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 Savannah
Year unknown
ILA members reporting for work on the docks at the Port of Savannah.
Today, the Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest port for container moves in the United States.
None of this could be possible without the International Longshoremen’s Association….who keep cargo moving on a daily basis.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
MARCH 8, 2026
On this International Women’s Day we salute, honor and recognize the women of the ILA as well as all women everywhere around the world.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Give to Gain.” This global day honors the achievements of women and promotes gender equality, empowerment, and women’s rights. In 2026, the world will also celebrate 115 years of International Women’s Day, as it was first observed internationally in 1911.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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PORT OF VIRGINA
HAMPTON ROADS
ILA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2026
ILA Women’s Conference Port of Virginia-Hampton Roads District Dinner organized by ILA Local 1624 2nd Vice President Mike Heath.
Photo Credits:
ILA Local 1970 President Monta Bivins
Thank You!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Okay ladies. Hold it down.
That food was so good thanks for everything
You ladies rock!!!
Hope yall had a good time here in Jacksonville local 1408 ILA strong
Be Blessed Hampton Roads Family.
Congratulations Lovette!
Representing well Ladies!
Nice ladies
#UnionStrong #ILAStrong #Godisgood
Awesome and well deserved 👏🏾
Nice
Jacksonville, FL
A MESSAGE FROM THE HONORABLE DONNA DEEGAN, MAYOR OF JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA:
“It was an honor to speak at the International Longshoremen’s Association Women’s Conference today. The fact that it is taking place during Women’s History Month makes it even more meaningful.
I was proud to officially declare today as ILA Women’s Maritime Conference Day here in Jacksonville to recognize and celebrate the women of the maritime industry, whose dedication, leadership and service strengthens both our city and our nation.”
Mayor Deegan is joined on stage by conference organizers Lovette McGill, ILA Local 1416, out of Port Miami, and Betty Hooker, ILA Local 1233, out of Port of NY/NJ.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Having a wonderful time in Duval 1359- 1960!
Proud of my ILA Women Leaders!
Such a great day for the women of the ILA!
Port of NY/NJ
Port of Baltimore
Port of Virginia
ILA WELCOMES MUA TO ILA PORTS;
NY/NJ, VIRGINIA, BALTIMORE
The International Longshoremen’s Association proudly welcomed the Maritime Union of Australia Western Australia Branch members Will Tracy and Kyle McGinn as they made their way over to the United States to get a close up look of our port operations and what can be learned from what we do here at ILA ports so they can bring that knowledge back home to their membership. Brothers Tracy and McGinn visited the Port of Virginia, the Port of Baltimore and the Port of NY/NJ.
The ILA and MUA has a strong brotherhood that goes back many years. The ILA was well represented at the MUA National Conference in Queensland Gold Coast in 2020 and in Adelaide in 2024.
“The hospitality at all ports from all of the ILA locals has been unbelievable during our visit here on the east coast of the United States,” commented MUA delegate Will Tracy.
Among the ILA leaders welcoming our brothers from Australia are:
-Scott Cowan, ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 333 President, Baltimore
-John Shade, ILA Local 953 President, Baltimore
-Michael Coe, ACD Vice President, ILA Local 333 Vice President, Baltimore
-Chris Barry, ILA Local 333 Recording Secretary, Baltimore
-John Leichling, ILA Local 1429 Vice President, Baltimore
-Troy Nilsen, ILA Local 1429 President, Baltimore
-Timothy Krajewski, ILA Local 333 Secretary Treasurer, Baltimore
-Jason Young, ILA Local 333 Business Agent, Baltimore
-Billy Hartigan, ILA Local 1804-1 Business Agent/ITF, NY/NJ
-Danny DiArchangel, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Paul Moe, Jr., ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Matt Collins, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Tim Lindsay, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Bobby Rispoli, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Richie Kier, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Larry DeFelice, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Carmine Forte, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Brian Porter, ILA Local 1804-1, NY/NJ
-Larry Bachtell, ACD Vice President, Virginia
-Kevin Halstead, President, ILA Local 1624, Virginia
**ILA…ALL THE WAY**
**MUA…HERE TO STAY**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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God Bless the ILA all over the world UNITY work union live better 🙏💪💪
Will and Kyle are as good as they come! Great leaders, great people! Honored to have them visit us. True solidarity
MUA ILA STRONG 💪💪💪💪
The Best!! Solidarity!!
MUA &ILA 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Great crew!!
What a great honor to have the MUA in our ports! Will and Kyle are warriors for the rank and file!
🫡💪🏼✊🏼🌎
Congratulations God Bless all the Men & Woman be safe in your travels. I'm a proud Mom of my Son Troy Nilsen 💙
A
Jacksonville, FL
Third Bi-annual South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, ILA Women’s Conference Brings Together Hundreds Of “ILA Women on the Waterfront” to Jacksonville, Florida.
JACKSONVILLE, FL (March 5, 2026) - The 3rd bi-annual South Atlantic Gulf Coast District, ILA Women’s Maritime Conference officially set sail in Jacksonville on March 5, welcoming women from across the maritime industry for several days of networking, learning, and leadership development. The conference opened with registration and an evening welcome reception, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and celebrate the growing impact of women across ports.
This year’s gathering marks another milestone for the conference as it continues to strengthen a community dedicated to professional growth and mentorship within the maritime workforce. Participants represent a wide range of roles—from port operations and labor to administration and leadership—highlighting the diverse contributions women make throughout the industry.
Leading the 2026 conference are co-chairs Betty Hooker and Lovette McGill, whose leadership and vision have helped bring this year’s event together. Through their dedication and collaboration, the conference continues to expand its reach, creating opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.
As the conference begins, the energy and enthusiasm in Jacksonville set the tone for the days ahead. With engaging discussions, workshops, and meaningful connections on the horizon, the 3rd bi-annual ILA Women’s Maritime Conference promises to be another powerful step forward in supporting and celebrating women in the maritime industry.
Thank you ILA Chief of Staff Jim McNamara for sharing this to us
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Jacksonville, FL
2026 ILA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
SOUTHBANK HOTEL
JACKSONVILLE RIVERWALK
JACKSONVILLE, FL
**WOMEN OF THE ILA….MAKING HISTORY**
The Biannual ILA Women’s Conference began in Jacksonville in 2022. In 2024 it took place in Savannah and in 2026 it is back in Jacksonville.
Please scroll through the photographs of the ILA Women’s Conference Welcome Reception, which took place last night, March 5, 2026.
Photo Credits:
Mary Jaeger
ILA International
ILA Local 512 Vice President/Recording Secretary
Thank You!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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I love seeing Ladies succeed and stick together. Is there a way that other women can try and join or be recruited?
Had a time!!!
Another Great Year New Memories made. 💙🚢⚓️💙🚢⚓️
Can ILA locals from anywhere attend? If so please give details for 2028 event
Ok Ladies.🙏🏾🌺. Blessings all the way from ILA Local-1329. …Providence RI
Jacksonville, FL
ILA Local 1235 ladies attend the 3rd biannual ILA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE in Jacksonville, FL
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Welcome my sisters ILA Longershores strong 1408 Welcome to Jacksonville Florida DUVAL ..
P yes yes yes yes yes that's what I like to see that's what I'm talking about lady rule
🫶🙌🙌
Port of Boston
ILA WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK MOVING THE WORLD’S CARGO
The Ever Fore making a grand entrance in the Port of Boston this evening. This Evergreen container ship was built in 2021, is 1,100 in length, and has a max capacity of 11,888 teu’s. Two gangs working over night by Locals 799, 800, 805, 1066, and 1604.
Photo Credit:
Eugene Stancato
Vice President, ILA Local 800
Thank You!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Avilés, Spain
-Not One Step Back
-An injury To One Is An Injury To All
-You Will Never Walk Alone Again
-If We Are Together, It Is Impossible To Fail
-If It’s A Fight They Want, It’s A War They’re Gonna Get
-Which Side Are You On?
A MESSAGE FROM IDC LABOR COORDINATOR JORDI ARAGUNDE AS OUR DOCKWORKER SISTERS AND BROTHERS FROM THE PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR BETTER WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS ON THE WATERFRONT:
These are the consequences when someone makes it their only objective to liquidate and dismantle the dockers’ workplace and rob dozens of dockworkers—both permanent and casual—of their future.
But today I want to say something else, something even stronger: I am incredibly proud of the dockers of Avilés. After 14 days of struggle, they continue to stand firm. Their unity, solidarity, and determination are a true example of dignity, resistance, and working-class strength.
They remind us of something fundamental: when workers stand together, they are stronger than any attempt to divide or erase them.
We continue to call for unity among all, to remain strong, organized, and combative. And we call on the Principality of Asturias, the City Council, and the Port Authority to step up and play their role. Public institutions must protect their workers from the voracity of companies that only see profit.
We are not asking for privileges.
We ask for dignity and a future for the families of permanent and casual dockworkers, and for the entire port community.
They seek profit.
They seek to weaken us.
They seek to precarize our work.
But as I learned very well during the ILA strike with Dennis at the front, our unity and the justice of our cause are our greatest weapons.
Many people are already showing their solidarity.
Now is the time to turn that solidarity into action and show those companies that want to eliminate us that they will not succeed.
Until victory.
Not one step back
Please take a moment to watch this video that was sent to us this morning of the dockworkers passion on full display to fight for their livelihood in Spain.
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Toda mi respeto y solidaridad compañeros
Keep pushing!!! Not one step back! Solidarity!! ✊🏻💪🏻🙏🏻❤️