Dockworkers Praise Trump for Labor Support as Port Strike Looms

President-elect Trump backs dockworkers in automation dispute, signaling a shift in Republican engagement with labor unions.

Dennis Daggett, VP of the Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), commended President-elect Trump for his understanding of labor issues and support for dockworkers' concerns over automation.
The ILA, which represents 45,000 dockworkers, temporarily halted a three-day strike in October after securing a 61.5% pay raise, but automation remains a major unresolved issue in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).
Trump publicly opposed automation at ports, citing its negative impact on American workers, and pledged to address dockworkers’ concerns during his presidency.
The ILA has set a January 15 strike deadline if an agreement banning automation is not reached, raising fears of significant economic disruptions to supply chains and trade.
This marks a notable shift in Republican engagement with labor unions, as Trump continues to gain traction among working-class voters and union leaders traditionally aligned with Democrats.