Harold Daggett is a name that stands out in the world of American labor unions. As the long-serving president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), Daggett has built a reputation as a fierce defender of dockworkers’ rights, while also drawing attention for his luxurious lifestyle. In this article, we explore Harold Daggett net worth in 2025, his sources of income, assets, controversies, and what his financial status means for the labor movement.
Who Is Harold Daggett?
Harold Daggett is the president of the ILA, the largest union of maritime workers in North America. With a career that began as a dockworker in 1967, Daggett is now in his fourth term as ILA president, leading over 85,000 members from Maine to Texas and the Great Lakes. He is a third-generation ILA member, known for his tough negotiating style and commitment to union solidarity.
Daggett’s leadership has made the ILA one of the most respected and influential unions in the United States. His son, Dennis Daggett, is also a key figure in the union, serving as executive vice president, further cementing the Daggett family’s legacy within the ILA.
Salary, Income Sources, and Net Worth
ILA Compensation
Harold Daggett’s primary source of income is his salary from the ILA. In 2023, public reports and union filings showed:
- ILA President Salary: $728,000
- ILA Local 1804-1 Salary (President Emeritus): $173,000
- Total Annual Compensation: $901,000
This level of compensation is among the highest for union leaders in the United States and has steadily increased over his tenure.
Other Sources of Wealth
- Real Estate: Daggett owns a 7,136-square-foot mansion in Sparta, New Jersey, valued at $1.7 million.
- Luxury Vehicles: He has been seen driving a Bentley, a symbol of his affluent lifestyle.
- Yachts: Daggett once owned a 76-foot yacht named “Obsession,” which became the subject of public scrutiny and online jokes, including a viral comment by Elon Musk.
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Estimated Harold Daggett Net Worth in 2025
Based on cumulative earnings, real estate, luxury assets, and investments, Daggett’s net worth is estimated between $6 million and $8 million in 2025. This estimate factors in his high salaries, valuable property, and luxury vehicles, as well as possible additional investments.
| Year | ILA Salary | Local 1804-1 Salary | Total Annual Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $728,000 | $173,000 | $901,000 |
| 2021 | $595,572 | $108,324 | $710,909 |
| 2002 | $251,188 | – | $251,188 |
Assets and Lifestyle
Despite his working-class roots, Daggett enjoys a lifestyle that reflects his wealth:
- Sparta, NJ Mansion: A 7,136-square-foot home valued at $1.7 million.
- Bentley: Frequently seen driving this luxury vehicle.
- Yacht: Previously owned a 76-foot yacht named “Obsession,” which drew public attention and even jokes from Elon Musk.
These assets have contributed to Daggett’s image as a wealthy union boss, sometimes at odds with the image of a labor leader.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- Started as a Dockworker: Began his career in 1967, rising through the ranks of the ILA.
- ILA President Since 2011: Elected to the top union position and re-elected for four terms.
- Labor Negotiations: Led major strikes and negotiations, including a high-profile port strike in 2024, advocating for better wages and opposing automation.
- Family Legacy: His son, Dennis Daggett, is also a top executive in the ILA, earning over $250,000 annually.
2024 Port Strike and Landmark Contract
Background and Strike Action
In 2024, Daggett led the ILA through one of its most significant labor actions in decades. Frustrated with stalled negotiations and automation threats, Daggett threatened to “cripple” the U.S. economy with a strike just before the presidential election. On October 1, 2024, the ILA launched its first port strike on the East Coast since 1977, demanding a massive wage increase and protections against automation.
Daggett explained the union’s leverage in a video message:
“When my men hit the streets from Maine to Texas, every single port locked down… Everybody’s hating my guys now because now they realize how important our jobs are.”
The strike lasted three days, causing widespread concern across industries dependent on imports and exports.
Historic Tentative Agreement
On October 3, 2024, the strike was suspended after a tentative agreement was reached. By January 2025, Daggett had orchestrated what he called the “greatest Collective Bargaining Agreement in the union’s 132-year history”. Key elements included:
- 62% Wage Increase: A record-shattering raise for ILA members.
- Iron-Clad Automation Protections: Ensuring no job losses to automation or semi-automation at ILA ports.
- Enhanced Healthcare and Retirement: Strengthening benefits for all members.
- Accelerated Raises for New Workers: Making the union more attractive to new hires.
- Container Royalty Funds and Vacation Resolution: Additional financial and time-off benefits.
ILA members ratified the agreement with nearly 99% approval, ensuring labor peace and stability at ports through September 2030.
Daggett credited the support of President-Elect Donald Trump and global maritime unions for helping secure the deal, which is now seen as the gold standard for dockworker contracts worldwide.
Daggett Family and Union Leadership
The Daggett family’s influence in the ILA is significant. Harold’s son, Dennis Daggett, serves as executive vice president, and both have held leadership roles in Local 1804-1, the largest ILA local. The union’s leadership team, elected at its quadrennial convention, includes other experienced officials, ensuring continuity and strength.
This “Daggett dynasty” has helped maintain the union’s reputation for unity and effective negotiation, but has also raised questions about succession and concentration of power within the organization.
National Labor Influence and AFL-CIO Role
Harold Daggett’s impact extends beyond the ILA. In 2013, he was unanimously elected to the national AFL-CIO Executive Council, giving him a voice in shaping the broader labor movement in the United States[8]. His military service as a Vietnam War veteran and his decades of union leadership have earned him respect across labor circles.
Daggett’s election to the AFL-CIO Executive Council is significant, as the ILA is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, with strong roots in New Jersey and a major presence at ports nationwide.
Public Perception, Criticism, and Legacy
Daggett’s wealth and lifestyle have drawn criticism, especially from those who see a disconnect between his personal fortune and the struggles of ordinary union members. His high salary, luxury assets, and family leadership have been subjects of media scrutiny and public debate.
However, supporters argue that Daggett’s financial success reflects his effectiveness as a negotiator and leader, pointing to the unprecedented gains he has secured for ILA members.
FAQ
How much does Harold Daggett earn per year?
Daggett’s total annual compensation is about $901,000, combining his ILA president salary and Local 1804-1 emeritus pay.
What is Harold Daggett net worth in 2025?
Estimates place his net worth between $6 million and $8 million.
What assets does he own?
A luxury mansion in Sparta, NJ, a Bentley, and previously a 76-foot yacht.
Why is Daggett’s wealth controversial?
His high salary and lifestyle are seen by some as inconsistent with his role as a labor leader.
What was the result of the 2024 port strike?
Daggett led the ILA to a historic contract with a 62% wage increase and strong automation protections, ratified by 99% of members.
Conclusion
Harold Daggett stands out as one of the most influential-and wealthiest-union leaders in America. His estimated net worth of $6–8 million in 2025 comes from decades of high union salaries, real estate, and luxury assets. His leadership during the 2024 port strike and the resulting landmark contract have further cemented his legacy as a formidable advocate for dockworkers.
While his wealth and the prominence of his family in the ILA draw criticism, Daggett’s achievements at the bargaining table and his national influence have made him a defining figure in modern labor history. As the ILA moves forward under his leadership, Daggett’s story continues to shape the future of America’s ports and the broader labor movement.
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