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 Philadelphia
ILA International Assistant General Organizer James Paylor is surrounded by his family as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Paylor is a longtime ILA member and delegate who has dedicated his life to our union and its membership.
**RESPECT**
**ILA FAMILY**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Great picture!
Port Everglades
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Circa 1930’s
⚓️ ILA LOCAL 1526: PROUD HISTORY. STRONG FUTURE. ⚓️
We were proud to spend some time today with ILA Local 1526 President Johnnie Dixon and he shared this incredible photograph with us of Port Everglades from back in the 1930’s
Johnnie Dixon shared this message with us on the rich history of ILA Local 1526 and Port Everglades with us:
“Since receiving its charter in 1937, ILA Local 1526 has been the backbone of commerce at Port Everglades, helping move cargo that fuels our local, national, and global economy. For nearly nine decades, generations of dedicated longshore workers have handled every type of cargo imaginable, from breakbulk and lumber to containers, automobiles, and project cargo, keeping the port moving efficiently and safely.
This historic photograph is a powerful reminder of the hardworking men and women who built the foundation of our Local. Their dedication, skill, and sacrifice paved the way for the modern waterfront workforce we proudly represent today.
Today, the members of ILA Local 1526 continue that proud tradition. Our workforce takes tremendous pride in delivering professionalism, productivity, and safety every day on the docks of Port Everglades. Whether working aboard vessels, in warehouses, rail operations, or container terminals, our members understand the critical role they play in maintaining the flow of commerce throughout Southeast Florida.
We are proud to be recognized as a model workforce and one of the most respected labor organizations in the region. Our success is built on the strength of our membership, our commitment to excellence, and our unwavering dedication to the maritime industry.
As we honor our past, we remain focused on the future, continuing to grow, innovate, and uphold the values that have defined ILA Local 1526 since 1937.
89 years of strength. 89 years of pride. 89 years of moving Port Everglades forward.”
#ILALocal1526 #PortEverglades #UnionStrong MaritimeIndustry LaborHistory MovingCommerce ProudTradition ILAStrong🇺🇸🇺🇸
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great pictures.
Nice picture
In the shed here but unloaded from a ships hull
Remember so well how I got started years ago
Port Miami
ILA LOCAL 1416 HONORING 90 YEARS OF BROTHERHOOD, STRENGTH, SERVICE & FAMILY
On June 23, 2026 ILA Local 1416 will celebrate their 90th Anniversary at the 9th Street Mall, Miami, FL, which is located directly across from the union hall.
This event is open to all ILA Local 1416 members and their families.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Congratulations Brother Andres Osoria ex President local 2062 ILA Miami
GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!
ILA ROLL CALL!
If you wish, in the comments section, please list the local you are in and the port you work out of!
Have a great start to your week and be safe!
June 1st already!
WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
ESTABLISHED 1892
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
337 CommentsComment on Facebook
Local 20 & Local 1504-8 Port of Galveston, Tx
1804-1 in the house
Local 20 Galveston Texas 🏝️ 🛳️ ☀️ Local 30 Freeeport Texas ⚓️ 🏗️ 🚢 ILA🫡🫡
Local #28 Houston “TEXAS”
Local 1604 Boston
Local 1359 Port Canaveral 💪
MRS.Walking Foreman Local #20
Local 1985 Port of Mobile, Al. Roll Tide Roll
Retired Intl. & SAGCD, Local 1351 Port Houston.
Local 1985 Mobile, Al
Local 1317 Cleveland Ohio. Proud 39 year member
1814 S/I N/Y
Local 1423 ⚓️ Port of Brunswick Local 1414 ⚓️ Port of Savannah Dual Seniority!! 💪🏿
ILA 1804-1 APM Terminal, Elizabeth, NJ
Local 1351 Houston, TX
I.L.A. Local 1286 Buffalo NY
Local 269 Port of Halifax NS Canada 🇨🇦
Ila local 28 headed back to work
Local 1233 PNCT
Port Jersey Bayonne ny harbor
Teresa alvine local 1 port of Nj &Ny
Jodie Kraus ILa Local 20 strong 💪🏼
ILA Local 1588 Port Liberty Bayonne NJ
Local 24 Port of Houston 🤘🏾
Local 1414 Savannah Ga. AKA the C-Port.
Port Houston
Year unknown
ILA Longshoreman moving cargo by hand on the rail at The East End of Port Houston, Texas, Harrisburg/Magnolia Park & 2nd Ward.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brothers stood in line to get this job, check out this old rail car.
Steel wheels...it is pre-WWII. Goodyear provided rubber after the war. We used the trucks at Hill&Hill mid and late 70's. Thanks for the pic.
This is what paved the path for me today !
En qué año sería ?
Wrong type of hook but same idea
That photo shows back in the day when nobody wanted this job
Port of NY/NJ
LONGSHOREMEN OF YEARS PAST LAID THE FOUNDATION TO BUILD OUR GREAT UNION INTO WHAT WE HAVE TODAY
THE LEGACY OF THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Longshoremen have always been the backbone of our ports, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep commerce moving and communities thriving. Through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, they helped build the foundation of our economy and laid the groundwork for generations to come.
Every shipment unloaded, every piece of equipment serviced, every box checked, and every challenge overcome contributed to the growth and prosperity we all enjoy today.
The hardworking ILA workforce have moved cargo since 1892. These jobs allow us to support our families and strengthened communities across the nation.
However, these benefits and opportunities we enjoy today did not appear overnight—they were built upon the efforts of working men and women who showed up day after day, regardless of weather or circumstance. Through decades of blood, sweat and tears, Longshoremen are proud to stand among those whose commitment and perseverance helped shape the world we know today.
The ILA legacy is more than the cargo they move and the equipment they repair; it is the foundation they helped create, ensuring that future generations could build, grow, and prosper. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Longshoremen who laid the groundwork and carried the weight of progress on their shoulders.
In photograph, ILA Local 1814 members report for the shape on the Brooklyn Waterfront sometime during the 1950’s.
**ILA HISTORY**
**ILA LEGACY**
**RESPECT**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
The old bystate
Morning Shape Up!
They were men of iron, when ships were made of wood.
The Real Gangsters. ILA all the way.
It’s a shame to have to fight automation some things are better left alone
Port of New Orleans
ILA Local 2036 member Benjy Toups retires after 47 years working on the waterfront at the Port of New Orleans
His son Matt Toups shared this special message in honor of his father:
“Today was bitter sweet but also a great day. After 47 years, my Dad has officially retired! He has been a proud member of ILA Local 2036 out of the Port of New Orleans since 1982. Congratulations Dad….I hope you and Mom enjoy retirement. Love you Benjy Toups Christine Walch Toups Jamie Hallock.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
**ILA FAMILY**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
27 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congrats my friend glad for you
47 years, long time, congratulations.
Glad to see you pull up the anchor,you served a lifetime local 2046 port of Savannah Ga.
It's about time we had a lot of good times
Congratulations enjoy retirement my friend.
Congratulations 🎉 Enjoy that new camp with your family and thanks for your support of the ILA and our local 2036 at the port of Nola!
Congratulation well deserved brother
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Benjy on his retirement! 🎈
Congrats!!!
Congratulations and job well done. 🎉🍾🎈🎊
Congrats my brother Just retired 47 years out of port ny nj 1804-1 and ny shipping Had a tear in my eye when leaving
Now you can do whatever you want whenever you want..... Congratulations 🎊
Congratulations, well earned, ENJOY!✌️
Congratulations on your retirement from local #24 Houston,Tx.
congratulations!!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations
Congratulations 🎊
Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊
Congrats
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations 🎊
Congratulations!
congratulations!
Port of NY/NJ
ILA LOCAL 1233 GIVES BACK TO THE NEWARK, NJ COMMUNITY AS THEY SUPPORT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING THIS PROM SEASON 2026
ILA Local 1233 Proudly Supports JustMotivated’s Prom Initiative for Newark Youth
The members of ILA Local 1233 are proud to be one of the sponsors of JustMotivated and its incredible effort to support Newark students during prom season.
This year, Just Motivated is sponsoring 20 deserving children from Newark, New Jersey, providing them with everything they need to enjoy a memorable prom experience at no cost to their families.
**ILA COMMUNITY**
**ILA FAMILY**
Thank you Victor Thomas, ILA Local 1233 Secretary Treasurer, for sharing this information with us.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND HIS SUPPORT FOR LABOR UNIONS
During his presidency from 1961 to 1963, John F. Kennedy maintained a strong relationship with organized labor and worked to support the American workforce and labor unions. Kennedy believed that unions played an important role in protecting fair wages, improving working conditions, and strengthening the middle class during a period of economic growth and social change in the United States.
One of Kennedy’s most significant actions regarding labor was his support for collective bargaining rights for federal employees. In 1962, he signed Executive Order 10988, which granted federal workers the right to organize and bargain collectively with the government.
Kennedy also maintained close ties with major labor leaders and organizations.
Many labor unions strongly supported Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election, and his administration often worked alongside union leaders on issues such as raising the minimum wage, improving workplace safety, and expanding unemployment benefits.
In 1946, as a young congressman, John F. Kennedy visited with ILA International Vice President Daniel J. Donovan on the Boston waterfront.
Fifteen years later, on January 20, 1961, Kennedy would be sworn in as the 35th President of the United States of America.
Two years after that, on November 22, 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
JFK was the youngest person ever elected President of United States at 43 years of age.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Go Union
Port of Charleston
SEAPORT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION VISITS ILA AT THE PORT OF CHARLESTON
ILA Local 1422 President Kenny Riley welcomed Seaport Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Elaine Thompson and Chief Operations Officer Melissa McCann to the Port of Charleston to visit Local 1422 Headquarters and meet up with the membership and inform them what the Seaport Federal Credit Union has to offer ILA members.
“A huge thank you to @ILA and @Local1422 for having us! We truly appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to working closely with the incredible membership here in Charleston. Exciting things ahead!”
For more information about the Seaport Federal Credit Union go to:
seaportfcu.org/
🙌⚓ #ILALocal1422 #CharlestonStrong #UnionPride
@ilaunion @ilasagcd
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
16 CommentsComment on Facebook
ILA 1771 here also outta Charleston, I’m definitely going to look up Seaport and see what they offer vs SCFCU.
Welcome to the best Credit Union for the ILA members!!!
Welcome to Seaport FCU Local 1422!
Yo Kenny what up fam. from The West Coast ILWU Local 23 Pensioners 💪🏾
My big cuz!!
Let me in
⚓🩷🩵⚓
Bless up
What’s up Kenny
Yesssssss...Thank You!💃🏾💪🏾🕺🏿🤑🤑🤑🤑
ILA 1416 miami
Can't wait until they come to Jacksonville I'm interested in getting the information and possibly join myself.
❤️