International Solidarity With ILA Expanding As Global Opposition To Port Automation Grows; Dockworker Unions from Cameroon and Portugal Join Many Others Supporting ILA’s Stance

NORTH BERGEN, NJ (November 15, 2024) Less than 48 hours after the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) broke off talks with United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation into their proposal that was in direct contradiction to their opening statement that full or semi-automation would not be on the table, the ILA’s army of global dockworker unions continued to grow when labor organizations in Africa and Europe messaged their full support to ILA International President Harold J. Daggett.

This International expression of solidarity was fortified by a message from the 140,000-member International Dockworkers’ Council (IDC).

The National Union of Dockers of Cameroon and Portugal’s SEAL, Sindicato dos Estivadores e da Actividade Logistica (Dockers and Logistic Union) each send strong letters of solidarity to the ILA while commending them for breaking off negotiations with USMX.

“We are disappointed that the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is attempting to override the well-known position of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) which opposes automation and semi-automation which eliminate jobs,” wrote Ango Azombo Levaillant, President, National Union of Dockers of Cameroon. “The National Union of Dockers of Cameroon (NA. UN.DOC.CAM) provides unwavering and unconditional support and let us remain in solidarity with the comrades of ILA Dockers.”

Sérgio Sousa, Delegate for International Affairs, SEAL, wrote “Through our national and international disputes, we, at SEAL Union, are aware of the demands and challenges imposed by innovation and developments on new equipment and investments on port terminals in way to reduce professional workforce inside the docks and subsequently reduce the power of workers’ rights. You will never be alone in this dispute.”

The IDC’s message to the ILA was equally as strong: “Harold (Daggett) we want you and every member of the ILA to know that you are not alone in this struggle. Across every port and union in the IDC, we stand ready to mobilize support, amplify the message, and do everything we can to strengthen the ILA’s position.”

The full content of these messages of solidarity are attached above.