Democrats should be ashamed of themselves.
The president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has publicly praised President Donald Trump for his instrumental role in helping to broker a successful contract negotiation between dockworkers and port operators. This agreement, which was reached just ahead of a looming strike deadline, addresses key issues, most notably the potential impact of automation on American workers.
ILA President Harold Daggett took to social media to express his gratitude, calling President Trump “a hero to our ILA union and members” for his support during the tense negotiations. In his statement, Daggett credited Trump for playing a pivotal role in securing a tentative Master Contract agreement between the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which, while still subject to approval by union members, is set to avert a major strike that could have disrupted critical supply chains.
Details of the deal have not been publicly released, but the two sides had been in negotiations for months, with a tentative agreement already reached in October. That agreement had included a 62 percent wage increase for workers over six years, but talks stalled on the issue of automation, a matter the union fiercely opposed. With the Jan. 15 deadline looming, Trump’s involvement helped push the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
President Trump had previously weighed in on the automation issue after meeting with Daggett at his Mar-a-Lago estate, publicly voicing his strong opposition to port automation. “The sum of money saved is not anywhere near the trouble, hurt, and pain it causes for U.S. workers,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. His statement, described by Daggett as the “statement ‘heard round the world,’” became a rallying cry for union workers determined to protect their jobs against the growing tide of automation in American industries.
While the Biden administration had been involved in earlier stages of the negotiations, their role was not highlighted in Daggett’s remarks. Instead, Trump’s firm stance on workers’ rights and his vocal opposition to automation were seen as critical in securing a fair deal for American dockworkers.
This agreement also brings relief to industries across the nation, including retail, which had feared disruptions to their supply chains. The National Retail Federation expressed relief over the resolution, emphasizing that the deal would ensure timely delivery of goods and allow for important modernization efforts at ports. These advancements are essential for keeping America’s supply chain competitive and resilient in the face of global challenges.
In a broader sense, this deal underscores the importance of leadership that stands firmly with American workers and their livelihoods. While President Biden may have applauded the successful negotiations, it was President Trump’s hands-on involvement that proved crucial in protecting American jobs from the encroachment of automation. This contract is a win for hardworking Americans and a reminder of the power of leadership that prioritizes workers over corporate interests.