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 Transport

07 Oct 2025

Atlantaa Inks Rs 24.9 Billion Deal For Maharashtra Expressway

Atlantaa Limited (formerly Altanta Limited) announced on 30 September that it has entered into an agreement with IRCON International Limited for the construction of the Bhandara–Gadchiroli Access Controlled Expressway in Maharashtra.The project, awarded under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, involves Package BG-03, covering the stretch from km 34+750 at Sarandi Bk in Lakhandur, Bhandara district, to km 69+536 at Kinhi in Bramhapuri, Chandrapur district, spanning a total length of 34.786 kilometres.The sub-contract is valued at approximately Rs 24.9 billion, excluding..

Cabinet Clears Rs 69.6 Billion NH Project Through Kaziranga

The Union Cabinet has approved the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 in Assam, a key infrastructure project designed to prevent man-animal conflicts and enhance road safety through the Kaziranga National Park.Announcing the decision, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project spans 86 kilometres and involves a 34-kilometre elevated viaduct to ensure safe passage for wildlife. “The fifth major decision of the Cabinet today is the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 (86 km, Rs 69.6 billion). It includes a 34 km elevated via..

Rajkot Emerges As Model Smart And Sustainable City

Rajkot is rapidly evolving into a smart, safe, and sustainable city under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive efforts of the Gujarat government. Combining modern infrastructure, technology-driven systems, and citizen-focused projects, the city is enhancing both the quality of life and urban resilience for its residents.At the heart of Rajkot’s transformation is the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which monitors live CCTV feeds from across the city 24 hours a day. The advanced surveillance system, equipped with 1,000 cameras installed at key locations in..