NEWARK, NJ – A report in the New York Post says New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s decision to disband the Waterfront Commission in 2023 has allowed the mob to regain control of the state’s ports and longshoreman’s union.
According to Post, New York Governor Kathy Hochul achieved a significant victory in the state budget negotiations by garnering approval from the Legislature for a New York-only commission aimed at combating organized crime along the waterfront.
This move comes after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy terminated the previous bistate panel. However, Hochul’s success was limited by union influence.
The Waterfront Commission played a pivotal role in prosecuting organized crime in local ports for decades, ensuring fair employment practices. However, Murphy’s decision to dismantle it in 2023 compromised port security and invited criminal elements back into New Jersey’s ports.
The approval of the new commission marks a crucial step in safeguarding the Port of New York from organized crime infiltration, benefiting dockworkers, shippers, and consumers alike. The commission will conduct background checks and issue licenses to individuals and companies operating within the shipping industry at the New York port.
The Post reported concessions were made to appease the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), requiring the commission to collaborate with employers and unions in regulatory reviews. Additionally, it is prohibited from suspending port workers who associate with known criminals without unlawful intent.
Critics express concern over the potential for union influence to compromise the commission’s effectiveness, echoing fears of a resurgence of organized crime dominance in New York’s waterfront. Governor Murphy’s actions in New Jersey serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of vigilant oversight in maintaining port security.
