Education

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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.

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ILA Education/History

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 Charleston
August 23, 2012

ARMED FORCES DAY
May 16, 2026

On this Armed Forces Day, the International Longshoremen’s Association honors and salutes all active-duty men and women currently serving across all branches of the U.S. military.

**RESPECT**
β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

A message from ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett:

On this day, August 23, 2012, my Brother and I were in Delray Beach, Florida during Master Contract negotiations. The negotiations abruptly ended, and my Brother looked at me and said, β€œWhat do we do now?”

I said, β€œWell, one thing we will not do is fly over a picket line.”

Without hesitation, we headed to South Carolina to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Brothers and Sisters from the ILA Charleston Locals, along with a few proud rank-and-file members of ILA Local 1804-1, who were peacefully protesting.

We were there to send a clear message to the United States Government and to the American people that the ILA has always taken great pride in handling U.S. Military Cargo in Charleston and across this nation. Around that time, the bidding process shifted from β€œbest value” to β€œlowest bidder,” putting good American union jobs and decades of skilled experience at risk.

The ILA stood united, fought back, and in the end, we were successful in preserving that work. To this day, the ILA remains proud to handle almost all U.S. Military Cargo on the East and Gulf Coast.

Another great achievement in the rich history of the International Longshoremen’s Association. A history built on solidarity, sacrifice, patriotism, and the determination of working men and women who never back down when it comes to protecting our jurisdiction and our future.

ILA Strong and Proud!!

In photograph, left to right, are proud ILA Local 1804-1 members protesting our job jurisdiction to handle and move United States military cargo on the East and Gulf coasts:
Wayne List, Josh Hertzberg, John Daggett, Sean Brown, Keith Shaughnessy, Dennis Daggett, Tim Lindsay and Dan DiArchangel

**ILA PROUD**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Charleston
August 23, 2012 

ARMED FORCES DAY 
May 16, 2026 

On this Armed Forces Day, the International Longshoremen’s Association honors and salutes all active-duty men and women currently serving across all branches of the U.S. military.

**RESPECT**
β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

A message from ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett: 

On this day, August 23, 2012, my Brother and I were in Delray Beach, Florida during Master Contract negotiations. The negotiations abruptly ended, and my Brother looked at me and said, β€œWhat do we do now?”

I said, β€œWell, one thing we will not do is fly over a picket line.”

Without hesitation, we headed to South Carolina to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Brothers and Sisters from the ILA Charleston Locals, along with a few proud rank-and-file members of ILA Local 1804-1, who were peacefully protesting.

We were there to send a clear message to the United States Government and to the American people that the ILA has always taken great pride in handling U.S. Military Cargo in Charleston and across this nation. Around that time, the bidding process shifted from β€œbest value” to β€œlowest bidder,” putting good American union jobs and decades of skilled experience at risk.

The ILA stood united, fought back, and in the end, we were successful in preserving that work. To this day, the ILA remains proud to handle almost all U.S. Military Cargo on the East and Gulf Coast.

Another great achievement in the rich history of the International Longshoremen’s Association. A history built on solidarity, sacrifice, patriotism, and the determination of working men and women who never back down when it comes to protecting our jurisdiction and our future.

ILA Strong and Proud!!

In photograph, left to right, are proud ILA Local 1804-1 members protesting our job jurisdiction to handle and move United States military cargo on the East and Gulf coasts: 
Wayne List, Josh Hertzberg, John Daggett, Sean Brown, Keith Shaughnessy, Dennis Daggett, Tim Lindsay and Dan DiArchangel   

**ILA PROUD**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

8 CommentsComment on Facebook

Large amount of ILA people were veterans are International President is a Navy Veteran.

Great picture

I remember the day very well!! A beginning to a long relationship!! Love you guys!!! Anyone who was there “nose” that!!

ILA FOREVER

I have this picture on my desk today!!! This was the Beginning of So many amazing relationships! I see you in the Back Blue Eyes!!! I'll Look up and smile at ya Brother!! Epitome of Brotherhood right there! ILA Strong πŸ’ͺ❀️! Thanks fellas! Love Y'all This was the beginning stages of the powerful Bridge ILA President Harold Daggett has built from the North To The South!! ILA = ILOVE AMERICA

No more wars for Israel

Go Union

LMAO

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Port of NY/NJ
Port of New Orleans

ILA LEADERS OUT OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS VISIT PORT NEWARK CONTAINER TERMINAL IN NEWARK, NJ

Blaine Ehrlich, President/Business Agent and Joey Galatas, Secretary Treasurer, of ILA Local 2036 out of the Port of New Orleans, toured PNCT in Newark, New Jersey earlier this week.

A message from ILA Local 2036 President Blaine Ehrlich:

β€œI just want to say it was a complete honor and privilege to tour PNCT terminal at Port Newark and witness and see the NEW shop they just built that was designed by ILA members!
We also visited the roadability process at the terminal and what they do to repair chassis. It was a pleasure to meet some of the hard working members on the ground and experience individuals with the upmost pride and love for the ILA !
It was amazing to go on one of the highest gantry cranes all the way to the apex and we got to witness the most stunning views of the terminal with New York City in the background!
Overall, the tour was phenomenal!
Dennis Daggett and the leadership of ILA Local 1804-1 are doing a phenomenal job!
Witnessing the ILA and the employer coming together for a beautiful project is such a sight to see!”

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ
Port of New Orleans 

ILA LEADERS OUT OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS VISIT PORT NEWARK CONTAINER TERMINAL IN NEWARK, NJ

Blaine Ehrlich, President/Business Agent and Joey Galatas, Secretary Treasurer, of ILA Local 2036 out of the Port of New Orleans, toured PNCT in Newark, New Jersey earlier this week. 

A message from ILA Local 2036 President Blaine Ehrlich:

β€œI just want to say it was a complete honor and privilege to tour PNCT terminal at Port Newark and witness and see the NEW shop they just built that was designed by ILA members!
We also visited the roadability process at the terminal and what they do to repair chassis.  It was a pleasure to meet some of the hard working members on the ground and experience individuals with the upmost pride and love for the ILA ! 
It was amazing to go on one of the highest gantry cranes all the way to the apex and we got to witness the most stunning views of the terminal with New York City in the background!
Overall, the tour was phenomenal! 
Dennis Daggett and the leadership of ILA Local 1804-1 are doing a phenomenal job!
Witnessing the ILA and the employer coming together for a beautiful project is such a sight to see!”

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Had some great ILA members give us a tour of the operations from the port of Newark.This operation truly has your attention the moment you enter the port.Proud to be an ILA member,the brotherhood you feel is truly real.Thanks to Dennis Daggett and his team for allowing us to participate in this tour. ILA Strong!

The pleasure was ours. It was great meeting you you guys. πŸ’ͺπŸ»πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

ILA STRONG πŸ’ͺ🏽

Go Union

Port of NY/NJ

Department of Docks
New York City
1965

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

Department of Docks 
New York City 
1965 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

How many members did you have at Bethlehem Steel in Dundalk Md ? My uncle was a Crain operator in the 60s 70s until the early retirement

East River!

Port of Savannah

Absolutely beautiful evening photograph of the Port of Savannah showcasing Talmadge Memorial Bridge with cranes in the background.

The original Talmadge bridge was a cantilever truss bridge built in 1953. By the 1980s, it had become functionally obsolete with only two lanes and no median and also became a danger for large ships entering the Port of Savannah, which is the nation’s fourth-busiest seaport. Because of this, plans to replace the bridge began in the early 1980s. Construction on a four-lane-wide cable-stayed span began in 1987, and was completed in March 1991.

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

The International Longshoremen’s Association at the Port of Savannah:

ILA Local 1414
Longshoremen
President Paul Mosley

ILA Local 1475
Clerks and Checkers
President Josh Thomas

ILA Local 2046
Maintenance & Repair
President Kerry Scott

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

Have a great night ILA sisters and brothers!!

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association….established 1892….moving the world’s commerce at ILA ports from Maine to Texas, the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada and the Bahamas.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Savannah 

Absolutely beautiful evening photograph of the Port of Savannah showcasing Talmadge Memorial Bridge with cranes in the background.

The original Talmadge bridge was a cantilever truss bridge built in 1953. By the 1980s, it had become functionally obsolete with only two lanes and no median and also became a danger for large ships entering the Port of Savannah, which is the nation’s fourth-busiest seaport. Because of this, plans to replace the bridge began in the early 1980s. Construction on a four-lane-wide cable-stayed span began in 1987, and was completed in March 1991.

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

The International Longshoremen’s Association at the Port of Savannah:

ILA Local 1414
Longshoremen 
President Paul Mosley

ILA Local 1475 
Clerks and Checkers 
President Josh Thomas 

ILA Local 2046 
Maintenance & Repair 
President Kerry Scott 

β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”β€”

Have a great night ILA sisters and brothers!!

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association….established 1892….moving the world’s commerce at ILA ports from Maine to Texas, the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada and the Bahamas.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

10 CommentsComment on Facebook

C Port of Savannah ILA 1414πŸ’ͺ🏿

Savannah is a beautiful city! # 1423/1414

Amazing

I LOVE SAVANNAH GEORGIA β€οΈπŸ˜ŽπŸš’βš“οΈ In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Forever I ❀️ Savannah! Local 1475πŸ“‹βœοΈπŸ‘·πŸ½‍♀️

Gorgeous sunset across coastal GA tonight. It’s the kind of night that makes you feel so connected to this land and it’s hard working people ❀️

Beautiful. May all of you stay safe. πŸ™πŸ»πŸ™πŸ»

Born and raised in Savannah Georgia 1414 baby πŸ’―β€ΌοΈ ILA HEART AND SOUL OF C-PORT ♥️

Kerry Scott

Local 1414 πŸ’ͺπŸΎβš“οΈπŸ’…πŸΎ

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Brady Tkachuk (bottom) of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators proudly wears an ILA sweatshirt while interviewing his brother Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers on their podcast.
On February 22, 2026 the Tkachuk brothers captured the Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Ice Hockey as the United States beat Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Tkachuk brothers have several family members that are in the ILA at the Port of Boston.

To see interview go to ILA Education/History story

@dunklejohn

Photo Credit:
John Dunkle
ILA Local 800
Port of Boston
Thank You!!
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Brady Tkachuk (bottom) of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators proudly wears an ILA sweatshirt while interviewing his brother Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers on their podcast.
On February 22, 2026 the Tkachuk brothers captured the Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Ice Hockey as the United States beat Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. 

The Tkachuk brothers have several family members that are in the ILA at the Port of Boston.

To see interview go to ILA Education/History story 

@dunklejohn 

Photo Credit:
John Dunkle 
ILA Local 800 
Port of Boston 
Thank You!!

10 CommentsComment on Facebook

That is awesome !

This is incredibly bad ass

Fuck, now I gotta like these guys as a Bruins fan! I love America comes first thoughπŸ˜‰

Mad respect from the west coast, it’s a nice day on the beach here.

Absolutely love this!

Love this! Such great folks in the Boston ILA!

Love it way to represent boys!!!

That’s awesome!

This is so cool!!!!!

ILA All The Way

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Jersey City, NJ

ILA OUT OF THE PORT OF BOSTON HONORS ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGETT AT HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN JERSEY CITY, NJ
@laurenhickey76 @ilaunion @genebeanpheind @dunklejohn

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Jersey City, NJ

ILA OUT OF THE PORT OF BOSTON HONORS ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGETT AT HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN JERSEY CITY, NJ
@laurenhickey76 @ilaunion @genebeanpheind @dunklejohn 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

8 CommentsComment on Facebook

Happy Birth Day Ay Tooo Yuh , Happy Birrrrrth Day Too Yuh Ah

Great representation from Boston Happy Birthday Harold πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

What a great picture! Happy birthday Harold!

Happy Birthday President Dagget πŸŽ‚πŸ₯³πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠπŸΎ

Happy Birthday Harold!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Brother

Happy Birthday πŸŽ‚

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL

ILA President Harold J. Daggett’s 80th Birthday Gala On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Generates $150,000 Donation To St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (May 13, 2026) Harold J. Daggett, International President of International Longshoremen’s Association, celebrated his milestone 80th Birthday on May 12th, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, New Jersey, where over 800 guests saluted him at a Birthday Gala, that raised $150,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the major charity of the USMX-ILA Children’s Fund.
ILA Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett and USMX Chairman Paul DeMaria served as Co-Chairs of this event and ILA officers and members; shipping executives; and government officials were among those in attendance saluting the ILA leader on his 80th Birthday. Surrounded by his family and friends, Harold Daggett was praised for 60 years in the maritime industry, coupled and his lifelong devotion and support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His three children, Dennis, John and Lisa, offered remarks on the father describing his love of family and his deep affection to protecting ILA rank-and-file members. The ILA President’s close friends and colleagues, Kenneth Oelkers and Brian Porter, also offered reflections on Harold Daggett.
In honor of his 80th Birthday, Dinner Co-Chair Paul DeMaria, the USMX leader, presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with an additional $5,000 donation.
β€œI would like to thank everyone for coming out this evening to support and honor St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and for my 80th Birthday,” ILA President Harold Daggett said as he opened his remarks.
He went on the praise his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and shared humorous antidotes about his childhood adventures with his cousin, Peter Clark. He thanked his current ILA staff for their contributions to the success of the St. Jude Gala, offering special praise to his niece, ILA Executive Assistant Mary Jaeger for her work coordinating the event, and ILA Executive Assistant Stephanie Lineberg for her support and friendship for more than a decade.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL 

ILA President Harold J. Daggett’s 80th Birthday Gala On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Generates  $150,000 Donation To St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

 NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (May 13, 2026) Harold J. Daggett, International President of International Longshoremen’s Association, celebrated his milestone 80th Birthday on May 12th, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, New Jersey, where over 800 guests saluted him at a Birthday Gala, that raised $150,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the major charity of the USMX-ILA Children’s Fund.
 ILA Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett and USMX Chairman Paul DeMaria  served as Co-Chairs of this event and ILA officers and members; shipping executives; and government officials were among those in attendance saluting the ILA leader on his 80th Birthday.  Surrounded by his family and friends, Harold Daggett was praised for 60 years in the maritime industry, coupled and his lifelong devotion and support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  His three children, Dennis, John and Lisa, offered remarks on the father describing his love of family and his deep affection to protecting ILA rank-and-file members.  The ILA President’s close friends and colleagues, Kenneth Oelkers and Brian Porter, also offered reflections on Harold Daggett.
 In honor of his 80th Birthday, Dinner Co-Chair Paul DeMaria, the USMX leader, presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with an additional $5,000 donation.
β€œI would like to thank everyone for coming out this evening to support and honor St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and for my 80th Birthday,” ILA President Harold Daggett said as he opened his remarks.  
He went on the praise his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and shared humorous antidotes about his childhood adventures with his cousin, Peter Clark.  He thanked his current ILA staff for their contributions to the success of the St. Jude Gala, offering special praise to his niece, ILA Executive Assistant Mary Jaeger for her work coordinating the event, and ILA Executive Assistant Stephanie Lineberg for her support and friendship for more than a decade.Image attachmentImage attachment

31 CommentsComment on Facebook

Nelson Lombardo Lopez; Happy Birthday Harold J Daggett

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday Harold.Thank you for being an awesome president 😎

Wishing you a blessed and happy birthday my friend πŸŽ‰πŸ₯‚πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έβ˜˜οΈβ˜˜οΈβ˜˜οΈ

Feliz y bendecido cumpleaños gran líder Harold J. Daggett que el todo poderoso haga resplandecer siempre su rostro sobre ti

Happy bday boss

What a night ….πŸ‘πŸ»

Happy Birthday my Man!!!!🀘🍷🍷

Great job by all. Had a wonderful time. Happy Birthday again Harold.

Happy 80th birthday Harold !!! πŸŽ‚ βš“οΈ πŸŽ‚βš“οΈπŸŽ‚

Happy birthday!

Happy 80th Birthday πŸŽ‚πŸ₯³πŸŽ‰πŸ’ͺ🏾

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday πŸ™πŸ»

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Harold πŸŽ‚

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Harold! ❀️❀️❀️ AKA HESLIN

Happy birthday

Happy 80th birthday

Happy birthday boss

Happy Birthday πŸŽŠπŸŽˆπŸŽ‚

Happy birthday βš“πŸŽ‚βš“

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Jersey City, NJ

USMX/ILA CHILDREN’S FUND RAISES $150,000 FOR ST. JUDE’S CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

The United States Maritime Alliance/International Longshoremen’s Association Children’s Fund raised $150,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at a packed gala event in which over 800 guests came out to honor ILA International President Harold J. Daggett on his 80th birthday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, NJ.

In photograph, left to right, presenting the check are:
Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International Executive Vice President
Harold J. Daggett, ILA International President
Cynthia Gardner, Executive Director of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Paul De Maria, CEO and Chairman, United States Maritime Alliance
@ilaunion @ilasagcd @ddag21 @h_daggett @jimmmymac18

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Jersey City, NJ

USMX/ILA CHILDREN’S FUND RAISES $150,000 FOR ST. JUDE’S CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL 

The United States Maritime Alliance/International Longshoremen’s Association Children’s Fund raised $150,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at a packed gala event in which over 800 guests came out to honor ILA International President Harold J. Daggett on his 80th birthday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, NJ. 

In photograph, left to right, presenting the check are: 
Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International Executive Vice President 
Harold J. Daggett, ILA International President 
Cynthia Gardner, Executive Director of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 
Paul De Maria, CEO and Chairman, United States Maritime Alliance 
@ilaunion @ilasagcd @ddag21 @h_daggett @jimmmymac18 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

18 CommentsComment on Facebook

so glad to be part of that great event .

$150k!!!!! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Keep making us proud Harold! And happy birthday!

Only President Daggett would turn his Birthday celebration into a fund raiser for such a great cause!God Bless, Leadership second to none.

Congratulations Harold

Outstanding. ILA Strong

Great job guys

Great cause. Very proud we support St. Jude's.

Wow, great job Harold. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

You deserve all the praise and love from everyone around you. So happy I was able to share another mile stone in your life. Love you.οΏΌπŸ₯°πŸ₯°β€οΈ

That is the ILA !! Blessings

My favorite charity.

Great accomplishment. Happy Birthday again President Harold Daggett from the International Longshoremen Association Dock Divas!!!!

#Godblesstheila #Godisgood #UNIONSTRONG #ILASTRONG

Awesome job and happy birthday, Harold!

Happy Birthday Harold !!!

Great job Cuz!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT!!

ILA PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT TO CELEBRATE 80TH BIRTHDAY AT HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN JERSEY CITY, NJ

Please join us in wishing ILA International President Harold J. Daggett all the health and happiness in the world as he celebrates his 80th birthday on May 12, 2026.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital will be honoring President Daggett at a special event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, NJ.

LABOR LEADER
LABOR CHAMPION
LABOR LEGEND

Daggett began working on the docks as a member of ILA Local 1804-1 in 1967 and became our International President in 2011.
Throughout his long, storied career, there have been many achievements and accolades. Perhaps his greatest achievement may have taken place on March 11, 2025 as he served as the chief negotiator for the ILA membership and signed the single greatest contract in the history of organized labor.
Let us take a moment to look at President Daggett’s illustrious career and accomplishments:

-Born in 1946 in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village

-Spent his childhood in Woodside, Queens, New York

-Attended Cardinal Farley Military Academy in upstate NY.

-Served in the US Navy and Vietnam in the mid 1960’s

-Began his ILA career as a mechanic with 1804-1 in 1967

-Became foreman with Sea-Land Services

-Appointed Secretary Treasurer and Business Agent of 1804-1 in 1980

-Became President of 1804-1 in 1998

-Secretary Treasurer of the Atlantic Coast District

-Executive Vice President and Assistant General Organizer of our International

-Elected ILA International President in 2011

-Won 10 year arbitration for The Port of Discovery

-Successfully negotiated three master contracts during his time as President, which includes an agreement with USMX that there will be no fully automated terminals

-affiliated the ILA with the IDC in 2011

-Received the 2019 Man of the Year Award at the New York-New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders Dinner

-Inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in May 2019

-Recipient of the prestigious Admiral of the Sea Award in 2022, the highest honor in the maritime industry

-led ILA to eliminate the Waterfront Commission in the state of New Jersey in 2023

-led ILA in a Supreme Court victory that the Leatherman Terminal at the Port of Charleston, SC would be the jurisdiction of the ILA in 2023

-on October 1, 2024, led the ILA members to their first strike since 1977

-negotiated greatest contract in the history of organized labor in 2025

-resides in Sparta, NJ and is the proud father of three children, Dennis, John and Lisa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT!!

ILA PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT TO  CELEBRATE 80TH BIRTHDAY AT HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN JERSEY CITY, NJ 

Please join us in wishing ILA International President Harold J. Daggett all the health and happiness in the world as he celebrates his 80th birthday on May 12, 2026. 
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital will be honoring President Daggett at a special event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jersey City, NJ.

LABOR LEADER 
LABOR CHAMPION 
LABOR LEGEND 

Daggett began working on the docks as a member of ILA Local 1804-1 in 1967 and became our International President in 2011. 
Throughout his long, storied career, there have been many achievements and accolades.  Perhaps his greatest achievement may have taken place on March 11, 2025 as he served as the chief negotiator for the ILA membership and signed the single greatest contract in the history of organized labor. 
Let us take a moment to look at President Daggett’s illustrious career and accomplishments: 

-Born in 1946 in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village

-Spent his childhood in Woodside, Queens, New York

-Attended Cardinal Farley Military Academy in upstate NY.

-Served in the US Navy and Vietnam in the mid 1960’s

-Began his ILA career as a mechanic with 1804-1 in 1967

-Became foreman with Sea-Land Services

-Appointed Secretary Treasurer and Business Agent of 1804-1 in 1980

-Became President of 1804-1 in 1998

-Secretary Treasurer of the Atlantic Coast District

-Executive Vice President and Assistant General Organizer of our International

-Elected ILA International President in 2011

-Won 10 year arbitration for The Port of Discovery

-Successfully negotiated three master contracts during his time as President, which includes an agreement with USMX that there will be no fully automated terminals

-affiliated the ILA with the IDC in 2011

-Received the 2019 Man of the Year Award at the New York-New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders Dinner

-Inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in May 2019

 -Recipient of the prestigious Admiral of the Sea Award in 2022, the highest honor in the maritime industry

-led ILA to eliminate the Waterfront Commission in the state of New Jersey in 2023

-led ILA in a Supreme Court victory that the Leatherman Terminal at the Port of Charleston, SC would be the jurisdiction of the ILA in 2023 

-on October 1, 2024, led the ILA members to their first strike since 1977

-negotiated greatest contract in the history of organized labor in 2025

-resides in Sparta, NJ and is the proud father of three children, Dennis, John and Lisa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

360 CommentsComment on Facebook

Greatest labor leader to ever live!! Harold, thank you for your unquestioned dedication and leadership! God bless you on your 80th birthday! I love you to death

Best wishes Brother

Happy Birthday Many More My Friend🫡🎁

Happy birthday , the best !!

Happy birthday and blessings for many more!

Big man with even bad biger heart ❀️. Great leader. Happy birthday, SIR.

Wonderful party last night. Your children gave beautiful speeches They were right from their hearts. I agree with everything they said. Happy Birthday Love you to the moon and back. 😘

Happy Happy

Happy happy to the president of the strongest union in πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

Happy Birthday thank you for everything you do for all of us ILA 1814 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‘πŸ»πŸ’ͺ🏻

To The Best ever!!! Happy Birthday Harold!!!!

Happy Birthday Harold, welcome to the club! (80)

Happy Birthday Mr. President. Every Longshoreman from Maine to Texas is living a better life because of your leadership.

Happy 80th to birthday to the greatest of all time!!!!

Happy birthday and thank you sir. 2046.

Happy Birthday. May you continue to be blessed with many more years and good health πŸŽ‰

Happy Birthday Harold πŸ’™ Honored to celebrate you tonight 🍾🍾πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Love you XXX

Happy Birthday to my friend and Brother, Harold!! Hope you have a great day and evening celebrating!! πŸŽˆπŸŽ‚πŸŽΆ

Happy 80th Harold!!!! Honored to celebrate tonight with you and the ILA fam πŸ’ͺ🍾

Happy Birthday Blessings πŸŽˆπŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰

HBD!

Sending so much love on your birthday and always! Hope it’s a phenomenal year ahead! ❀️😘

Happy Birthday Harold enjoy many in great health

Happy birthday wish you many more blessings

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA warehouse from back in the 1970’s in Jersey City, NJ

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

ILA warehouse from back in the 1970’s in Jersey City, NJ 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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