position in the operations of automakers, retailers, and other businesses reliant on the ports, giving them a strategic advantage in negotiations. Despite his controversial past, Daggett’s leadership in the current strike has garnered support from labor experts who recognize the economic power and leverage held by the ILA members.
William Brucher, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, acknowledges that the ILA’s cessation of work directly impacts the movement of goods, underscoring their significant influence in the negotiation process. Daggett’s assertive stance and the essential role of ILA members in the functioning of the ports position them favorably to secure favorable terms in the ongoing labor dispute.
In conclusion, Harold J. Daggett’s leadership in the current strike at major East and Gulf Coast ports reflects a strategic move to leverage the economic power and essential role of ILA members in the supply chain. As the union demands improved wages, benefits, and technology restrictions, Daggett’s past legal challenges do not overshadow his ability to navigate negotiations and secure a favorable outcome for the ILA members he represents.
Source: The NY Times
