Trump Opposes Port Automation, Backs Dockworkers Union

13 Dec 2024 CW Team

President-elect Donald Trump has voiced support for the dockworkers union as they negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance ahead of the January 15 deadline. Trump opposed further automation at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, arguing it would harm American workers. In a social media post, Trump highlighted his meeting with Harold Daggett, president of the International Longshoremen's Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. He criticised automation, stating, "The money saved does not justify the harm caused to American workers, particularly longshoremen." The Maritime Alliance supports automation, emphasising its role in improving worker safety, boosting port efficiency, and strengthening supply chains. However, the union contends that automation could lead to significant job losses despite potential productivity gains. Trump framed the issue as a conflict between U.S. workers and foreign companies benefiting from American markets. He urged ports and shipping companies to prioritise hiring American workers over investing in automated machinery, reiterating his "America First" stance. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between preserving jobs for blue-collar workers and adopting advanced technologies to remain globally competitive, as ports in China, Dubai, and Singapore move toward greater automation. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..