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 Baltimore
ILA INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT COWAN ADDRESSES GUESTS DURING CEREMONY IN WHICH THE PORT OF BALTIMORE INTRODUCES DOUBLE STACK RAIL SERVICE
ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 333 President Scott Cowan speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 22, 2026 as the Port of Baltimore celebrated the arrival of double-stack rail service through CSX’s Howard Street Tunnel Project, a transformational investment that will strengthen Maryland’s supply chain, create jobs, and open new opportunities for cargo movement across the region.
Double-stack rail will increase the Port of Baltimore’s containers annually, create more than 13,000 jobs, and strengthen connections between the Port of Baltimore and markets throughout the Midwest and Northeast.
Governor Wes Moore was joined by Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson, Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels, CSX CEO Steve Angel, Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, Ports America Chesapeake President Mark Schmidt, and International Longshoremen’s Association Local 333 President Scott Cowan to celebrate this major achievement.
The ceremony concluded with a special ribbon cutting, marking the beginning of a new era for freight rail in Maryland and delivering critical benefits to the region months ahead of schedule.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Horace T. Alston, Former International ILA Vice President Representing the Port of Baltimore, Passes Away On Thursday, July 9th; Services This Wednesday , July 15th
BALTIMORE, MD (July 14, 2026) Horace T. Alston, a prominent ILA leader for decades at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away last week on July 9, 2026, just three months shy of his 90th Birthday. He served as International ILA Vice President from 1985 to his retirement in 2011. He held various positions with his home ILA Local 333 in Baltimore.
“Horace T. Alston will be remembered as one of the most respected and intelligent union officers to serve the ILA, said International ILA President Harold J. Daggett. “His accomplishments representing ILA members in the Port of Baltimore were vast. He was a man of great integrity who fought tirelessly to improve conditions for the ILA members he represented.”
Horace Thomas Alston, the son of the late Allen Winston and Mariah Williams Alston, was born on October 8, 1936, in Franklin County, North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Brightview Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility in Catonsville, Maryland.
Alston was the oldest of ten children. His brother, Harvey A. “Red” Alston, and his sister, Annie A. Scott, preceded him in death. On May 3, 1967, Horace married the late Bernice Bryan-Alston, his soul mate and best friend for 52 years.
Alston was educated at Perry’s High School in Louisburg, North Carolina. He joined Perry’s Missionary Baptist Church and remained there until he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. In later years, he became a disciple of Shiloh Christian Community Church, where he served as a choir member, a Deacon, and in many other ministries. Alston enjoyed being a member of Shiloh Christian Community Church. He faithfully served as a Past Worshipful Master of Linwood Koger No. 21 under the Hiram Grand Lodge, leading with integrity, devotion, and a deep commitment to the principles of Masonry. He further demonstrated his commitment to community service through his work with Baltimore's NAACP, assisting with voter registration initiatives that strengthened civic participation and ensured members of his community had the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Alston enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. After his tour of duty, he moved to Baltimore. In 1963, he began his waterfront career in the ship’s hold. Throughout his waterfront career, he held various positions, including crane operator and gang carrier. He became a shop steward six years after being hired, and his belief in fair wages and steady jobs led him to join the union. In 1962, Alson became a full-time union leader as recording secretary for ILA Local 333, and in 1984 he was named Atlantic Coast District Vice President.
In January 1985, he was appointed International Vice President by the International Longshoremen’s Association. As a union leader, he worked closely with the Port of Baltimore’s administration to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. He frequently testified alongside Congresswoman Helen Bentley on Maryland port expansion and shipping projects. Horace strongly believed that the Port of Baltimore was the economic engine of Maryland. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he teamed up with Congresswoman Bentley to fight for government funding and oppose foreign shipping monopolies, helping ensure that local dockworkers had steady jobs.
In 1999, Alston was instrumental in negotiating upgrades to the Port of Baltimore. During his career as a longshoreman leader, he played an important part in fighting for legislation to dredge the channel at the Port of Baltimore. Alston loved his work and serving the men and women who worked on the waterfront. After five decades, Alston retired from the International Longshoremen’s Association in 2013.
Horace Alson leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Kim Dixon and Vanessa Jones (James); two grandsons, Joshua Mason (Alyssa) and Jarred Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Aliyana. He is also remembered by two sisters, Olivia A. Gupton and Donna A. Wardrick, both of Louisburg, North Carolina; five brothers, Ervin Alston (June), Melvin Alston, Roosevelt Alston (Parthenia), all of Louisburg, North Carolina, Danny Alston of San Antonio, Texas, and Mickey Alston (Felice) of Garner, North Carolina; three bonus sisters, Clara A. Fogg of Franklinton, North Carolina, Vicie A. Walker of Louisburg, North Carolina, and Carla J. Walker of Raleigh, North Carolina; a devoted caregiver, Paula Jones; a devoted niece, Jackie D. Gupton; one aunt, Josephine Williams of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Services for Horace Alston will be held at Shiloh Christian Community Church, 825 Yale Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland from 11 am until 12 pm.
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Condolences to all family and friends.
My condolence to the family. Job well done Brother Horace Thomas Alston RIP
RIP.. 🙏🙏🙏
Rest in peace Sir
Condolences to Mr Horace Alston family and friends.
Had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Alston when I joined the ILA a true statesman and gentleman RIP Horace
Go rest on high Brother Alston. Had the pleasure of serving and learning on committees with him.
RIP 🙏🙏🙏
RIP
RIP!!
R.I.P. Condolences to his Family🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
🙏
A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL DOCKWORKERS COUNCIL
The IDC has 160,000 dockworker union members from ports all around the world.
The IDC was formed in June of 2000.
The ILA joined the IDC in 2011.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Machines can never work as fast as a person
💪💪💪
A MESSAGE FROM ILA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT DENNIS A. DAGGETT:
“Sunday is known by many as a day of worship, a day of reflection, and a day spent with family. For others, it is simply the final day of the week.
As I sit here putting the finishing touches on my remarks for the upcoming ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Convention, I can’t help but think about the members of the ILWU at C&H Sugar who remain on strike, fighting for better wages, dignity, and a stronger future for their families.
C&H and Domino Sugar are both owned by ASR Group. Right here in Yonkers, New York, we recently watched our own ILA sugar operation, represented by Locals 1814 and 1, come to an end after more than 132 years. We understand better than most that these struggles are never easy, but they are sometimes necessary.
I stand in complete solidarity with the ILWU International, and the officers and members of ILWU Local 6.
To see other unions, especially maritime unions, refuse to stand with these workers in their fight for fair wages and benefits is deeply disappointing. In my opinion, there is nothing more disgraceful in the labor movement, or in life, than crossing a lawful picket line. Longshore unions simply do not do that.
Call us militant. Call us stubborn. Call us whatever you want. We wear those labels with pride because standing together is who we are. Solidarity is not just in our DNA; it is woven into the very fabric of our culture and defines everything we represent.
When one group of dockworkers is forced to fight for fairness, every dockworker should feel that fight. Today, that fight belongs to the members of ILWU Local 6, and they deserve the unwavering support of every union that claims to stand for working men and women.”
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Then maybe it’s time to go back to old school ways? These boardroom visits aren’t working are they? Maybe it’s tire iron and bat time? I vividly remember my grandfather in the 70s during the contract dispute being bloodied. Coming to the car, pushing my grandmother out the way and grabbing a tire iron and going right back in.
The members and officers of ILA Local 3000 stand in full solidarity with ILWU Local 6 in their fight for fair wages, dignity, and respect. We agree with Dennis—this fight is about more than wages; it’s about protecting jobs, preserving our unions, and securing a future for the next generation of dockworkers. Here in New Orleans, we’ve faced similar challenges. When Domino Sugar tried to walk away and refused to meet after our contract expired, we stood together. With strong support from President Scott Cowan of ILA Local 333 in Baltimore, along with determined negotiations, we preserved ILA jurisdiction and kept the work where it belongs—with union labor. That experience reminds us that solidarity matters. When workers stand together, we are stronger than any corporation. This is their playbook for the coming future, and we must prepare and be ready to lay it all on the line if we expect to continue to exist in this maritime industry. Local 3000 proudly stands with ILWU Local 6. We wish you strength and success in securing a fair agreement.
Together we stand ✊🏾, divided we fall. Solidarity is all we have Brothers & Sisters. ILWU 4 LIFE
ILA 1422-A Stands in Agreement with you Executive Vice President Daggett!! 💪🏾💪🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Agreed and Well Put Brother!! ILA Local 1771 Clerks and Checkers, Charleston, stand in Solidarity with our ILWU Local 6 Family! Shame on any Maritime Union or Local that crosses a picket line of another!
Greetings from Ila local 1414 in savannah, Georgia.
C&H truck ran over 2 local 10 union members a couple hours ago
Thank you Mr. Dagget
Thank you
Go Union
Port of Charleston
ILA Local 1771 member Olivia Keenum, Clerks and Checkers, out of the Port of Charleston, passed out some water and drinks today to give her ILA sisters and brothers some relief while they were working at the port in the summer heat.
Thank you Sister Olivia for sharing this with us!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Very cool 😎
I did the same last week I should’ve took a picture but all good!!! God bless u for doing this we are one !!!!! #1422/1771❤️ WE ALL WE GOT✊🏾 #ILA
Harold & Olivia ( ILA 1422 )
Open the door I want a career change. 🙏🏾
I'm still waiting for mine
CooooF'nrayyyy dassem girl ✊🏻👏🏻
That's what's up
Count and record.
Still waiting to get a chance to work
Nice Olivia.
Go Union
Port Miami
ILA Local 1416 member is on strike for better wages and working conditions at Port Miami.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Iron men and wooden ships!!!!
Precursores de la lucha por la, dignidad del trabajo en los puertos.... Héroe
Men were Men at that time 😁👍
What's the date on photo? Ship:s gear
And on any time,you see someone still working,because ther is bills to pay
Good days it was hard work but we made it through
The good old days
No doubt 3 generations I.L.A. Strong
Local 3000
846 Newport News VA
Good old days ,just memories
UNIONYES
Now for strike - life sentence.
Solidarity forever! 💪
Go Union
That we were for sure hard workers we earn are payed in those days
Who's that SCAB driving the hilo in the background??
Port of NY/NJ
ZIM THAILAND 2022
Gang way is no joke
LASHING ON THE WATERFRONT
Longshoremen lash containers so they can remain secure while the vessel is out at sea.
Lashing is the securing of cargo for transportation, with the goal of minimizing shifting while a vessel is in transit. Items used for lashing cargo down include ropes, cables, wires, strapping and nets. They are anchored down to the container and tensioned against the cargo so it minimizes unnecessary movement.
Lashing is generally considered one of the most dangerous jobs on the waterfront.
Stay safe ILA sisters and brothers!!
Photo Credit:
Dariel Rodriquez, Lasher, ILA Local 1804-1
Thank You!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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That walk right there bru .... that walk will make you make dinner on the ship ... yall go ahead next time I come down am off .. 🤪 local 333 4life 💯
I counted 75 or so steps on one of the big Maersk ships, my heart was beating out of my chest.
I’ve had 86 steps then climb 6 vertical ladders , then start lashing 24 containers across on two layers
The gang plank yeah i hear you. Better than climbing the Jacob's ladder.
Greetings from ILA local 1414 in Savannah, Georgia. I experienced one just like that it took me one hour to go up and to come down never again.
Warm up before the real workout
Those ladders on them ships be like a good work out before you work on the vessel 🤣🤣🤣
Go Union
Hate those steep gangways
Port of Savannah
115 degree heat index at the Port of Savannah on Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Ship foremen Bubba Palmer and Keith Groover distributed water, gatorades and liquid I.V. to Deck & Dock and Longshoremen personnel.
Provided by ILA Local 1475 officers.
Thank You!!
**ILA UNSTOPPABLE**
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Ol’ Keith and Bubba! Some old school Wilmington Island boys!
C Port 4 da Win👌🏿👌🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
Bring out the ice cold watermelon that used to help out quite a bit on the hot days in Miami.
Savannah sure has the goods.
Out of all the people I’ve met at GPA, Bubba, Keith, Hogan, Bobcat and Jamie, are hands down one of the coolest and sweetest souls. They’re always smiling, talking and treating everyone with kindness. People like them make the workplace better… Y’all rock 💋
Good job fellas
Wow that’s cool I must’ve missed th ILA ice cream truck that would’ve been awesome
C Port love baby ILA 1414 ,1475 , 2046 💪🏿
Very nice.
C-Port!!! Way to go...we all work together. One love 1414 💪🏽💜.
Thanks,for keeping the workers hydrated in this heat.
Look at my boys Keith and Bubba !! Keep it moving boys !! 💪💪
Stay hydrated in that heat
💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
PORT OF HOUSTON LOCAL#24 PROUD 🙏💯💘💌💋💦
💯🫡
Damn they get Gatorade! We don't even get ice in our coolers.
I will say this . I’ve been on these docks a long time seen a lot and a lot of people come and go over the years . But for local 1475 I can say I really like the direction that local is heading. I think yall have some good people in place that’s gonna take the chains and lead it to a good place. Keep it up . ILA all the way baby.
💪🏾💪🏾💯💯💯💥💥
THANKS BUBBA,& KEITH MY 2 FAVORITE DOCKMEN
Hell we only see our elected officials when there is a problem 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
A message sent to us from the Port of Baltimore:
A view you don’t see every day. 💙💛
As Baltimore celebrated America’s 250th birthday during Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore, one of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels soared past a container ship and the towering Neo- Panamax cranes of Seagirt Marine Terminal, creating an unforgettable view of the Port of Baltimore.
Thank you to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for capturing and sharing this incredible perspective of the Port of Baltimore!
📸: U.S. Navy Blue Angels
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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GREAT Picture Amazing 👍👍👍💪💪💪💪
333 👊🏻
Nice
Go Union
The International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892
For an in depth overview of ILA HISTORY go to the following website:
ilaunion.org/ila-history/
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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I could have been a contender. Said Brando in "On the water front."
Bravo