Harold Daggett is a prominent American labor leader known for his long-standing role as president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). With decades of experience advocating for dockworkers and leading union negotiations, Daggett has built a reputation as a powerful and strategic figure in the labor movement in the U.S.
His career spans from hands-on work on the docks to executive leadership, shaping contracts and improving working conditions for thousands of union members. Beyond his professional achievements, Daggett’s net worth reflects not only his salary but also his smart business ventures and investments. His life combines dedication, leadership, and financial success.
Profile summary
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Harold J. Daggett |
| Date of birth | May 12, 1946 |
| Current Age | 78 years |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.78 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | ILA International President |
| Years Active | 1967–Present |
| Spouse | Marilyn Daggett (reported) |
| Residence | Sparta, New Jersey |
| Profession | Bodybuilder, content creator |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $6 – $8 million |
Who is Harold Daggett?
Harold Daggett is a prominent American labor leader known for his long-standing role as the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). His leadership has made him a defining figure in the labor movement in the U.S., and he is widely respected for protecting the rights of dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts. Over the years, Daggett has combined his union responsibilities with business ventures, steadily increasing his Harold Daggett net worth.
Daggett’s career spans decades, marked by his ability to negotiate labor contracts and secure better wages and working conditions for union members. Beyond his professional achievements, he has built a reputation as a strategic and charismatic leader whose decisions impact both the union and his personal financial success. His journey reflects the intersection of union advocacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 12, 1946, in New York City, Harold Daggett grew up in the borough of Queens in a family deeply rooted in dock work. As a third-generation member of the ILA, he learned the values of loyalty, perseverance, and dedication early in life. After completing his education, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era before returning to the docks to begin his career with the union.
Daggett started working as a mechanic for ILA Local 1804-1 in North Bergen, New Jersey, in 1967. Through decades of dedication, he climbed the ranks, holding multiple executive positions before being elected International President of the ILA in 2011. His early experiences shaped his understanding of labor rights and the importance of strong union leadership.
Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Harold Daggett is 78 years old, standing around 5 feet 8 inches tall with a solid, authoritative build that reflects his years of physical labor and active involvement in union work. Colleagues describe him as charismatic and strong-willed, with a commanding presence in meetings and public appearances. His gravelly voice and confident demeanor have become synonymous with his leadership style.
Despite his age, Daggett maintains an energetic persona, often participating in union events and public engagements. His physical stature and commanding presence have helped him assert authority in high-stakes negotiations, reinforcing his role as a respected figure in the labor movement.
Career and Rise in the ILA
Daggett began his professional journey as a mechanic and steadily moved through leadership roles within the ILA. By 1991, he became Secretary-Treasurer for the Atlantic Coast District, and over the following decades, he took on executive responsibilities that led to his election as International President in 2011. His rise demonstrates a combination of skill, dedication, and strategic thinking in labor advocacy. Under Daggett, the ILA has strengthened its presence in the labor market, negotiating contracts that improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for members. His career highlights include resisting automation threats, empowering dockworkers, and guiding the union through a competitive and sometimes volatile industry, all while increasing his professional and financial influence.
His Leadership and the ILA
Daggett’s leadership style is assertive, strategic, and results-driven. He has secured long-term labor contracts that benefit union members and has enhanced the ILA’s bargaining power across ports in the U.S. His experience allows him to make high-stakes decisions that influence both union operations and the broader shipping and transportation industry. Through his leadership, Daggett has empowered the union while simultaneously increasing his personal financial opportunities. By combining union advocacy with business ventures, he has created a multi-faceted approach to wealth accumulation, demonstrating that union leadership and personal prosperity can coexist.
Net Worth and Salary
Harold Daggett’s financial success stems primarily from his tenure as ILA President, where he earns a base salary of approximately $728,000 per year. In addition to this, he has supplementary earnings from business ventures, which have helped grow his Harold Daggett net worth to an estimated $6 million–$8 million. His strategic investments, leadership influence, and union-related opportunities have contributed to a diversified and substantial income portfolio. Beyond salary, Daggett has consistently leveraged his position to generate additional revenue, including commercial ventures and real estate investments. His wealth reflects both his long-standing service in the labor movement and his acumen in expanding income sources beyond union compensation.
Lifestyle and Assets
Daggett enjoys a lifestyle befitting a successful labor leader. He owns a luxury home in Sparta, New Jersey, as well as additional real estate in Florida. Reports also mention a 76-foot yacht named Obsession and high-end vehicles like a Bentley, underscoring his financial comfort and status. Despite his wealth, Daggett’s lifestyle reflects a balance of professional responsibility and personal comfort. His estates and assets not only provide luxury but also serve as a foundation for family security and future investments.
Family and Personal Life
Family values have been central to Daggett’s life. He resides in Sparta, New Jersey, with his spouse, Marilyn Daggett, and has three children — Lisa, Dennis, and John. Both Dennis and John hold executive positions within the ILA, continuing the family’s multi-generational involvement in the union. Daggett maintains a private personal life but emphasizes family and legacy in all aspects of his work. His dedication to family parallels his commitment to labor advocacy. The Daggett family has become a symbol of continuity within the ILA, demonstrating how leadership and values can pass across generations while maintaining the union’s strength.
Legacy and Leadership
Daggett’s legacy is defined by his successful labor negotiations, protection of workers’ rights, and contributions to the financial stability of the ILA. His leadership style combines grit, charisma, and strategy, leaving a lasting imprint on the union and the broader American labor movement. He is recognized as a strong, no-nonsense negotiator who commands respect across industries. By ensuring fair contracts, resisting automation threats, and fostering multi-generational leadership, Daggett has cemented his role as one of the most influential figures in U.S. dockworker history. His impact extends beyond personal wealth, reflecting a commitment to union prosperity and the welfare of workers.
Controversies and Challenges
Daggett’s career has not been without controversy. He faced allegations in 2005 linking him to organized crime, but he was later acquitted. More recently, criticism has arisen regarding high salaries for top ILA officials, including family members, though supporters argue that compensation aligns with responsibility. Despite challenges, Daggett has maintained focus on union duties and successfully navigated disputes with port authorities and shipping companies. His ability to withstand scrutiny while continuing to deliver results underscores both his resilience and his strategic approach to union leadership. Controversies have shaped, but not diminished, his reputation as a respected labor leader.
Conclusion
Harold Daggett’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and financial acumen. From his early days on the docks of New York to becoming International President of the ILA, he has combined labor advocacy with strategic wealth-building to achieve an estimated $6–8 million net worth. His career demonstrates how dedication to union leadership can coexist with personal prosperity. Through decades of service, Daggett has left a legacy of improved labor conditions, multi-generational leadership, and financial success. His life reflects the enduring power of hard work, strategy, and resilience — a testament to what a dedicated labor leader can achieve.
FAQs
What is Harold Daggett net worth?
Harold Daggett’s net worth is estimated between $6 million and $8 million, accumulated through his union leadership and business ventures.
How did Harold Daggett amass his wealth?
He earned his wealth from his role as ILA President, high executive salaries, and supplementary commercial ventures and investments.
How much is Harold Daggett’s house worth?
His primary home in Sparta, New Jersey, along with other properties, is valued in the multi-million dollar range.
Where does Harold Daggett live now?
Harold Daggett currently resides in Sparta, New Jersey, with his family.
How much does Harold Daggett make annually?
His annual salary as ILA President is around $728,000, with total earnings, including benefits, close to $954,000.
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