Longshoremen Union President Sends Warning Message About Impact of Strike: ‘This Port Will Never Open Up Again… I’m Not Playing!’
NBC New York/TikTok
The president of the longshoremen’s union detailed the grim reality that could be on the horizon should his striking workers not get a new contract.
The strike began Tuesday as more than 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association stopped working. It has affected 36 ports from Maine to Texas.
In addition to increased wages, the workers are also seeking protection from automation in the new contract. In the meantime, however, there are concerns that the strike will lead to a shortage of goods and, inevitably, a rise in inflation.
On Tuesday, ILA President Harold Daggett joined the picket line in New Jersey to send a strong message about just how harmful the strike will be if their demands aren’t met.
“Those greedy companies are making billions of dollars and they don’t want to share,” Daggett said in an interview posted to NBC New York’s TikTok account. “That’s why we’re out here now, fighting for a contract. We’re gonna fight for it and we’re gonna win it, or this port will never open up again — from here to Houston. I’m not playing games here!
“Nobody knew what the longshoremen were! We didn’t get respected, but now we will! Now we will when they find out malls are gonna shut down because goods can’t come in. Car salesmen are gonna get laid off. Well, guess what? Everything that comes in this country come from the containers off these ships that my men work; and I want the world to know it! Don’t come after us saying we’re greedy Go after those greedy bastards that own these companies in Europe. Go after them! They’re sitting there taking $4 billion bonuses for themselves at Christmas time. That’s gotta stop!”
@nbcnewyork Harold Daggett, President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, leads the strike at the Port of New York and New Jersey this morning. The union of dock workers is demanding better wages and protection against automation technology. #linkinbio #nbc4ny ♬ original sound – NBC New York
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