Trump Weighs In on Longshoremen's Contract Talks, Advocates Against Port Automation
President-elect Donald Trump has entered the ongoing contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and maritime employers, expressing his support for the union’s opposition to increased automation in ports. However, both ocean carriers and port operators have urged the incoming administration to weigh the broader impacts of this position on U.S. businesses and consumers who rely heavily on port operations.
In a statement posted late Thursday on Truth Social, Trump argued that investments in automation at American ports do not justify the “distress, hurt, and harm” they inflict on American workers, particularly longshoremen. He emphasized that terminal operators and shipping companies should prioritize investing in the workforce rather than in costly machinery that requires constant replacement.
This statement followed a two-hour meeting Trump held with ILA President Harold Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett earlier this week. This was the second time Trump has met with ILA leadership; he previously spoke with Harold Daggett during his campaign in November 2023.
Trump’s remarks resonated with many of the concerns raised by the ILA during its negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) for a new six-year contract that will cover East and Gulf Coast ports. He highlighted the significant profits earned by ocean carriers, pointing out that the ILA recently reported that top container lines under USMX amassed $385 billion in net profits between 2020 and 2023.
“For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American workers,” Trump stated, reinforcing the union’s call for job security.
In response to Trump’s support, Harold Daggett expressed his gratitude, stating that he was “grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous support for American ILA longshore workers.” Daggett expressed hope that Trump’s stance on automation would help resolve the current impasse that has stalled negotiations for a new master contract.
“I hope this strong support from President Trump will encourage USMX to eliminate any language regarding automated or semi-automated equipment in their proposals moving forward, allowing us to secure a new master contract without disruptions,” Daggett added.
After agreeing to a contract extension that is set to expire on January 15, the ILA paused negotiations with the USMX, citing the employers’ insistence on maintaining language that allows for semi-automation at ports—provided both parties agree. The ILA is now pushing to remove that provision entirely, arguing that technologies like rail-mounted gantry cranes, which can be operated remotely, diminish the need for longshore workers.
In a statement released late Thursday, the USMX countered that technological investments are crucial for enhancing worker safety, boosting port efficiency, increasing capacity, and strengthening supply chains. They underscored that efficient ports are vital not only for ocean carriers and longshore workers but for the overall economy.
“It’s clear that President-elect Trump, USMX, and the ILA all share the goal of protecting and creating well-paying American jobs at our ports,” said the USMX. “However, this contract encompasses more than just our ports; it is about ensuring American consumers have support and granting U.S. businesses access to the global marketplace—benefiting everyone from farmers to manufacturers to small businesses and innovative start-ups seeking new markets for their products.”
As negotiations continue, the outcome will significantly impact the future landscape of American ports, the workforce, and the economy at large.
