A 78-year-old union chief rallies dockworkers to reclaim their power in the face of automation.

  • Harold Daggett leads a coastwide strike for dockworkers, the first in nearly 50 years.
  • The strike targets major ocean shipping companies that have seen profits surge during the pandemic.
  • Daggett demands a 77% pay increase for dockworkers, raising hourly wages from $39 to $69.
  • The strike aims to halt automation and secure longshore labor’s role in global trade.
  • Daggett’s leadership style is characterized by a combative approach and strong rhetoric.

Harold Daggett, the 78-year-old president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, ignited a coastwide strike at the Port of New York and New Jersey early Tuesday morning. Addressing a crowd of union members, Daggett declared, ‘We’re going to show these greedy bastards you can’t survive without us!’ His passionate speech highlighted the threats posed by automation and emphasized the critical role dockworkers play in the economy. This strike marks the first coastwide action in nearly 50 years, as Daggett leads tens of thousands of dockworkers in a fight for better pay and job security. nnThe strike targets the world’s largest ocean shipping companies, which have profited significantly during the pandemic. Daggett is pushing for a historic 77% pay increase, raising the base hourly wage for dockworkers from $39 to $69. While employers initially offered a 40% increase, they raised their offer to 50% under pressure from the White House, but Daggett insists it’s not enough. nnWith the expiration of the last contract, Daggett aims to leverage the strike to force shipping companies to meet his demands. He believes that by disrupting trade, he can highlight the importance of dockworkers in the supply chain. Daggett’s leadership is marked by a fierce commitment to labor rights, and he has a history of combative negotiations. nnAs the strike unfolds, Daggett warns that if the Biden administration intervenes, dockworkers will slow operations deliberately. His tenure has not been without controversy, having faced accusations of mob ties, which he has denied. Despite this, Daggett remains a formidable figure in labor, advocating for the rights and recognition of dockworkers across the nation. nnAs the strike continues, Daggett’s determination suggests a lengthy battle ahead, with the future of dockworker wages and job security hanging in the balance.·

Factuality Level: 6
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the union’s strike and Daggett’s leadership, but it includes some sensational language and personal anecdotes that may detract from its objectivity. While it presents factual information about the strike and the economic context, the use of profanities and dramatic quotes could be seen as exaggeration. Additionally, the mention of Daggett’s past legal issues, while relevant, could lead to bias in perception. Overall, it balances factual reporting with some subjective elements.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of Harold Daggett’s leadership and the ongoing strike, highlighting the significance of dockworkers in the U.S. economy. It includes relevant data and context about the labor movement and the impact of automation. However, it also contains some sensational language and personal anecdotes that may detract from a more analytical perspective.·
Private Companies: International Longshoremen’s Association,Maher Terminals
Key People: Harold Daggett (President of the International Longshoremen’s Association), Dennis Daggett (Senior roles in the International Longshoremen’s Association and mechanics local chapter)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The strike by dockworkers could disrupt supply chains and impact shipping companies’ operations, affecting the broader economy and consumer prices.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a significant labor strike involving dockworkers, which directly affects the shipping industry and has implications for trade, supply chains, and the economy as a whole. The potential for increased wages and the impact of automation on jobs also relate to financial considerations.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Political Crisis
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Major
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses a significant coastwide strike by dockworkers, which is a major political and labor event affecting the economy and trade. The strike has the potential to disrupt supply chains and impact various sectors, indicating a major impact on the economy.·
Move Size: 77%
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Large
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com