NORTH BERGEN, NJ ( September 20, 2024) – As we stand just 10 days away from a potential coast-wide strike—the first since 1977—I want to speak from the heart. From Searsport, Maine to Brownsville, Texas, we are about to engage in one of the toughest battles our union has faced in decades. Strikes are never easy, but in today’s world, with labor laws stacked against us and corporate greed at an all-time high, it remains one of the most powerful tools we have in our fight for justice. And make no mistake, we will be on the right side of history.
ILA KEPT CAGO MOVING THROUGH PANDEMIC
Throughout the pandemic, Longshore workers never took a day off. We ensured the shelves were stocked and the supply chains stayed strong, even as we lost far too many of our own. Now, we need the public’s support. The very corporations that profited off our hard work refuse to share those profits with the workers who make them possible. Foreign-owned companies disrespect our workforce, and instead of fair compensation, they increase surcharges while using external crises as an excuse like the drought in the Panama Canal or the conflict in the Red Sea. Just yesterday, a shipper who normally pays $8,000 to ship a container from Asia to New Jersey was billed $30,000. They’ll try to turn the public against us, but know this: our fight is your fight. It’s about respect for all workers, blue-collar and white-collar alike. We all face the same struggles—corporate greed and the erosion of good, family-sustaining jobs. If we don’t stand up now, our livelihoods may be lost forever.
This administration will not stand by while employers show disrespect to our hardworking members. After October 1st, they will never again be able to bench our members for sixty or ninety days over minor infractions. We are done with this system of profits over people. We will not accept automation replacing the men and women who built this industry with their blood, sweat, and sacrifice.
ILA WORKERS: THE CLASS OF THE BLUE COLLAR CLASS
For too long, corporations have looked down on blue-collar workers, refusing to believe we deserve fair compensation. But I see the other side of brilliance from our members every day. If you think a degree makes you superior, I challenge you to come down to our crane, straddle, or RTG shops and witness the skill and precision of our mechanics. No workforce on earth does it better. Longshore operators, clerks, warehouse workers, and mechanics—all of us perform at the highest level to ensure your products reach their final destination. We are the backbone of this industry, and we demand to be treated as professionals.
This administration is cut from the same cloth as the great Teddy Gleason. We will fight to the end for what we rightfully deserve. Our members are family-oriented, dedicated individuals who love their work and take pride in it every day. We come from all races and cultures, tens of thousands strong, and we will not accept any corporate scheme that robs our children and grandchildren of their future.
ILA UNITED!
In a world where money holds too much power, we cannot settle until we secure a fair and just contract for all East and Gulf Coast dockworkers. This administration is prepared, and we are grateful for the rank and file’s unwavering support. Together, we will fight, and together, we will win! Trust me, We are on the right side of history, and we will secure a contract we can all be proud of.
Remember this: If we are together, it’s impossible to fail.
In solidarity,
Dennis A. Daggett
ILA
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