NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (August 9, 2024) As the possibility of a strike looms over the shipping industry, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) stands firm in its fight for a contract that truly compensates its members. However, it’s disheartening to confront the reality that there are those who look down on blue-collar workers, believing that their pay should be limited—that they should not earn “white-collar” money. The notion that skilled, hardworking individuals like ILA members are somehow beneath others is not only offensive but completely out of touch with the modern world.
Today’s longshore industry demands highly skilled workers. Longshoremen operate multimillion-dollar pieces of equipment with precision, maintain them with the expertise of highly skilled technicians, and clerks who manage complex operating systems for gates, vessels, and yards. These are not simple tasks—they require significant training, knowledge, and skill. Yet, in a world where we’re constantly reminded to watch our words and be sensitive to the feelings of others, it’s grossly hypocritical to dismiss the worth of these workers.
What I find particularly appalling is that while CEOs like those from CMA-CGM are taking home bonuses in the billions, ocean carriers continue to rake in skyrocketing profits by raising rates on their customers due to global conflicts or natural disruptions. Despite this, they balk at the idea of sharing those profits with the very people who move their cargo—the ILA members who are the first point of entry in the logistical supply chain.
Meanwhile, the government and those across the negotiating table downplay the impacts of inflation, pretending it hasn’t significantly eroded the purchasing power of everyday Americans. The ILA knows better. We understand how difficult it has become for our members to pay their bills, fund their children’s education, and afford everyday necessities. Inflation has eaten into their raises, leaving them struggling despite their hard work. According to a recent report from a reputable source, over 50% of Americans have $5,000 or less in their savings. Our members, if they’re fortunate enough to have work available, often have to clock in ridiculous amounts of overtime just to stay afloat in today’s economy.
The time is now! The ILA will not succumb to the pressures of outside forces. While we would love to see support from the public, we will fight for what we believe is right, whether or not that support comes. I took an oath to represent our members to the best of my ability, and I intend to honor that oath. The belief that workers don’t deserve fair pay or that their compensation shouldn’t align with the profitability of the corporations they help build is not only outdated—it’s wrong.
Our time is now!
DD