Dockworkers Union Chief Praises Trump as 'Hero' Following Contract Agreement

Agreement Reached to Avert Dockworkers Strike

The head of the dockworkers union praised President-elect Trump for his support amid contract negotiations with port operators, particularly on the issue of automation. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced Wednesday evening that they had reached a tentative agreement to avert a damaging strike ahead of next week’s deadline.

Trump's Role in the Negotiations

“He’s a hero to our ILA union and members,” ILA International President Harold Daggett said in a Facebook post. “President Trump gets full credit for our successful tentative Master Contract agreement.” In a joint statement, the ILA and USMX declined to disclose details on the deal, which union members still need to approve.

Biden Administration's Involvement

• The two sides previously reached a tentative agreement in October after a three-day strike that included a 62 percent wage increase over the next six years.
• However, they still had to hammer out agreements on workplace issues, including the automation of ports, which the union strongly opposed.
• Negotiations were influenced by President Trump’s social media input on automation after meeting with Daggett at Mar-a-Lago.

Support From Retailers and Federal Officials

President Biden celebrated the tentative agreement, stating, “This shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers.” Retailers also expressed relief over the deal's outcome, recognizing its importance in maintaining supply chains and paving the way for modernization efforts.

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