"Trump Backs Dockworkers Union in Automation Fight"
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Trump Stands with Dockworkers Union in Automation Debate
President-elect Donald Trump has voiced strong support for the dockworkers union, opposing increased automation at U.S. ports. On December 12, Trump stated that the financial savings from automation are not worth the "distress, hurt, and harm" it causes American workers.
Trump made his comments after meeting with Harold Daggett, President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), and Dennis Daggett, the union's executive vice president. The ILA, which represents 45,000 dockworkers, is in talks with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to negotiate a new contract before the January 15 deadline. A key demand from the union is to ban automation in port operations, including gates, cranes, and container-moving trucks.
Automation has become a heated topic in these negotiations. It involves using technology to perform tasks with less human input. Trump said in a post on Truth Social, “I’ve studied automation and know just about everything there is to know about it. The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American workers, in this case, our Longshoremen.”
ILA members argue that automation would lead to job losses, while proponents say it could improve efficiency, shorten ship turnaround times, and boost pay for remaining workers.
The debate over automation is part of larger labor tensions. In October, the ILA held a three-day strike over contract disagreements, which ended with a tentative agreement including wage increases and a 100-day negotiation window for a final deal.
The USMX responded to Trump’s remarks, highlighting the importance of modern technology. They stated that advancements like automation can improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, and strengthen supply chains, while ensuring U.S. businesses can compete globally.
“[T]his contract goes beyond our ports,” the USMX said. “It’s about supporting American consumers and giving U.S. businesses access to the global marketplace.” They also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Trump’s administration to bolster the U.S. supply chain and create well-paying jobs.
However, a potential dockworkers’ strike could cause significant economic disruption. According to a report by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a strike could cost the U.S. economy $4.5 billion to $7.5 billion per week.
Trump also criticized foreign companies that profit from U.S. markets but invest in automation rather than hiring American workers. “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American workers instead of laying them off and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump wrote. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”
The ongoing negotiations will determine whether the union and port operators can find common ground, but Trump’s firm stance has already made waves in the debate.