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Dennis Daggert (L) meets with President Donald Trump./Image: ILA, Facebook

Dennis Daggert, the vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), shared encouraging words following a meeting with President Trump on Thursday as contract negotiations loom following a pause of the dockworkers strike in October.

The ILA represents 45,000 workers at 36 ports from Maine to Texas.

Daggert noted that Trump understands “the importance of the work our members do every single day.”

Daggert shared an open letter on ILA’s Facebook page following the meeting:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I had the honor of meeting with President-elect Donald Trump yesterday, and I want to share an experience I never imagined in my wildest dreams. Throughout my career, I’ve never seen a politician—let alone the President of the United States—truly understand the importance of the work our members do every single day. But yesterday, President-elect Trump not only demonstrated that understanding but also showed the utmost respect for the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of our membership.

He was not just attentive to our concerns; he was receptive and genuinely engaged in a discussion about the existential threat automation poses—not only to the Longshore sector but to our communities and the very fabric of this great nation. It’s rare to meet a leader who truly listens, and even rarer to find one who is willing to act.

Let’s put politics aside for a moment, as I know it can be challenging for some to grasp. But I witnessed something extraordinary firsthand—this man truly wants to fight for America and its working class. In over 25 years of working in Washington, I have never seen a Republican take up the mantle for working-class people. President-elect Trump proved me wrong yesterday.

He didn’t just tell us in private that he supports workers—he made it clear to the whole world.

As we move forward, let us focus on the opportunities ahead. I will continue to fight for your jobs, our communities, and the future of the working class in this country.

In solidarity,
Dennis A. Daggett
Executive Vice President
International Longshoremen’s Association

In October, the dockworkers ended a brief strike after reaching a deal on wages.

“The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025 to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues,” The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance said in a joint statement.

The deal extended their existing contract through Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract, which will now occur under President Trump’s leadership.

While a deal was made on wages, the union made clear that issues of also job protection in the face of creeping automation must be addressed.