President-elect Donald Trump has publicly expressed strong support for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in its opposition to the introduction of automation in the nation’s ports.
In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump announced his solidarity with the ILA’s stance during its ongoing contract negotiations with international shipping lines and terminal operators.
These negotiations reached a stalemate in November when the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) proposed implementing semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, despite earlier assurances to the contrary.
Trump revealed that he had recently met with ILA President Harold Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett to discuss the issue.
“There has been much talk about automation on United States docks. I’ve studied automation and understand it well,” Trump stated. “The financial savings do not outweigh the distress, harm, and job losses it causes to American workers, particularly our longshoremen.”
Trump criticized foreign companies for prioritizing profits at the expense of American jobs.
“These companies have made significant profits by accessing US markets. Instead of seeking every last penny and investing in machinery that’s costly and requires constant replacement, they should focus on supporting the hardworking men and women on our docks,” Trump said.
He emphasized that ensuring American workers retain their jobs was a personal priority. “For the privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American workforce, not displace them and send the profits overseas.”
The ILA has warned of a potential strike if a resolution isn’t reached before the current contract expires on January 15, just days before Trump’s inauguration. This follows a previous strike that brought port operations to a halt.
In response to Trump’s comments, USMX expressed optimism about collaborating with the incoming administration.
“This contract is about more than just ports – it’s about supporting American consumers and giving businesses access to the global market,” USMX said in a statement.
The alliance highlighted the importance of modern technology, claiming it improves worker safety, enhances port efficiency, and strengthens supply chains.
“ILA members’ compensation increases with the volume of goods moved. Greater port capacity means more goods, which translates to higher earnings for union members,” USMX added.
As the January deadline approaches, the conflict between preserving jobs and adopting technology to boost efficiency remains a contentious issue.
Trump’s support for the ILA has added a new dimension to the debate, raising questions about the future direction of labor and technology in US ports.
