Staff Reports
Tens of thousands of longshoremen have decided to take a union-sanctioned vacation, just weeks before the presidential election and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. This strike is not just a hiccup; it’s a full-blown economic sneeze that could have far-reaching consequences. President Joe Biden, showcasing his profound ability to react only after a crisis is already in full swing, has finally spoken out, encouraging the strike to end but refusing to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has found her voice, unequivocally backing the workers while taking a few potshots at former President Donald Trump.
Harris’s recent social media tirade indicates that she believes this labor dispute revolves around fairness—an interesting take when one considers the record inflation that her administration has inspired. She claims that foreign-owned shipping companies are living high on the hog while hardworking longshoremen are left to fight for scraps. One has to wonder if Harris has noticed the ramifications of her own policies on these workers. Under her watch, inflation has skyrocketed, squeezing not just the striking workers but every American trying to stretch a dollar.
Kamala Harris Sides With Striking Workers As Union Boss Brags About 'Crippling' Effects
https://t.co/lJGx49zCsN— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 3, 2024
Trump took to the airwaves to remind everyone that the current state of economic troubles can be laid squarely at the feet of the Biden-Harris duo. He posited that his administration would have never allowed this strike to get to this point, pointing fingers at the far-reaching effects of reckless spending and anti-energy policies implemented by the current administration. The contrast is stark: a thriving economy under Trump versus the mess left by the Democrats mustering support for union bosses who threaten to “cripple” the economy.
The head of the dockworkers union, Harold Daggett, has taken the role of the villain in this tragicomic saga, openly boasting about the power to wreak havoc on the economy. In a time when Americans desperately need stability, Daggett’s bravado regarding inflicting pain on everyday citizens is truly shocking. The science of labor relations has evidently been thrown out the window, replaced by a not-so-subtle villainous flair reminiscent of a poorly written comic book.
With a smirk, Daggett has insisted on hefty raises, ignoring an almost 50 percent wage increase offer from the United States Maritime Alliance. The union’s demands for a staggering 70 percent raise over six years indicate a disconnect from reality, making one wonder if there’s a serious case of economic amnesia at play. Such lofty goals should perhaps come with a reality check, especially when it’s not only the economy but also lives at stake.
Harris rubbing shoulders with Daggett may come back to haunt her—especially considering Daggett’s not-so-humble compensation of over $1 million last year. This strikes many as ironic for a union leader claiming to stand up for the average worker while raking in a cool million. As the strike escalates and essential goods are blocked from reaching American homes and businesses, the Biden-Harris administration’s prioritization of labor activism over sound economic practices is becoming increasingly clear and painfully ironic. If Harris wants to truly support the working class, she might want to reconsider aligning herself with union leaders who frame economic disruption as a badge of honor.
