President-elect Donald Trump expressed his backing for dockworkers as their contract expiry approaches next month at the Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He emphasized that any additional automation in these ports would adversely affect workers’ livelihoods.
In a recent social media update, Trump revealed his meeting with Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, along with Dennis Daggett, the executive vice president of the union. In his post, he claimed, “After studying automation extensively, I’m aware that the financial savings do not outweigh the distress and damage it inflicts on American workers, particularly our Longshoremen. Foreign businesses have thrived in the United States through access to our markets, yet they should not prioritize profits at the expense of countless families.”
The International Longshoremen’s Association has until January 15 to finalize a new agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which advocates for ports and shipping firms. A central conflict in this negotiations relates to whether ports should implement automated systems like gates, cranes, and container-moving vehicles, which could enhance unloading and loading speeds. The union contends that such automation would eliminate jobs, despite most industry experts arguing that heightened efficiency could ultimately lead to better wages for the remaining workforce.
The Maritime Alliance noted that the contract negotiations extend beyond just port operations. They emphasized the importance of these agreements for American consumers and businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and small enterprises seeking to expand their market reach. They asserted that modern technology is essential for improving worker safety, enhancing port efficiency, increasing capacity, and fortifying supply chains, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Trump.
In October, dockworkers represented by the union went on a three-day strike, underscoring concerns that a longer shutdown could exacerbate inflation by hampering the unloading of container ships and the exportation of U.S. goods. This situation places Trump in a complex position as he has promised to lower prices while also pledging to support blue-collar workers, alongside embracing advanced technologies that have garnered him favor from the elite of Silicon Valley, including influential figures like Elon Musk.
Trump portrayed the issue as one of American workers versus foreign companies. Nevertheless, modernizing ports is crucial for maintaining competitiveness on the global stage. Notably, China has announced plans for a $1.3 billion port in Peru, which could host vessels that exceed Panama Canal capacity.
There is a looming prospect that shipping companies may consider operations at alternative ports, which might lead to further job reductions. For instance, Mexico is developing a highly automated port, while sophisticated ports are already operational in Dubai, Singapore, and Rotterdam. Instead, Trump suggested that port authorities and shipping industries should avoid “machinery, which is costly and constantly requires replacement.”
He argued that foreign companies seeking access to U.S. markets should prioritize hiring American workers rather than laying them off and repatriating profits to their home countries. Emphasizing an “America First” philosophy, he concluded, “It’s time to prioritize American labor!”