The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is one of the most influential labor unions representing dockworkers on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast. Its president, currently Harold J. Daggett, is a central figure in negotiations with shipping companies and government stakeholders. This article dives deep into the ILA Union Harold President salary in 2026, including average compensation, factors that affect earnings, salary by experience, job trends, perks, and comparisons with related roles.
Understanding the Role: ILA Union President
The ILA President leads the union’s strategic direction, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, advocates for member interests, and manages relationships with employers and policymakers. This role often involves high-level negotiation, labor strategy, public representation, and organizational leadership — responsibilities that justify significant compensation.
Average Salary Range for ILA Union President in 2026
Unlike typical industry jobs, union executive compensation often reflects organizational budgets, membership dues, and internal governance decisions.
Estimated 2026 Salary Range
| Role | Estimated Annual Compensation |
|---|---|
| ILA International President | $800,000 – $1,100,000+ |
| ILA President (Smaller Local Chapters) | $70,000 – $200,000 |
| ILA Vice President | $200,000 – $550,000+ |
| Other Union Officers | $150,000 – $400,000 |
Notes on Compensation
- National-level union presidents like Harold Daggett are compensated significantly more than local chapter presidents.
- Smaller locals vary widely in pay due to financial capacity and membership size.
Salary by Experience and Position
Compensation in union leadership is typically structured around seniority, responsibility level, and the scale of union operations.
Entry-Level Union Leadership
- Roles: Vice President of a local, Business Agent
- Typical Pay: $70,000 – $150,000
- Smaller locals offer modest salaries based largely on dues revenue and budgets.
Mid-Level Leadership
- Roles: Regional Vice Presidents, Executive Board Members
- Typical Pay: $150,000 – $400,000
- Greater responsibility for contract negotiations and labor strategy.
Top Leadership (International President)
- Role: Union President
- Typical Pay in 2026: $800,000 – $1,100,000+
- High compensation reflects national influence, negotiation expertise, and union size.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several factors affect how much the ILA President and union leaders earn:
1. Union Size and Membership
Larger unions with more members and higher dues budgets can afford higher executive pay.
2. Collective Bargaining Outcomes
Successful negotiations that secure significant wage increases and benefits for members often justify higher executive compensation.
3. Legal and Governance Structures
Union constitutions and bylaws determine pay scales and adjustments through internal voting.
4. Public and Political Pressure
High-profile negotiations or disputes (e.g., strike actions) can draw media attention and scrutiny of compensation.
5. Additional Roles and Titles
Some presidents hold multiple titles (e.g., local emeritus roles), boosting overall compensation.
Benefits and Perks Beyond Base Salary
Union presidents often receive benefits beyond their salary:
- Retirement contributions by the union
- Healthcare and welfare contributions
- Travel and expense reimbursements
- Luxury perks sometimes included (e.g., exclusive access or memberships as reported in media)
These benefits not only improve total compensation but also support the president’s mobility in representing the union.
Job Market Trends for Union Leaders in 2026
The landscape for union leadership is shifting as labor movements gain attention:
Increased Labor Activism
2024–2025 saw high-profile negotiations and strike actions involving the ILA, highlighting president leadership roles.
Public Scrutiny
Higher compensation for union leaders like Harold Daggett draws scrutiny in public debates about union spending, especially against rank-and-file wage growth.
Negotiation Complexity
Contracts now often include automation protections, health benefits, and wage escalators, requiring sophisticated leadership skills.
Education & Qualifications That Impact Earnings
Union leadership roles do not have formal degree requirements, but certain qualifications boost effectiveness and career potential:
Valuable Background Experience
- Labor relations expertise
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Extensive experience in union operations
- Public leadership roles
Relevant Education
- Degrees in industrial relations, law, public policy, or business administration can enhance leadership credentials though not always required.
Compare ILA President Salary with Related Roles
| Role | Typical Salary (2026) | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| ILA International President | $800K – $1.1M+ | Lead national union, negotiation |
| CEO of Medium Corporation | $400K – $1.5M | Company operations |
| Labor Union Executive VP | $350K – $650K | Secondary union leadership |
| Public Sector Union Leader | $150K – $400K | Negotiation and member advocacy |
| HR Director (Corporate) | $120K – $250K | Employee relations and strategy |
Compared to corporate leadership roles, top union presidents can earn competitive salaries — especially when managing large memberships and complex labor relations.
Job Outlook for Union Presidents
The long-term outlook for union leadership remains stable, particularly in sectors with strong collective bargaining such as transportation and logistics. As automation and international trade evolve, union leaders are likely to play pivotal roles in workforce protection, influencing both job security and compensation trends for all members.
Final Thoughts
The ILA Union Harold President salary in 2026 reflects the significant governance, negotiation, and leadership responsibilities inherent in representing tens of thousands of workers. While compensation at this level can exceed that of many public sector roles, it aligns with the complexity and impact of union leadership. Whether you’re exploring a career in union leadership or simply curious about executive compensation in labor organizations, understanding these salary dynamics provides valuable perspective on the economics of modern labor advocacy.