This education link has been set up to keep all ILA members informed of what’s taking place in our industry; past and present. This site will include articles, stories, photographs and videos. At times, some of the videos will include training and be educational. Other times, we will take a look into our past and learn more and more about the history of this union and how it was built into what it is today.
ILA Education/History
OFFICIAL ILA EDUCATION/HISTORY PAGE ENDORSED BY OUR INTERNATIONAL
Never forget the sacrifices ILA members made to build our great union into what it is today
Port of New Orleans
ILA LOCAL 2036 OUT OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PURCHASES VERY FIRST UNION HALL FOR MEMBERS TO CALL HOME
“THAT BUILDING NOW BELONGS TO THE MEMBERS OF ILA LOCAL 2036”
A Historic Milestone for ILA Local 2036
August 18, 2026 will forever stand as a landmark moment in the history of ILA Local 2036.
Congratulations to the Executive Board and the entire membership of ILA Local 2036!!
A message from ILA Local 2036 President Blaine Ehrlich:
“Since our charter was established in 1982, generations of members have worked, sacrificed, stood together, and carried the proud name of Local 2036 forward. For more than four decades, our Local has represented the strength, dignity, and determination of the working men and women in New Orleans. And now, we have reached a milestone that will be remembered for generations to come: Local 2036 has officially purchased its very first business building in our 44-year history.
This is more than the purchase of a building. This is an establishment. This is a foundation. This is a symbol of what can be accomplished when union members stand together, believe in their future, and refuse to settle for anything less than progress.
That building now belongs to the members of ILA Local 2036. It represents the hard work of those who came before us, the commitment of those who stand with us today, and the promise we are making to those who will come after us. It is a physical reminder that when we build together, we can create something that lasts far beyond any one generation.
To every member—past and present—this achievement belongs to you. To those who helped establish this Local in 1982, to those who carried its torch through the decades, and to every member who continues to show up, work hard, and stand united: thank you. Your dedication helped lay the groundwork for this historic day.
From 1982 to 2026, we built a legacy. Now, we have built a home for that legacy.
Congratulations to the entire membership of ILA Local 2036 on this historic achievement. Be proud of this moment. Remember it. Tell the next generation about it.
Thank you
Blaine Ehrlich
ILA Local 2036
President/Business Agent
In photograph, President Blaine Ehrlich with Secretary Treasurer Joey Galatas at the closing of the new union hall for the members of ILA Local 2036.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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🫡💪🏾
Port of Cleveland
PROUD ILA DAD/LOCAL 1317 MEMBER MARK MANFREDI’S SON MARK MANFREDI GETS CALLED UP TO THE MAJORS TO PLAY FOR COLORADO ROCKIES
Please join us in congratulating Mark Manfredi as he was called up to the major leagues to play for the Colorado Rockies and made his major league debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Mark Manfredi is the son of Mark Manfredi, Sr, who is a longtime member of ILA Local 1317 out of The Port of Cleveland, OH.
Photo Credit:
Jason Yafanaro
ILA Local 1317
Thank You!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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His first Strikeout in the Majors was Freddie Freeman. 🤌🏻
That’s awesome 😎 congrats father and son.
Thanks Everyone, for your Support. Definitely a Dream come true for Mark Jr and our Family… ILA STRONG🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏻👍🏻
Awesome. Thanks kenny!
Congratulations, Brother. Best of luck to your son!!!
Awesome
That's great, congratulations pops
Good luck and God bless him
Hell yeah Congratulations 👏👏👏
Congratulations 🎊🎈
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations
Congratulations 👏👏
Congratulations 👏
🫡
Blessings
Hell yeah !!! 2 strike outs no runs in his mlb debut. ILA strong 💪
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations 👍
Port of Virginia
Hampton Roads
THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONTINUES TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES
ILA AND HAMPTON ROADS SHIPPING ASSOCIATION RAISES OVER $86,000 FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
ILA LOCALS 970, 1248, 1624 & 1970 PROUDLY PARTICIPATED AND CONTRIBUTED IN MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE
On August 6, 2026 the International Longshoremen’s Association/Hampton Roads Shipping Association hosted the 10th Annual “Life Rolls On” Golf Outing at Swells Point Golf Course in Norfolk, Virginia.
The generosity and support from the ILA Locals up and down the coast as well as management and the Maritime Community helped raise over $86,000 for “Life Rolls On.”
“Life Rolls On” was founded by four time world champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer and its main goal is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. The ILA at Hampton Roads believes that adaptive sports could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability. “Life Rolls On” events are designed to serve individuals with physical disabilities and paralysis through adaptive surf, skate, and fishing experiences.
ILA International Vice President Larry Bachtell and President Jeremy Brides of the Hampton Roads Shipping Association are the Co-Chairs of this incredible event.
The Hampton Roads District Council puts on the event so all proceeds got to the charity.
ILA Local’s 970, 1248, 1624 & 1970 members proudly participate in this annual charity that helps those with disabilities have a better quality of life.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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I recognize a few of those folks.
Get em fellas! Pretty work #970
Proud to be a longshoreman.. Baltimore local 333 .. 💯💪🏽
💙✌🏼
Awesome job! #ila1248 💪🏾
That piece of shit on the left looks familiar
INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
The East and Gulf Coast of the United States
Puerto Rico
Eastern Canada
The Bahamas
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Proud to be a longshoreman local 333 4life..
Inspirational stories like this motivate us!
Bravo Congratulations 👏👏Bravo dios bendice 🙏 amén
The Bahamas 🇧🇸...We need this at my Jod in Houston Texas
🇵🇷
Solidarity ✊🏻
Solidarity great stories
WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
ESTABLISHED 1892
Maine to Texas, the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada and the Bahamas!
Have a blessed evening ILA Sisters and Brothers!
God Bless You All!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Madison Square Garden
New York City
November 18, 1958
DECADES LATER, THE FIGHT AGAINST AUTOMATION CONTINUES
ILA HOLDS PORTWIDE MEETING AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
AUTOMATION IN THE LONGSHORE INDUSTRY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
YOUR JOB—YOUR PENSION—YOUR WELFARE BENEFITS
The poster below from November 18, 1958 encouraged all ILA members to attend a meeting at Madison Square Garden to fight something we are still fighting today….Automation.
Notice the cartoon of a robot with hook in hand being used as an indication jobs could be in jeopardy.
This poster serves as a serious reminder that the International Longshoremen’s Association has been fighting automation for decades and we will continue to fight against any shipping lines that use robots and/or machines which will threaten to take our jobs.
**SAY NO TO AUTOMATION**
**ILA STRONG**
**IF WE ARE TOGETHER IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FAIL**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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I say we do this again! A meeting at MSG!
so many meanings for 'automation' - at that time they/we must have been talking about palletization and containers. Now much of the public thinks our work is 'automated' since they can't see the crane operators or the lashers.
Wow . I was born in 1958 that makes us realize automation has been around for at least 68 years . Incredible . Jobs over machines .
I’ve learned so much about our great union through this education history page. Great job to the I.L.A. 
Just sat no to any automation!! Conditioners killed a lot of man hours back in my day!!!
ILA @ Is best!!!!🇺🇸🤘🍷🍷
🫡💪🏾
Anybody know what was Allied Crafts?
I l a union all the way
Some things never change.
Port of New Orleans
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Grants Federal Permit for Louisiana International Terminal, Authorizing Construction of America’s Next Great Deepwater Port
NEW ORLEANS— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the federal permit authorizing construction of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), clearing the way for the nation’s only new greenfield container port currently under development — a project positioned to redefine Gulf Coast trade capacity, strengthen the U.S. supply chain, and accelerate American manufacturing and commerce.
Strategically located on the Lower Mississippi River with direct access to the Gulf of America, LIT will connect more than 30 states to global markets through direct access to every major Class I railroad and the interstate highway system. Backed by a public-private partnership among Port NOLA, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), the port terminal operating arm of MSC, and Ports America the project has advanced through federal review with strong support from Louisiana’s bipartisan congressional delegation, the State of Louisiana, and regional economic development leaders.
“This is a defining moment not just for Louisiana, but for the entire country,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “The Louisiana International Terminal will stimulate economic growth and cement Louisiana’s role as the nation’s gateway to global trade. This investment will expand opportunities for American businesses and workers, lift up opportunities for Louisiana families, and ensure Louisiana remains a driving force in the nation’s future.”
According to independent economic analysis, (www.portnolaimpact.com/) cargo activity through Port NOLA already supports more than $101 billion in total economic value nationwide and more than 342,000 American jobs, including over 122,000 in Louisiana alone. At full buildout, the Louisiana International Terminal is projected to add thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in new tax revenue across the country.
Portions of this story was shared to us by the American Journal of Transportation and westcentralsbest.com
Thank You!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Meet me at Frankie & Johnny's !!!
Take that shit somewhere else assholes
Port of NY/NJ
August 17, 1956
ILA HISTORY
70 YEARS AGO TODAY:
ILA LOCAL 1247 MEMBERS WORK ON THE WATERFRONT IN JERSEY CITY, NJ
In photograph, ILA Local 1247 members move cargo at Harborside Terminal in Jersey City, NJ on August 17, 1956.
Harborside Terminal is a historic waterfront property at 210 Hudson Street in Jersey City, New Jersey. Built in 1930 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a massive rail-to-keel freight storage and distribution center, it was later transformed into a modern multi-use office, dining, and multi-modal transit complex along the Hudson River waterfront.
In 1930, the Harborside Terminal facility served as a freight terminal for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, handling rail freight from Pennsylvania and transferring it to ships for transport across the Hudson River into Manhattan and beyond.
Many years later, Local 1247 would become part of Local 1588.
Today, ILA Local 1588 is led by President Virgil Maldonado as they proudly move the world’s commerce at Port Liberty Container Terminal in Bayonne, NJ.
Int'l Longshoremen's Virgilio Maldonado Dennis A. Daggett James A. McNamara
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Oh, I remember them days ILA 1291 Dennis Stewart I wind it up on deck thank you Jesus I took every hard job down there licorice fruit taco beans, collide cocoa butter one time dry point we had 12,000 drums on the ship all by hand I had over 30 something is that I missed it now I’m in Saint Malik is nursing home at 10 eager
A little history on ILA Local 1588 that was told to me when I was a kid. Local 1588 was originally a warehouse Local in Bayonne. Jersey City Local 1247, which represented longshore deep sea workers on the Jersey City waterfront and finger piers, was later merged into Local 1588. In November 1982, Bayonne Local 1587, which represented the Bayonne deep-sea longshoremen, was also consolidated into Local 1588. Through these mergers, the longshore and warehousemen jurisdictions of Jersey City and Bayonne ultimately came together under the Local 1588 charter, creating the ILA Local 1588 that we know today.
There’s Bolock , he’s the one with a cap on
The memories are flooding back as I look at this.
Ilwu the best union on the planet power to the people local8...
That’s what the long hook was used for !! ILA LOVAL 1291 Philly!!
Super esa foto Izada con Bandas antes estrobos
Remember so well port after balto same gear and basa coffee years ago
Go Union
I’ve been driving dock gantry crane’s for a minute. I drove truck and I still drive Rtg’s
You got automated ports as a problem
ILWU local 502 represents
Port of NY/NJ
ILA members unload cargo at the American Sugar Refining Company
Brooklyn, NY
October 1950
Longshoremen unloading bags and barrels of raw sugar at the receiving dock of The American Sugar Refining Company in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which was located on Kent Avenue between Division Avenue and South 11th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
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Port of NY/ NJ
Port Liberty Container Terminal, Bayonne, NJ with the New York City skyline in the distance.
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Go Union