The vice president of a union representing thousands of dockworkers said after a recent meeting with President-elect Trump that the incoming commander in chief understands "the importance of the work our members do every single day."
Dennis A. Daggett, executive vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents the 45,000 dockworkers that went on strike in October, said he met with Trump on Thursday. The U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents port employers, agreed when the strike ended to extend dockworkers' contract until Jan. 15 – five days before Trump is inaugurated.
ILA and USMX had come to terms on a substantial pay hike for workers, but talks broke down in November over an ongoing dispute over implementing automation at ports, which the union claims is a threat to union jobs. The USMX argues automation would improve safety and efficiency.
"I had the honor of meeting with President-elect Donald Trump yesterday, and I want to share an experience I never imagined in my wildest dreams," Daggett wrote Friday morning on Facebook.
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"Throughout my career, I’ve never seen a politician—let alone the President of the United States—truly understand the importance of the work our members do every single day," he continued. "But yesterday, President-elect Trump not only demonstrated that understanding but also showed the utmost respect for the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of our membership."
Trump shared Daggett's post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday. The incoming president said in an earlier post that he met with the president and vice president of ILA on Thursday, noting that he is on the side of the union when it comes to automation.
Daggett said Trump was attentive to the group's concerns, receptive and engaged in a discussion about the "existential threat" automation poses to the Longshore sector, American communities and "the very fabric of this great nation."
He said it is "rare to meet a leader who truly listens, and even rarer to find one who is willing to act."
"Let’s put politics aside for a moment, as I know it can be challenging for some to grasp," Daggett said. "But I witnessed something extraordinary firsthand—this man truly wants to fight for America and its working class. In over 25 years of working in Washington, I have never seen a Republican take up the mantle for working-class people. President-elect Trump proved me wrong yesterday."
"He didn’t just tell us in private that he supports workers—he made it clear to the whole world," he continued.
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Daggett concluded: "As we move forward, let us focus on the opportunities ahead. I will continue to fight for your jobs, our communities, and the future of the working class in this country."
USMX reportedly has a meeting set up with Trump's transition team, although it is unclear when the meeting will occur.
