Harold J. Daggett is seeking big raises for longshoremen on the East and Gulf Coasts who have fallen behind workers on the West Coast.The New York Times reports that Harold J. Daggett, the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, is advocating for significant pay increases for longshoremen on the East and Gulf Coasts who have fallen behind their counterparts on the West Coast.

Nearly two decades ago, Daggett faced accusations of being involved in the mob’s control of the powerful union. However, he was acquitted of these charges and has since risen to become the union’s president. Now, he is leading a strike at a dozen major ports on the East and Gulf Coasts, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and limits on labor-saving technology.

Daggett has framed the strike as a battle against large multinational corporations that have profited greatly during the pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. He believes that his 47,000 members have the upper hand, as their work is essential to the functioning of industries such as automakers and retailers.

Some experts believe that Daggett’s position gives him significant leverage in negotiations. According to William Brucher, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, “If they stop working, the goods stop moving. They have real economic power and leverage.” 

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