ILA President Harold J. Daggett Praises Removal of “Cadillac Tax” From Budget Bill

NORTH BERGEN, NJ (Dec. 23, 2015) – Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association received an early Christmas present last week when the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act, passed by Congress, postpones for two years the implementation of the American Care Act’s so called “Cadillac Tax.” ILA members covered under MILA might have seen the value of these plans taxed as additional income.

“This is a great victory for the ILA and its members,” said President Harold J. Daggett. “I commend these ILA member and their families and friends who campaigned hard against this Cadillac Tax, for contacting their Representatives and making their voices heard.”

The ILA’s Legislative team worked long and hard to defeat implementation of this tax. The union, along with its allies at the Transportation Trades Department and other affiliated unions, pressed Congress, saying that its premier health care plans were negotiated over many years and a tax would devalue and diminish their benefits.

“To come in now and say we are going to tax one of your best benefits was ridiculous and we were not going to stand for it,” said President Daggett. “I join with my Labor Brother Terry O’Sullivan, President of the Laborers, who noted that the tax is ‘deeply flawed’.”

President Daggett praised other measures of the FY16 Omnibus package, including the funding of the Maritime Security Program (MSP). This gives long-term certainty to the U.S. Merchant Marine Fleet and helps retain thousands of middle-class mariner jobs and ensures MSP continues serving our U.S. Military sealift needs.

President Daggett was also pleased that funding would be available for additional Harbor Maintenance.

“The ILA also means I Love America, so we are thrilled that FY16 Omnibus also includes the ‘James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act,’ which will ensure the men and women who worked and risked their lives at Ground Zero receive the medical treatment and compensation benefits they deserve.”

The International Longshoremen’s Association represents 65,000 members working at ports from Maine to Texas, Great Lakes region, Eastern Canada, major U.S. rivers and Puerto Rico.

For additional information, contact Jim McNamara @ 917-853-0440 or [email protected]