As the International Longshoremen’s Association approaches the expiration of the current six-year Master Contract covering all ports from Maine to Texas with United States Maritime Alliance in two months, its position negotiating a new agreement is strongly bolstered by expressions of solidarity and support from labor organizations in the United States and globally.
The New York-New Jersey District Council, ILA, and its president Charles Ward, delivered the most recent message of support to International President and ILA’s Chief Negotiator, Harold J. Daggett.
“The New York-New Jersey District Council, ILA reaffirmed this morning the District Council’s full support of International President Harold Daggett and his team during the current contract negotiations,” said its president, Charlie Ward. “We are proud to stand with our leadership and offer all the support we can.”
As the International Longshore and Warehouse Union was about to meet in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for their 39th International Convention, ILWU President Willie Adams sent a powerful message of solidarity to ILA President Harold Daggett.
“The membership of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) stands in solidarity with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) as you negotiate a new agreement with United States Maritime Alliance (USMX),” wrote ILWU President Adams. “It was not too long ago that the ILWU Coast Longshore Division was negotiating a new contract with Pacific Maritime Association. During that time, the ILA provided crucial support to the ILWU and stood in solidarity with our members. It is now our turn to do the same – we stand in solidarity with the ILA and are ready to provide any needed support as you fight for what your members have earned and deserve.”
The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO joined the loud chorus of support for the ILA last month after negotiations with USMX were halted due to contract violations by one of USMX’s member companies.
Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO, issued this statement of support for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which halted contract negotiations with port management this week:
“From coast to coast, we stand strong with union port workers and the 85,000 ILA members who are fighting for a fair contract. For centuries, the longshore industry has provided a pathway to economic opportunity for people of color and other workers who have faced unjust barriers. Since the 19th century, port worker unions have fought to improve working conditions, secure regular employment, and increase wages for dockworkers, longshoremen, and other essential workers who support our domestic maritime industry.”
Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) wrote in a June 21, 20224 letter to ILA President Daggett: “On behalf of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA), we would like to express our unwavering support for a fair and equitable contract in your ongoing contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). During the COVID-19 pandemic, ILA rank-and-file members served as frontline workers who were instrumental in stabilizing the American economy while keeping our nation’s goods and services flowing during the global supply chain crisis. Meanwhile, USMX member companies recorded billions of dollars in profits off the backs of your membership without anyone seeing those ‘earnings’ reflected in modest wage increases.”
The world-wide International Dockworkers Council (IDC) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have added their strong voices of support for the ILA and its members. Likewise, the Maritime Union of Australia – MUA has pledged its full support to the ILA and its members.
“On behalf of my ILA negotiating team and our 85,000 members, I am grateful for these pledges of support as the ILA attempts to negotiate a new agreement with USMX,” said ILA President Harold Daggett. “Knowing that I have so many national and global labor organizations have our backs, fills me with pride and confidence that we are going to deliver a landmark agreement for our members.”
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