Harold Daggett, the leader of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), made a bold statement in a transcript where he outlined the potential consequences of a strike by his union. In his words, he described how such action could “cripple” industries across the United States, emphasizing the leverage that longshoremen have in controlling the flow of goods essential to the economy. While his position as a labor leader is understandable, his rhetoric raises important questions about the ethics of leadership, the use of power, and the methods of conflict resolution. This article seeks to evaluate Daggett’s approach by comparing his words to biblical principles of leadership and conflict, especially in the context of love, justice, and reconciliation.
Part of full speech (parts used in this post):
“Let me explain something to you. These people today don’t know what a shrike is. When my men hit the streets from Maine to Texas, every single port, a lockdown. You know what’s going to happen? I’ll tell you. First week, be all over the news every night, boom, boom.
Second week, guys who sell cars can’t sell cars because the cars ain’t coming in off the ships. They get laid off. Third week, malls start closing down. They can’t get the goods from China. They can’t sell clothes. They can’t do this. Everything in the United States comes on a ship. They go out of business.
Construction workers get laid off because the materials aren’t coming in. The steel’s not coming in. The lumber’s not coming in. They lose their job. Everybody’s hating the longshoremen now because now they realize how important our jobs are.
Now I have the president screaming at me, “I’m putting a Taff-Hartley on you. Go ahead.” Taff-Hartley means I have to go back to work for 90 days after cooling off, period. Do you think when I go back for 90 days, those men are going to go to work on that pier? It’s going to cost the company’s money to pay their salaries. Well, they went from 30 moves an hour, maybe to eight. They’re going to be like this.
Who’s going to win here in the long run? You’re better off sitting down and let’s get a contract and let’s move on with this world. And in today’s world, I’ll cripple you. I will cripple you and you have no idea what that means. Nobody does.“
Daggett’s Perspective: A Strategy of Power and Coercion
Daggett’s comments reveal a mindset focused on using the strategic position of longshoremen to disrupt the economic system. He says:
“When my men hit the streets from Maine to Texas, every single port, a lockdown. You know what’s going to happen? … Second week, guys who sell cars can’t sell cars because the cars ain’t coming in off the ships. … Third week, malls start closing down. They can’t get the goods from China. They can’t sell clothes.”
Daggett clearly understands the economic ramifications of halting the flow of goods and uses this knowledge to emphasize the potential impact of a strike. He goes on to describe the cascading effects, including job losses for workers in unrelated industries such as retail and construction. While this might be a pragmatic strategy to force negotiations, it raises ethical concerns about causing widespread suffering for the sake of gaining leverage. His declaration that “I will cripple you and you have no idea what that means” reflects a position of dominance and coercion, rather than one of humility or peace.
A Biblical Approach to Conflict and Leadership
The Bible provides clear guidance on how leaders should conduct themselves, especially in times of conflict. Several key scriptural principles seem to stand in stark contrast to Daggett’s rhetoric.
1. The Call to Live Peaceably
Romans 12:18 advises, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This verse calls Christians to pursue peace wherever it is possible, suggesting that believers should avoid unnecessary conflict. Daggett’s approach, however, is confrontational, focusing on how much harm can be done to force a favorable outcome. While labor disputes can be justified when seeking fair treatment, the Bible would encourage such negotiations to be pursued in a spirit of peace rather than threats.
Furthermore, Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” In light of this, Daggett’s threat to “cripple” industries contrasts sharply with the biblical ideal of peacemaking. While there are times when standing firm is necessary, God calls His people to seek peace and reconciliation wherever possible.
2. Loving Your Neighbor
Jesus’ second greatest commandment is to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). This commandment emphasizes the need to consider how our actions affect others. Daggett’s strategy of economic disruption would not only impact corporations but also countless workers and families, who would suffer job losses and financial hardship due to halted imports. The Bible encourages believers to think about the welfare of others and to act in ways that reflect love and compassion, not just personal or collective gain.
In Philippians 2:4, Paul instructs, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” This scripture teaches that we should care about the effects our decisions have on others. Daggett’s rhetoric, focused on the strategic advantage of his own union, appears to disregard the ripple effect such actions would have on innocent people across various industries.
3. Justice for Workers
While the Bible calls for peace and love, it also emphasizes justice, especially when it comes to the treatment of workers. In James 5:4, the Apostle James condemns those who exploit laborers: “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth.” This passage supports the idea that workers should be treated fairly and paid justly for their labor. In this sense, Daggett’s concern for the well-being and fair treatment of longshoremen aligns with a biblical principle. However, the method he proposes to achieve this justice—through the threat of economic devastation—deviates from the biblical call for righteousness to be pursued through godly means.
Rather than employing coercive tactics, Christian leaders are called to pursue justice with wisdom, prayer, and humility, trusting in God’s provision. Isaiah 1:17 encourages us to “learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed.” A biblical pursuit of justice does not involve harmful tactics but rather an emphasis on relieving oppression while still striving to care for others affected by our actions.
4. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
Daggett’s declaration of power over industries reflects a reliance on human strength and the ability to control outcomes through force. In contrast, the Bible encourages believers to place their trust in God’s sovereignty rather than human tactics of manipulation and power. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
While Daggett expresses confidence in his ability to “cripple” industries, this confidence is rooted in human effort rather than in God’s guidance. The Bible consistently reminds us that our plans should be surrendered to God, allowing Him to direct our paths. As it is written in James 4:15, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” Christian leaders should seek God’s will, acknowledging His ultimate control over all things.
5. Servant Leadership
In Matthew 23:11, Jesus says, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Biblical leadership is marked by humility and service, not by exerting power or dominance. Daggett’s rhetoric seems focused on demonstrating his power to force compliance, which contrasts with the example of servant leadership modeled by Christ. Jesus, though the ultimate leader, washed His disciples’ feet and laid down His life for others, teaching that true greatness is found in serving others (John 13:14-15).
As a leader, Daggett has a responsibility to act in the best interests of not only his own people but also the broader community. Instead of focusing on how much harm he can inflict, a biblical leader would seek solutions that prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. This doesn’t mean compromising on justice for longshoremen, but it does mean considering the far-reaching consequences of his actions.
Conclusion: A Biblical Path Forward
Harold Daggett’s statements reflect a certain kind of worldly wisdom—understanding the leverage that his union holds and using it to secure a favorable outcome. However, when compared to biblical teaching, his approach falls short of the standard set by scripture. While the Bible supports justice for workers and the pursuit of fair treatment, it also calls for peace, love, humility, and trust in God. The use of threats and coercion, as Daggett describes, does not align with the principles of peacemaking and servant leadership that are central to the Christian faith.
A more biblically faithful approach to leadership and conflict would involve pursuing justice for workers while seeking peace and reconciliation with others, trusting in God’s sovereignty rather than relying on human power. By following these principles, Christian leaders can advocate for fairness and equity in a way that honors God and reflects His love for all people.
Daggett’s leadership style, as presented in this transcript, serves as a reminder that power and influence must be used carefully, with an eye toward God’s greater purposes for justice, peace, and love in the world.
