Trump Opposes Port Automation, Backs Dockworkers Union

President-elect Donald Trump has voiced support for the dockworkers union as they negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance ahead of the January 15 deadline. Trump opposed further automation at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, arguing it would harm American workers. In a social media post, Trump highlighted his meeting with Harold Daggett, president of the International Longshoremen's Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. He criticised automation, stating, "The money saved does not justify the harm caused to American workers, particularly longshoremen." The Maritime Alliance supports automation, emphasising its role in improving worker safety, boosting port efficiency, and strengthening supply chains. However, the union contends that automation could lead to significant job losses despite potential productivity gains. Trump framed the issue as a conflict between U.S. workers and foreign companies benefiting from American markets. He urged ports and shipping companies to prioritise hiring American workers over investing in automated machinery, reiterating his "America First" stance. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between preserving jobs for blue-collar workers and adopting advanced technologies to remain globally competitive, as ports in China, Dubai, and Singapore move toward greater automation. (ET)