Harold Daggett Biography
Harold Daggett is the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), a powerful labor union representing dockworkers across the U.S. He has held this position since 2011, after a long career within the ILA, including leadership roles in Local 1804-1. Under his presidency, Daggett has led negotiations on several key labor contracts, focusing on protecting union jobs from automation in the shipping industry. His efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that ILA members maintain strong job security and high wages.
Daggett has been an advocate for workers’ rights and has consistently opposed the increased use of automated systems in ports, arguing that workers can outperform machines. He has been involved in major labor disputes, including the current port strikes in 2024, which have brought national attention due to their potential economic impact. The strike, led by Daggett, marks the first significant action by the ILA since 1977 and reflects ongoing tensions with shipping companies over wages and working conditions.
In addition to his labor activities, Daggett has garnered attention for his luxurious lifestyle, which includes a high salary, a yacht, and other assets. Despite these controversies, Daggett remains a prominent figure in the labor movement, continuing to advocate for longshoremen and dockworkers in the U.S.
Harold Daggett Age
Harold Daggett was born on May 12, 1946, making him 78 years old as of 2024.
Harold Daggett Early Life and and Educational Background
Harold Daggett was born and raised in Queens, New York, where he developed a strong connection to labor from a young age. His early life was characterized by involvement in community activities such as scouting, where he distinguished himself as a Cub Scout and later as a Boy Scout with Troop 127.
While specific details about Daggett’s formal education remain limited, it is known that he started working in the maritime industry at a young age, eventually joining the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in 1967.
Harold Daggett Career
Harold Daggett is a renowned leader in the labor movement, particularly within the maritime and longshoremen industries in the United States. His career spans decades, marked by significant roles within the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), where he has been instrumental in shaping policies, securing worker rights, and negotiating major contracts. Known for his fierce opposition to automation and his commitment to improving the working conditions of ILA members, Daggett’s legacy in labor leadership is well established. Let’s take a look at his career:
Early Involvement in the Maritime Industry
Harold Daggett began his career in the maritime industry in 1967, starting at the ground level and quickly making a name for himself through his dedication and work ethic. His deep-rooted connection to the longshoremen industry stems from a family tradition of maritime work. He steadily rose through the ranks of the ILA, taking on increasingly significant roles that helped him develop a reputation as a strong and capable leader. His early involvement in the industry allowed him to build relationships with workers and union leaders alike, laying the foundation for his later leadership roles.
Leadership at ILA Local 1804-1
One of Daggett’s most notable roles was as president of ILA Local 1804-1, a position he held for 14 years. During his tenure, he worked to improve conditions for longshoremen and was instrumental in negotiating better pay and working conditions. His leadership was widely recognized, and when he stepped down in 2011, the local honored him by naming him President Emeritus. His influence at Local 1804-1 set the stage for his larger role within the ILA, where he continued to advocate for workers’ rights on a national scale.
Secretary-Treasurer of the Atlantic Coast District
In 1991, Harold Daggett was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Atlantic Coast District (ACD) of the ILA, one of the most influential positions within the union. This role expanded his responsibilities to a broader geographic area, giving him oversight of dockworkers along the Atlantic Coast. He was re-elected to this position in both 1995 and 1999, which is a testament to his effectiveness and leadership.
Election as ILA President
Harold Daggett’s career reached its peak in 2011 when he was elected President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). This role put him at the helm of one of the most powerful unions in the United States, representing dockworkers at ports across the country. Under his leadership, the ILA has successfully negotiated several six-year contracts with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), ensuring that its members remain some of the best-compensated blue-collar workers in the country. Daggett’s presidency has been marked by his opposition to port automation, which he views as a direct threat to longshoremen’s jobs.
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Protecting Workers from Automation
One of Daggett’s signature achievements as ILA President has been his staunch opposition to automation in ports. He has successfully negotiated contract provisions that prevent the widespread implementation of automated systems, which he argues would lead to significant job losses among dockworkers. Daggett has convinced management counterparts that human workers outperform machines, ensuring that ILA members remain central to port operations.
Expansion of International Influence
Under Harold Daggett’s leadership, the ILA has expanded its influence on the global stage. Upon his election as president, Daggett affiliated the ILA with the International Dockworkers Council (IDC), which represents 140,000 dockworkers in ports across five continents. This move solidified the ILA’s position as a key player in the international labor movement. Daggett has also strengthened the ILA’s relationships with the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the AFL-CIO, further expanding the union’s influence and reach.
The 2024 ILA strike
The 2024 strike led by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) marks the first significant labor action taken by the union since 1977. The strike began on October 1, 2024, after the ILA’s six-year contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents port employers, expired without a resolution. The dispute centers on key issues such as wages, automation, and job security for dockworkers across major U.S. ports along the East and Gulf Coasts.
A central demand of the ILA in this strike is a wage increase of 61.5% over six years, reflecting concerns that dockworkers’ pay has not kept pace with the massive profits reaped by shipping companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. USMX has reportedly countered with a proposal that includes a nearly 50% wage hike, improvements to healthcare, and enhanced retirement benefits. However, the most contentious issue is automation. Harold Daggett, ILA president, has made it clear that the union will not accept any agreement that allows for increased automation, which threatens to eliminate longshoremen’s jobs.
The strike has garnered national attention due to its potential economic impact. With 45,000 ILA members walking the picket lines at 14 major U.S. ports, there are widespread fears of supply chain disruptions, rising prices, and shortages of essential goods. This labor action, if prolonged, could send shockwaves through the U.S. economy, particularly as the presidential election approaches, placing additional pressure on policymakers and the shipping industry to find a resolution.
Harold Daggett Salary and Income
Harold Daggett, as the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), earns a substantial salary. In 2023, he received $728,000 from the ILA for his leadership role. Additionally, Daggett earned another $173,000 from ILA Local 1804-1, where he holds the title of President Emeritus. These combined salaries bring his total annual income to over $900,000.
Harold Daggett Net Worth
Harold Daggett has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2024.
Harold Daggett Family
Harold Daggett is a family man who has three children: Lisa, Dennis, and John. He also has six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Harold Daggett Son
Harold Daggett’s son, Dennis Daggett, plays a significant role in the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), serving as the Executive Vice President and President of ILA Local 1804-1, following in his father’s footsteps. 2023, Dennis earned $388,000 as Executive Vice President of the ILA and an additional $314,000 from ILA Local 1804-1.
Harold Daggett Yatch
Harold Daggett once owned a luxury yacht named “Obsession.” This 76-foot yacht became a symbol of Daggett’s affluent lifestyle, reflecting the wealth he accumulated during his long and successful career in the maritime labor industry.
In recent years, Daggett reportedly sold the yacht, prompting comments from public figures such as Elon Musk, who humorously remarked on social media that Daggett “had more yachts than me”.
FAQs
Who is Harold Daggett?
Harold Daggett is the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), one of the largest and most influential unions in the United States, representing dockworkers.
When did Harold Daggett become president of the ILA?
Harold Daggett was first elected president of the ILA in 2011 and has been re-elected multiple times since, currently serving his fourth term.
What is Harold Daggett’s stance on port automation?
Daggett is a strong opponent of automation in ports, believing that it threatens the jobs of dockworkers. He has successfully negotiated contracts to limit the impact of automation on ILA jobs.
What notable contracts has Harold Daggett negotiated?
Daggett has negotiated several six-year master contracts with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), ensuring that ILA members are some of the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the U.S.
What is Harold Daggett’s salary?
In 2023, Harold Daggett earned a salary of $728,000 from the ILA, along with an additional $173,000 from ILA Local 1804-1.
What are Harold Daggett’s key achievements as ILA president?
Daggett’s key achievements include protecting jobs from automation, securing high wages, and expanding the ILA’s influence internationally through affiliations with organizations like the International Dockworkers Council (IDC).
Where does Harold Daggett live?
Harold Daggett resides in Sparta, New Jersey, where he lives with his family.
Has Harold Daggett received any honors for his work?
Daggett has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award in 2022 and being inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame.
What is Harold Daggett’s stance on the 2024 ILA strike?
Harold Daggett is leading the ILA’s first major strike since 1977, advocating for better wages and opposing port automation during negotiations with USMX.
