Port Strike Longshoremen President: I Will Cripple You
Harold Daggett, the fiery president of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), emerged as a controversial figure in the labor movement, known for his combative leadership style and hefty compensation package.
Daggett has been at the helm of the ILA since 2011, representing around 47,000 port workers along the East and Gulf Coasts. His tenure has been marked by aggressive negotiation tactics and a willingness to use strike threats as leverage.
Most recently, of course, Daggett led the ILA into a major strike action that began on October 1, 2024, threatening to "cripple" the US economy.
As union president, Daggett commands a substantial salary that places him firmly within the top 1% of earners in the United States.
In 2021, his total compensation package amounted to $710,909, including a gross salary of $595,572. This represents a significant increase from his earnings when he first became president in 2011, which totaled $456,1311. Daggett's compensation has consistently risen over the years, reflecting his growing influence within the union.
Daggett's lifestyle has raised eyebrows among some union members and observers. Reports indicate that he previously owned a 76-foot yacht named "Obsession" and has been seen by union members riding in a Bentley.
Such displays of wealth have led to questions about the disconnect between union leadership and rank-and-file members.
The union president's high salary stands in stark contrast to the median earnings of the workers he represents.
While Daggett earned over $700,000 in 2021, the average longshoreman under the current contract can earn up to $39 an hour, or around $81,120 annually for a standard 40-hour work week. However, with overtime, some dock workers can earn more than $200,000 per year.
Daggett's career has been shadowed by allegations of ties to organized crime.
The US Justice Department accused him of being an "associate" of the Genovese crime family, one of the infamous "Five Families" of the American Mafia.
These accusations have led to legal battles, with Daggett reportedly winning two cases against the Justice Department over alleged Mafia ties.
One of the most shocking incidents related to these allegations involved a key witness in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case against Daggett.
The witness was found decapitated, a gruesome development that added a layer of intrigue and controversy to the legal proceedings. However, specific details about this incident and its direct connection to Daggett remain unclear.
Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, Daggett has maintained a strong grip on the ILA and continues to push for significant concessions from employers.
In the current labor dispute, he is advocating for wage increases of more than 60% over the next six years, arguing that shipping companies have reaped enormous profits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daggett has also taken a firm stance against automation in ports, framing it as a threat to jobs and the livelihoods of union members.
"Machines don't have families," he has stated, emphasizing the human cost of technological advancements in the industry.
As the strike unfolds, Daggett's leadership and negotiation tactics will be put to the test. The outcome of this labor action could have far-reaching implications for the US economy and potentially impact the upcoming presidential election.
Whether Daggett's controversial past and lavish lifestyle will affect his ability to rally support for the union's cause remains to be seen.