DeKalb GA News

The potential strike by union workers at America's ports has been averted, with the unions attributing the resolution to President-Elect Donald Trump. The leaders of the unions involved in the dispute credit Trump for helping to reach an agreement that prevents disruption to the nation's supply chain.

A deal was reached between port terminal operators and the longshoremen’s union, just days before Trump's inauguration. The two parties announced in a joint statement: “We are pleased to announce that ILA and USMX have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year ILA-USMX Master Contract, subject to ratification, thus averting any work stoppage on January 15, 2025.” They added that this agreement protects current jobs and lays out plans for modernizing ports while creating more employment opportunities.

Harold J. Daggett, International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), praised Trump following a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December 2024. He stated: “President Trump clearly demonstrated his unwavering support for our ILA union and longshore workers with his statement 'heard round the world' backing our position to protect American longshore jobs against the ravages of automated terminals.”

Daggett further emphasized Trump's role in preventing what could have been a significant strike across ports from Maine to Texas: “President Trump’s bold stance helped prevent a second coast wide strike at ports from Maine to Texas that would have occurred on January 15, 2024, if a tentative agreement was not reached.”

The ILA now regards Trump as "one of the greatest friends of Organized Labor and champion of the working men and women of this country." Daggett concluded by saying: “He’s a hero to our ILA union and members,” attributing full credit for their successful contract agreement to Trump.