The international labor coordinator of the International Dockworkers’ Council (IDC), Jordi Aragunde, has granted an exclusive interview to NAUCHERglobal from New York to analyze the aftermath of the historic dockworkers’ strike on the East Coast of the United States. In the conversation, Aragunde emphasizes the achievements made, particularly regarding wages, the challenges that remain, and the importance of international solidarity in the fight against automation that threatens jobs in the port sector. The union leader highlights the IDC’s firm stance in defending workers and the need to protect port communities from corporate pressures. Additionally, he reveals details about the union’s upcoming strategies to strengthen the global maritime alliance and ensure a fairer and more equitable future for dockworkers worldwide. This interview provides an inside look at ongoing negotiations, the role of governments, and the importance of union leadership at a crucial moment for the future of port labor.
Can you explain the current situation of the conflict on the U.S. East Coast between the ILA and the employer association USMX following the recent strike over the new Master Contract?
We are at a crucial moment in the history of port workers. The strike has been tough and historic. Thanks to international pressure, solidarity among dockworkers worldwide, and the strong organization of the ILA, we have forced companies to concede. At this point, a wage increase has been achieved, but the real challenge now is ensuring that the new Master Contract shields our professions from the threat of automation. This not only affects our jobs but also destroys entire communities. We will not accept automation being used to strip our brothers and sisters of their livelihoods.
With this agreement, U.S. port workers have also sought to demonstrate their commitment and responsibility to society for two reasons: not interfering in the country’s presidential elections next November and, more importantly, providing aid to the thousands affected by the recent storms on the East Coast, as they did during the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, it is worth noting that the ILA has also made a $100,000 donation for support materials for those affected.
A new negotiation period has now opened until mid-January 2025, so meetings will be intense, and we must not let our guard down at any moment—on the contrary, we must remain firm and not yield. I want to remind you that the current contract, now extended, already includes an anti-semi-automation clause, and on the other hand, dockworkers have had government support to ensure companies come to the negotiating table.
Automation has been one of the most contentious issues. What is the IDC’s stance on this matter in the new contract?
Our position is clear: we are not against technology that improves workers’ lives, but automation that seeks to eliminate jobs to maximize corporate profits is unacceptable. We will not allow automation to be used as a tool to destroy jobs. This fight is not just about wages or conditions—it is about protecting our communities and the future of our jobs.
The new contract must ensure that our tasks are safeguarded and that any technological advancement benefits the workers, not works against them.
How has the international response from workers been to this situation?
It has been extraordinary. The solidarity of dockworkers worldwide has been key. The IDC, as the global union federation of dockworkers, has mobilized our members across five continents. The international pressure has been decisive. This conflict is a fight for everyone, and attacks on dockworkers anywhere will have repercussions in every corner of the world. Companies must understand that we are united and ready to fight in defense of our communities and our jobs.
These same companies argue that automation is necessary to maintain competitiveness. What is your opinion on this?
That is an argument that no longer holds water. During the pandemic, these companies tripled their profits without automation. It was the workers who sustained the industry, and now they want to use competitiveness as an excuse to strip people of their jobs and destroy communities. We do not accept this. This contract must be a barrier against automation that seeks to destroy workers and our communities. We will not allow the pursuit of profit at the expense of our dignity and well-being to continue.
What is the role of the Biden administration in this conflict? How has it influenced the process?
The White House has been important as a mediating body and has pressured companies to return to negotiations. However, real change will come when they accept the legitimate demands of the workers. The administration has made an effort, but now is the time for corporations to unequivocally commit to protecting not only labor rights but also our communities.
What role have figures like Harold and Dennis Daggett played in this conflict and in the ILA’s struggle?
Harold J. Daggett and Dennis A. Daggett have been fundamental pillars in this fight. Their leadership has inspired workers to unite and stand firm in the face of adversity. Both, as leaders of the ILA, have been tireless advocates for dockworkers’ rights; and Dennis, as General Coordinator of the IDC, has been at the forefront of the organization, guiding strategies and maintaining unity among our members. Their vision and commitment have been crucial in demonstrating that, with strong and cohesive leadership, we can face any challenge. Together, they have built a support network that has crossed borders and mobilized dockworkers worldwide.
What strategies is the IDC implementing to expand your influence and seek new allies in this struggle?
We are working tirelessly to create a global maritime alliance: in the coming months, we will organize a major gathering that will bring together dockworkers’ unions and allies worldwide. We have been in contact with unions in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, at the end of October, we will hold a meeting with the Chinese dockworkers’ union, which is crucial to strengthening our position. The defense of port workers’ rights is not limited to one country; it is a global effort.
We are here to show that the international unity of dockworkers is unbreakable and that together we will be unstoppable in the fight against automation.
As a final message, what would you like to convey to dockworkers around the world who are closely following this conflict?
This is only the beginning. What we have achieved in this strike has not only been a victory for the ILA, but a demonstration of the power of international unity. No port is isolated. The future of our work and our communities depends on staying organized and ready to act against any threat. Companies have seen our capacity for global pressure, and that is something we must continue to build. Automation will not be the future of our ports if we remain united.
