Newark, New Jersey – The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) president, Harold Daggett, has taken the lead in negotiations for the union during a recent dockworkers strike at ports across the United States. This strike, the first of its kind since 1977, comes as the union’s six-year contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired earlier this week.
According to Daggett’s profile on the ALI website, he was elected as president of the ILA in 2011 and is currently serving his fourth four-year term after over 60 years in the industry. During his tenure, he has been credited with securing significant protections for ILA members against the impacts of automation over the past decade.
In addition to his role with the ILA, Daggett also previously served as president of Local 1804-1 for 14 years, before being named President Emeritus of the local in 2011. The union recognized his contributions by erecting a statue of Daggett outside 1804-1’s headquarters in North Bergen, New Jersey in 2023.
Daggett’s leadership and the strike at ports have brought attention to the labor movement, with filings from the Department of Labor revealing his substantial salary from the ALI last year. Additionally, his son, Dennis Daggett, holds leadership positions within the ILA and 1804-1, receiving considerable salaries from the labor groups as well.
In a report from 2017 by The New York Times, Daggett’s ties to the Genovese crime family were mentioned by the Justice Department, who described him as an ‘associate.’ The article also highlighted Daggett’s ownership of a luxurious yacht and his expensive lifestyle, sparking discussions on social media platforms.
The news of Daggett’s earnings and lavish lifestyle has generated interest and commentary on social media, as individuals react to the union leader’s significant salary and previous ownership of a yacht. Notable figures, such as Elon Musk, even made light-hearted comments about the situation, adding to the ongoing conversation surrounding the dockworkers strike and Daggett’s role in the labor movement.