Harold Daggett Net Worth, Age, Family, Height, and Lifestyle

Harold J. Daggett is a powerful and well-known figure in the American labor movement. As the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), he oversees thousands of dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States. His leadership has earned him both admiration and criticism due to his assertive personality and influential role in port negotiations. This article explores his background, family, height, lifestyle, and net worth, presenting a detailed and human-centered profile.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Harold J. Daggett
Date of Birth	May 12, 1946
Age (2025)	78 years
Height	5′8″ (1.78 m)
Occupation	ILA International President
Years Active	1967–Present
Net Worth	$6–8 million (estimated)
Annual Salary	~$950,000 including benefits
Residence	Sparta, New Jersey
Children	Lisa, Dennis, John
Spouse	Marilyn Daggett (reported)
Nationality	American
Known For	Labor leadership & advocacy
Social Media	Facebook (limited)

Early Life and Background

Harold J. Daggett was born on May 12, 1946, in New York City, where he was raised in the borough of Queens. Coming from a family deeply involved in dock work, Harold represents the third generation of Daggetts in the International Longshoremen’s Association. His father, Harold Daggett Sr., worked for the same union, and the values of loyalty, strength, and perseverance were instilled in him early. After completing his education, Daggett enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served during the Vietnam era before returning home to begin his career on the docks.

Career and Rise in the ILA

Harold started his professional journey in 1967 as a mechanic with ILA Local 1804-1, based in North Bergen, New Jersey. Over the years, his dedication and work ethic propelled him through several leadership roles. By 1991, he became the Secretary-Treasurer for the ILA’s Atlantic Coast District. Later, he took on key executive responsibilities, eventually rising to become the International President of the ILA in 2011.

As President, Daggett has been instrumental in leading major labor negotiations and securing long-term contracts that benefit union members. He is known for standing firm against automation and for protecting workers’ rights at ports across the U.S. His leadership style is assertive and commanding, reflecting decades of experience and an unwavering belief in the power of collective bargaining.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Harold Daggett is 78 years old. He stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.78 meters) tall. He has a solid build that reflects his working-class roots and years of physical labor. Those who have met him describe him as charismatic and strong-willed, with an aura of authority that fits his position. His gravelly voice and confident demeanor make him instantly recognizable at public events and union meetings.

Family and Personal Life

Daggett’s personal life is grounded in family values. He resides in Sparta, New Jersey, with his family. Although some public records name his wife as Marilyn Daggett, he tends to keep his marriage private. He has three children — Lisa, Dennis, and John — who have followed in his footsteps within the ILA. His son, Dennis Daggett, currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the ILA, while John Daggett also holds an executive role in the Atlantic Coast District.

The Daggett family has become a symbol of legacy within the ILA, with multiple generations continuing to influence the direction of the union. While information about siblings is limited, what stands out most is Harold’s commitment to ensuring the next generation carries forward his mission of protecting workers’ rights.

Net Worth and Salary

Harold Daggett’s wealth primarily stems from his long tenure with the ILA and his leadership position. According to public union filings, Daggett’s annual compensation in 2024 was approximately $784,752, with total earnings close to $954,542, including benefits. In 2023, his reported compensation exceeded $850,000. These figures reflect his prominent role as a national labor leader.

As of recent estimates, his net worth is believed to range between $6 million and $8 million. Beyond his income, Daggett owns valuable real estate, including a luxury home in Sparta, New Jersey, and a property in Florida. Reports have also mentioned that he owned a 76-foot yacht named “Obsession”, and is known for driving high-end vehicles like a Bentley. These assets collectively underscore his financial success and affluent lifestyle.

Lifestyle and Assets

Despite his blue-collar roots, Daggett enjoys a lifestyle that mirrors his success. His Sparta estate spans several acres and features luxury amenities such as a multi-car garage and guest accommodations. The property has been valued in the multi-million dollar range and reflects a life of comfort and stability.

Daggett’s wealth has sparked public debate, given his position representing working-class laborers. However, his supporters argue that his hard-earned success and decades of service justify his financial rewards. He is also known for philanthropy within union communities, often supporting causes that assist dockworkers and their families.

Social Media and Public Image

While Harold Daggett is not highly active on social media, he does maintain a Facebook account where he shares union-related updates. The ILA’s official channels often feature his speeches and interviews, showcasing his direct and passionate communication style. His public appearances frequently highlight his dedication to protecting workers from exploitation and ensuring fair labor practices.

Daggett has been featured in numerous news outlets, including The New York Post, Newsweek, and The Washington Examiner, for his involvement in high-stakes union negotiations. His name often surfaces during major contract disputes, where he represents thousands of dockworkers in critical talks with port authorities and shipping companies.

Controversies and Challenges

Like many powerful figures, Daggett’s career has not been free of controversy. In 2005, he faced allegations linking him to organized crime but was later acquitted of all charges. The case, which involved accusations of racketeering and conspiracy, did not lead to any criminal conviction. Daggett has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has since maintained his focus on his union duties.

More recently, his leadership has come under scrutiny for the high salaries earned by top ILA officials, including his own family members. Critics argue that such compensation is disproportionate to rank-and-file workers, while supporters insist it reflects the responsibilities and pressures of national labor leadership.

Legacy and Leadership

Daggett’s tenure as ILA President has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies. His ability to secure favorable contracts for members and resist automation initiatives has strengthened the ILA’s bargaining power. Within the labor community, he is respected as a strong, no-nonsense negotiator who commands attention and delivers results.

Under his guidance, the ILA has remained one of the most influential labor organizations in the United States. His leadership style, though sometimes polarizing, has left a lasting imprint on American port labor history. Daggett is often described as the kind of leader who combines grit, charisma, and strategy qualities that have defined his decades-long career.

Fun Facts

Harold Daggett began his dock career over five decades ago, starting as a mechanic in 1967.
He served in the U.S. Navy before entering the shipping industry.
His family represents three generations of ILA leadership, a rare legacy in union history.
He once owned a 76-foot yacht named Obsession and is fond of luxury cars.
Despite his wealth, he is known to support community initiatives for dockworkers and their families.

Conclusion

Harold Daggett stands as a compelling example of how perseverance and leadership can transform a dockworker into one of America’s most influential union presidents. His net worth, age, and lifestyle tell the story of success built through decades of advocacy and negotiation. While controversies have followed him, they have done little to diminish his status as a defining voice for American longshoremen.

In every sense, Daggett’s journey from the docks of New York to the executive offices of the ILA is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the enduring power of the working class.

FAQs

What is Harold Daggett’s net worth?

Harold Daggett’s net worth is estimated between $6 million and $8 million, derived from his ILA salary, real estate assets, and long-standing career earnings.

How old is Harold Daggett?

As of 2025, he is 78 years old, having been born on May 12, 1946.

Who is Harold Daggett’s wife?

Public reports mention Marilyn Daggett as his wife, though she maintains a low public profile.

What position does Harold Daggett hold?

He is the International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing dockworkers across the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.