U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday expressed support for the anti-automation stance of the 45,000 union dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, whose labor talks have stalled over the issue. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) face a Jan. 15 deadline to finalize negotiations, which have been at an impasse due to automation concerns. The deadline comes just five days before Trump’s inauguration.
The ILA argues that automation threatens jobs, while employers contend it is crucial for maintaining U.S. port competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy. Trump criticized automation projects in a post on Truth Social, stating that the cost savings from automation are not worth the harm it causes to American workers. His remarks followed a meeting with ILA President Harold Daggett.
The union and employers had reached a deal to end a three-day strike on Oct. 3, with the union securing a 62% wage increase over six years, facilitated by the White House and other officials from President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump noted that companies like Switzerland’s Mediterranean Shipping Company, Denmark’s Maersk, and China’s COSCO Shipping are booking record profits, partly due to access to U.S. markets. He argued that foreign companies should prioritize spending on American workers rather than costly, replaceable machinery.
ILA President Daggett expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, hoping it would pressure USMX to remove proposals for automated equipment. USMX emphasized the need for modern technology to enhance worker safety, boost port efficiency, and strengthen supply chains while increasing port capacity.
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