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 NY/NJ
ILA LOCAL 1588 MEMBERS PROUDLY ATTEND FUNDRAISER FOR THEIR VERY OWN ASSEMBLYMAN WILL SAMPSON
Will Sampson is not only a loyal and proud member of ILA Local 1588 out of Bayonne, NJ.
He is also a New Jersey State Assemblyman and he supports the ILA in any way he can at the capitol in Trenton.
Last night was a successful event at the Sampson for Assembly Fundraiser and the ILA was there to give him their full support.
Pictured here from left to right you have; Vito Recchia Vice President of Local 1588, Neil Pacilio Recording Secretary of Local 1588, William Sampson Assemblyman of the 31st District of New Jersey and Local 1588 member, David Maldonado Trustee of Local 1588 and Isaias Franco of Local 1588.
Sampson work in the Longshore craft pit of Port Liberty Container Terminal in Bayonne, NJ
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Great crew!!!!
GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!
Have a blessed day on the waterfront!
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Good morning
SEIU SUPPORTS ILA PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT’S MESSAGE
TWO YEARS AGO, IN OCTOBER 2024, FROM THE “FINANCIAL TIMES”
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION SHARED THE FOLLOWING ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES:
“ILA International President Harold J. Daggett and his union said the strike was necessary to win higher wages and job security for dock workers whose jobs have been threatened by automation. Without the work stoppage, ILA leaders say the longshoremen’s ranks could be slashed like those of the Detroit autoworkers. ‘We will not accept the loss of work and livelihood for our members due to automation!
Our position is clear: the preservation of jobs and historical work functions is non-negotiable.’” —Financial Times
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The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector and property services believe in and fight for a Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come.
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What did happen is that the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and port employers eventually reached a contract agreement after the 2024-2025 dispute, with the automation issue being one of the central sticking points. Harold Daggett repeatedly argued against introducing automation that would reduce union jobs.
Did it though?
Politicians of California let us down on the west coast, sold on the idea of all electric, no gas pedals. Green energy folks got on board. Thats why we need to vett, who we vote for, because it does matter.
What would harry bridges say
Nelson Lombardo Lopez - Local 1804-1 God bless Harold Daggett and all those member’s the ILA for Hard Work 😓
A man of his word🍻
Rightfully so ⚓️💪🇺🇲
Thank Mr. Daggett and everyone of my fellow longshoremen family. #Ila1624
Yes it did work and now, we're GOOD.
President Daggett and Trump made the deal.
I L A all the way🇺🇸🫡
One of the greatest ILA Presidents ever. Thank you Mr Daggett!!!
That’s my President right there!The best in the game and we love him!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️👍🏻😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
#ILA #UNIONPOWER #WEMOVEDAWORLD
If it wasn’t for President Daggett. We would be over run by the cost of living .
Ila 970 Norfolk Va
ILA ALL THE WAY
ILA Strong
. . . . . Thanks, harold, for giving the ports more reason to move forward w/ automation... . . . .
If our president had a back bone maybe we could get a better wage increase Joe Girouard
ILA 💪
Port of Corpus Christi, TX
THE PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI TURNS 100 YEARS OLD
International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) representation at the Port of Corpus Christi is anchored by ILA Local 26, serving maritime and dock workers in the area.
The Port of Corpus Christi officially opened for business on September 14, 1926, transforming the South Texas region into a major deepwater shipping hub.
For as long as Corpus Christi has had settlers, there has been a desire to grow the shipping industry and establish a deep-water port. Small ports served the Gulf nearby, but as ships and the loads they carried grew, not all could accommodate them. Shipping from Corpus Christi required shallow vessels that were able to navigate winding channels to get into the bay.
With the efforts of Corpus Christi’s businesses and politicians, a channel was dredged and the Port opened in 1926. The initial goal of the port and the Navigation District was to facilitate the shipping of South Texas farm produce, including cotton. The economy of the region was based nearly entirely on agriculture, and a deepwater port grew the market for the goods. The fact that the port was already established when oil was discovered nearby meant the city saw an immediate surge in shipping and could quickly pivot to building oil docks and refineries.
In the 1930s, Corpus Christi was a growing coastal city in Texas, with a developing economy driven by shipping, oil, and tourism. The city’s waterfront was bustling with maritime activity, and the economy was being shaped by the oil boom. The beach, still a popular destination, attracted tourists seeking the sun and sea. Local businesses flourished, while the city’s architecture reflected both modern and traditional influences. The 1930s also saw the rise of the Texas oil industry, which played a crucial role in Corpus Christi’s development as a hub for both commerce and recreation.
1935 ILA STRIKE
Longshoremen at the Port of Corpus Christi participated in a major 75-day Gulf Coast strike (September 30 to December 12, 1935) led by the ILA to fight for better conditions and secure union recognition across the region.
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Benny Holland, Jr. Became president of the SAGCD in Corpus Christi, and the Buddy Raspberry bell to start our conventions was initially rung here. A joyous and both sad occasion. Thanks for sharing 👍
Port of Savannah
ILA LOCALS AT THE PORT OF SAVANNAH COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
At the Port of Savannah, ILA Locals 1414 and 1475 have come together to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
On October 20, 2026, the locals will host an event for breast cancer survivors, members, family and friends to participate in the event. ILA Local 1414 President Paul Mosley and ILA Local 1475 President Josh Thomas along with the membership have done an outstanding job supporting the fight against Breast Cancer. Special thanks to Sheba McPherson (1475) and Shaniqua McIver (1414) for working together to make this event possible.
There is nothing greater than when ILA Locals support each other, showing our solidarity in this great industry.
Thank you to ILA Local Recording Secretary Brandon Baxter for contributing to this story.
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OCTOBER…BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This annual campaign is to raise awareness into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
“Our MILA health plan is one of the best in the country. Use it to your advantage and get your checkup”……remarked ILA President Harold J. Daggett
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Thank god for our health insurance. My wife is a breast cancer survivor. And can’t imagine what we would have done without our insurance.
Love it!
🫶🏼💪🏾
Port of Baltimore
ILA AT THE PORT OF BALTIMORE TURNS OUT STRONG AUGUST, 2026;
Ro/Ro autos, farm and construction machinery and Breakbulk are all up.
Containers have fourth best month ever recorded.
A message sent to us from the Port of Baltimore:
A very strong August, 2026, for the Port of Baltimore. Autos were up 27 percent compared to August 2025, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery is currently up 29 percent for the year, breakbulk project cargo is currently up 19 percent, and containers had their fourth-best month ever and are trending close to our 2025 record year. Looking forward to continuing the momentum into the fourth quarter!
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Looking good 😎
THE DOCKS ARE OURS…..AND THEY WILL ALWAYS BE OURS
We are the International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892
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1317 I.L.A. CLEVELAND ☠️ ⚓️ ☠️ ⚓️ ☠️ ⚓️ ☠️
Local #1416 baby
Local 1291 Philly
Let’s keep it that way.
God bless the ILA 1804-1
I .L. A all the way. # 1566
Yes Local #1423
I disagree The docks are ours, local 1556 nyc dock builders
ILA Local 1 God Bless Amen Amen Amen
💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
✊ ✊
Fuck Yeah!!!
ILA 1233 in the house
Fact !!
Agreed
ILA LOCAL#28 I am proud member of our Hall
FOR LIFE, MY HEARTBEAT!!!!!!
ILA 1413 THAT'S RIGHT!!!!
And the Leatherman Terminal has now been closed 2 months.
Port of NY/NJ
May 27, 1957
PAY DAY ON THE WATERFRONT
ILA members wait on line to receive their paychecks after a week of backbreaking work on the West Side Piers in New York City in May of 1957.
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ILA ALL THE WAY...
THE SHAPE UP
Where are the hooks ??? Lmao. I still have mine from father. You need a hook in those days for some cargo and especially the hatchcovers .
That must be the Grace Line. They were the only ones paying by check in 1957.
Just look at these guys. It brings back memories. My father was a Longshore man for 50 years. Great photo.
Also rubber and coffee bags.
Go Union
Port Houston
A CELEBRATION OF THE HISTORIC HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL EXPANSION
PROJECT 11
A MESSAGE FROM ILA LOCAL 24 PRESIDENT GABRIEL GARZA:
“Good Afternoon Everyone:
The Port of Houston is inviting the ILA to celebrate with them.
There will be a celebration of the Historic Houston Ship Channel Expansion - Project 11
Project 11 is the deepening and widening of our ship channel.
This will allow for bigger ships to enter the port in the future.
If you would like to join us in this celebration, please call the hall and add your name to the guest list.
This is limited to 50 members out of ILA Local 24.
The event will be next week on 10/8/2026 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
I hope to see you there.”
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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