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President-Elect Donald Trump has come out in support of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) as the union faces a critical negotiation over automation at US ports.
Some shit you should know before you read: Earlier this year, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) staged a three-day strike in October over concerns about the introduction of automation at US ports, which the union fears could lead to significant job losses. The strike was suspended after the Biden administration brokered a temporary agreement, which included a 62% wage increase for the dockworkers and extended the existing contract until January 15, 2024. While the wage increase was a major victory for the ILA, the issue of automation is still unresolved.
What’s going on now: In an announcement on Truth Social, President-Elect Donald Trump announced support for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in its fight against port automation. In a statement, Trump said, “There has been a lot of discussion having to do with “automation” on United States docks. I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it. The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the US by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt. They’ve got record profits, and I’d rather these foreign companies spend it on the great men and women on our docks, than machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced. In the end, there’s no gain for them, and I hope that they will understand how important an issue this is for me. For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries.”
Another view: The employers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), are insisting on the incorporation of modern automation technologies at US ports to improve efficiency, enhance worker safety, and strengthen supply chains. They argue that automated equipment, such as automated controlled cranes, is essential for maintaining the competitiveness and capacity of American ports. The employers are unwilling to agree to the union’s demands for a complete ban on automation or “airtight language” that would entirely prohibit semi-automation.
This all comes as the ILA has warned it is prepared to go on strike if their demands for stronger protections against automation are not met by the January 15th deadline. According to economic analysts, a prolonged strike could have devastating economic consequences, with analysts estimating losses of up to $1 billion per day and widespread disruptions to global supply chains. Essential goods from automobiles, electronics, and food could become stranded on ships, creating weeks of logistical chaos.
