1776Reporting
Harold Daggett, the union leader threatening to “cripple” the US economy unless dockworkers’ wages rise and automation is banned, has been living in luxury. Exclusive drone photos obtained by The Post show Daggett’s Bentley convertible parked outside his sprawling mansion in New Jersey.
The photos, taken Tuesday, reveal the British luxury car sitting outside a five-car garage, connected to his 7,136-square-foot Tudor-style home. The mansion, located in Sparta, sits on a 10-acre estate surrounded by lush forest, providing both privacy and opulence. The property boasts a large backyard with a custom-shaped pool, a covered outdoor bar, and a massive brick pizza oven—perfect for entertaining guests.
A gate near the patio opens to a free-standing sauna, complete with a wooden deck, adding to the lavish feel of the estate. This posh compound is nestled in a desirable area of New Jersey, not far from the Delaware Water Gap, where homes can sell for up to $6 million.
One local realtor mentioned that Daggett had listed his four-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom mansion for $3.1 million in 2004, before reducing it to $2.9 million. Ultimately, he pulled the home off the market.
Daggett’s wealth comes as no surprise. He has been the president of the International Longshoremen’s Association since 2011, a role that pays him a base salary of $728,000 annually. He also receives an additional $173,000 from ILA-Local 1804-1.
His career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2005, federal prosecutors accused Daggett of steering union contracts to firms connected to organized crime. Daggett denied these claims, insisting he was a target of the mob. During the trial, a Mafia member claimed that Daggett had ties to the Genovese crime family, a charge Daggett vehemently denied.
One of Daggett’s co-defendants, Lawrence Ricci, mysteriously disappeared during the trial. His decomposing body was later found in the trunk of a car outside a New Jersey diner. Ricci’s murder remains unsolved, though speculation lingers that he was killed for refusing to plead guilty.
Despite these challenges, Daggett was acquitted of all charges, clearing the way for him to continue leading the union. Now 78, Daggett is often seen in public sporting a polo shirt and a chunky gold medallion, portraying himself as a blue-collar advocate.
The union leader has made headlines recently with his threats of a prolonged strike. “I’ll cripple you. I will cripple you, and you have no idea what that means. Nobody does,” he warned during an interview.
He’s dug in for what appears to be a lengthy standoff, expressing frustration during talks with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which negotiates on behalf of the ports. “I don’t have a f—ing crystal ball between my legs, but it will last very long,” he told The Wall Street Journal.
The strike, which started Tuesday, saw more than 45,000 dockworkers walk off the job, affecting 36 ports from Maine to Texas. This is the first dockworkers’ strike since 1977, and experts warn that if it drags on, it could disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices.
So far, consumers haven’t felt the impact, but that could change. Perishable items like bananas may disappear from shelves if the strike continues. Retailers have stocked up on holiday items in preparation, but shortages could occur if the standoff lasts.
The USMX has offered a 50% wage increase over six years, but the union is holding out for a 77% raise. The Biden administration has stepped in, urging both sides to return to negotiations, hoping to avoid further damage to the economy.
“We look forward to hearing from the Union about how we can return to the table and actually bargain, which is the only way to reach a resolution,” said the USMX in a statement on Tuesday. The ports argue that their offer is more generous than recent union settlements, but negotiations remain at a standstill.
As the strike continues, Daggett’s opulent lifestyle and sharp rhetoric will likely keep him in the spotlight, while the US economy faces mounting pressure from this labor dispute.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings