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
DECEMBER 15, 1997
MORRIS STREET IN LOWER MANHATTAN, NEAR ILA HEADQUARTERS, IS RENAMED TEDDY GLEASON STREET
126 Years Ago Today…..
On November 8, 1900 ILA International President Thomas “Teddy” Gleason was born.
Gleason was born in New York City, the oldest of 13 children. Coming from a family of longshoremen, he left school after the seventh grade and started working on the docks.
Gleason became an ILA member and rose to the rank of ILA organizer in 1947, as a protegee of ILA President Joseph P. Ryan. Gleason supported William Bradley when he replaced Ryan in 1953; Gleason, in turn, replaced Bradley in 1963 as ILA President.
Teddy Gleason handed over the presidency to his vice president John Bowers in 1987.
Thomas “Teddy” Gleason took a young Longshoreman under his wing and became his mentor and throughout the years taught him about our great industry and had a profound influence on him.
That man went onto become the ILA International President in 2011.
That man’s name is Harold J. Daggett.
The Gleason’s and the Daggett’s forged a close relationship that resonates in our union right up til this day.
Thomas “Teddy” Gleason died in the Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan on Christmas Eve of 1992 at the age of 92.
——————————————————————-
On December 15, 1997, Morris Street in Lower Manhattan (near ILA Headquarters) was renamed “Teddy Gleason Street.”
Left to right- John Bowers, ILA President; Robert E. Gleason, Secretary-Treasurer; Kathryn E. Freed, New York City Council Member of Manhattan’s First District, who was responsible for introducing legislation for remaining Morris Street; and Thomas W. Gleason, Jr., ILA General Council
Take a moment to enlarge the attached photograph and read about the incredible legacy of Thomas “Teddy” Gleason.
Thank you to ILA Chief of Staff Jim McNamara for sharing this with us today.
Int'l Longshoremen's ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District James A. McNamara
Harold Daggett
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Go Union
Weehawken, NJ
ILA CIVIL, HUMAN & WOMEN’S RIGHT DINNER
Scenes from the 13th Annual Civil, Human & Women’s Rights Dinner at the Envue Autograph Hotel in Weehawken, NJ.
Award Recipients:
Labor Award:
Kenneth Riley, ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 1422 President, Port of Charleston, South Carolina
Martin Luther King, Jr. Award:
Greg Washington, ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Vice President/ILA Local 1426 Vice President, Port of Wilmington, North Carolina
William Bernard Dudley Award:
Courtney Robinson, Deputy Managing Director, APM Terminals, Port Elizabeth, NJ
Women’s Rights Award:
Frances Dampier, ILA Local 1359-1860 President, Port Canaveral/Fort Pierce, Florida.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Weehawken, NJ
ILA CIVIL, HUMAN & WOMEN’S RIGHTS DINNER
ILA Civil, Human & Women’s Rights Co-Chairman G. Rodney Owens looks on as ILA Chief of Staff Jim McNamara addresses delegates and guests as the 13th Annual ILA Civil, Human & Women’s Rights Dinner at the Envue Autograph Hotel in Weehawken, NJ.
Int'l Longshoremen's ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District James A. McNamara
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL CHIEF OF STAFF JAMES MCNAMARA
NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (November 1, 2026) The Thirteenth Annual International Longshoremen’s Association Civil, Human & Women’s Rights Committee Award Dinner will honor four Industry leaders at a dinner scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Envue Autograph Collection Hotel in Weehawken, New Jersey.
Kenneth Riley will be honored with the “Labor Leader Award. A 50-year veteran of the ILA, Riley is president of ILA Local 1422 in the Port of Charleston and an International Vice President. He also serves as East Coast Zone Coordinator of the worldwide International Dockworkers Council. Riley has spearheaded efforts to have the International Longshoremen’s Association partner with communities in the West African nation of Liberia, offering humanitarian aid and strengthening U.S. – Liberia ties while promoting American values in Africa. Riley enjoys a rich ILA history and is the second of three generations in his family to be an ILA member from the Port of Charleston, South Carolina.
Gregory Washington will receive the “Martin Luther King, Jr. Award”. Washington joined the ILA and Local 1426 in 1989. He rose in the ranks of his local, culminating in his election as Vice President. Washington holds an appointed position as International Representative for the iLA and a District Vice President and Executive Board member for the ILA’s South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District.
The “William Bernard Dudley Humanitarian Award” will be presented to Courtney Robinson. Robinson is Deputy Managing Director of APM Terminals Elizabeth, and a maritime leader with more than 30 years of experience in port operations, labor relations and strategic infrastructure development.
Frances Dampier will receive the prestigious “Women’s Rights Award. A veteran of more than four decades with the ILA and Local 1359-1860, she made history in 2023 with her election as President of her ILA Local. She began her ILA career in the mid-1980s, serving as Executive Administrative Assistant and worked for the Benefit Fund as an Administrative Assistant.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
32 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations to all!!!🎉 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations 🎊
Congratulations Greg 👏🏽 Union President
Congratulations
Congratulations to all recipients
Congratulations!!
Congratulations 🎊
Congratulations!!
Congratulations
Congratulations ⚓
Congratulations Courtney very nice guy
Congratulations to you all 🥳🥳
👏👏👏👏congratulations!! 👏👏
Congratulations 👏
Congrats
Congratulations!! All of you Are Amazing Leaders and Trail Blazers! 👏👏👏
Congratulations to you all
Congratulations to all of you:"Well deserved!"
Congratulations you guys are very worthy of the honor
Congratulations to all!
Congratulations
Congratulations
Lets go Gregg
👍🏿
Port of Savannah
Beautiful evening photograph at the Port of Savannah.
Have a great weekend ILA Sisters and Brothers!
Be Safe!
God Bless!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Port of NY/NJ
Brooklyn
Staten Island
Please take a moment to watch this video shared to us by ILA Local 1814 member John Seery.
In the video, there is footage of ILA members of Locals 920 and 1814 working on the docks to keep cargo moving on the New York waterfront.
Thank you Brother John Seery for sharing this with us.
As usual, you always do a fantastic job!
Much appreciated!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love the music
moving this here earth! 💥💯💯 way to go y'all! ILA STRONG! 💪
Go Union
Port of Charleston
THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION CLERKS AND CHECKERS
“THE KITCHEN”
ILA Local 1771
“The Kitchen” with the Clerks and Checkers at the Port of Charleston.
Clerks and checkers for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are responsible for documenting, inspecting, and tracking cargo during loading and unloading. They verify container numbers, ISO codes, and seals, while managing logistics paperwork to ensure accuracy and safety in marine terminals and on ships.
Core Responsibilities of ILA Clerks and Checkers:
• Cargo Documentation: They create inbound/outbound tickets, inspect cargo for damage, and record seal numbers, often using handheld scanners.
• Terminal Operations: They manage the flow of containers in the yard, acting as a liaison between trucks and vessel loading operations.
• Vessel Loading/Discharging: Checkers monitor which hatch or hold is being worked on and track all cargo movement.
• Specialized Roles: They may act as signalmen for crane operators, or as clerks, timekeepers, or weighers.
•Logistics Efficiency: They ensure container numbers, chassis numbers, and cargo details match official paperwork to prevent errors.
Pre-Stow export containers prior to loading to ensure proper vessel weight displacement and also proper Port of Discharge are accurate.
Yard planners stow import containers in container yards to ensure truck drivers can pick up an outbound container in a timely fashion.
Thank you ILA Local 1771 President Lance McLaughlin and Wando Terminal Gate Chief Clerk George Moskos.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
17 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks for Posting and thanks for all you do for the ILA from Maine to Texas Brother Kenny Oelkers !! The Gate Clerks here in Charleston are among the most Professional and dedicated workers in the entire ILA. They make it happen!! ILA Strong Brother!!💪🇺🇸
Y’all hiring?
I got my TWIC card and my casual. How could I get a job?
Please tell me that you're hiring
That was my first job after leaving deep side then to ladson to welding and refurbish chassis. I miss it
I have many family members and friends that work out there continue to do the great work. 👍🏼
Nice to see these clerks recognized😍 Super important process to keep those truckers moving for SC economy 😍
I've Seen These Men At Work. VERY Professional. Truly the Support We Need to Run Our Shipping Successfully. GO LOCAL 1771, ILA Strong !!
What's the requirement for hire? I'm a longshore man from a nother port
Similar views here in Norfolk, VA. 1624 in the house!
Look at that white head on Popeye! Love my ILA BROTHERS AND SISTERS…
Thank you tor your services
What video did he have paused on his phone?😜
Yep, thats Popeye.
I love the cubicles
Hard getting in👀
Get us back to work
Port of NY/NJ
NEW LOGO
ILA LOCAL 920
STATEN ISLAND, NY
ESTABLISHED 1916
A HISTORY OF HARD WORK, SACRIFICE AND SOLIDARITY
International Longshoremen’s Association Local 920 is a longstanding union representing longshore workers in Staten Island, New York.
ILA Local 920 has played an important role in the borough’s waterfront history, representing generations of workers who have helped move cargo through the port.
A history that dates back to 1916,
ILA Local 920 has been moving cargo in Staten Island for more than a century and its members have contributed to the growth and operation of the port, keeping commerce moving while building a strong tradition of union solidarity.
The local has a particularly strong connection to the Howland Hook waterfront, where generations of Longshoremen have worked in cargo handling and terminal operations.
———————————————————————
LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION
Michael Izzo – President and Atlantic Coast District Vice President
Joseph Samaritano – Vice President
Charles Gunsch – Secretary-Treasurer and Business Agent
The local’s leadership is responsible for representing its membership and protecting the wages, benefits, working conditions, and rights of its members.
A message from ILA Local 920 President Michael Izzo:
“Our membership moves all types of cargo including containers, heavy lifts, warehouse, etc..
There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do than to stand side by side each day with my delegates, Charlie Gunsch and Joe Samaritano, my officers and executive board, shop steward, foreman and membership.
I do it every day for them because I know what they do every day for their families, their local and the ILA.
I love my membership. There’s no harder workforce in the world.”
—————————————————————
ILA Local 920 remains an important part of the ILA’s presence in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Its history reflects the hard work, sacrifice, and solidarity of the Longshoremen who built the port into one of the most important maritime gateways in the United States.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sal Sal Tornabene🔥
Go Union
I was 920 till i switched over to smelly bad driving new jersey to work at apm
Rumor has it, they are going to shutdown HowlandHook again..
Never the unions too strong🇮🇹
Port Houston, TX
December 18, 1940
ILA MEMBERS MOVE CARGO AT PORT HOUSTON
Longshoremen preparing to move heavy bales of cotton to be loaded on a ship for transport at Port Houston, Texas in December of 1940.
Int'l Longshoremen's ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast D#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationssociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A MESSAGE FROM THE IDC:
THE FUTURE OF DOCKWORKERS WILL BE DECIDED GLOBALLY.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. THE ROOM IS FULL. THE WORLDWIDE DOCKWORKERS’ MOVEMENT IS READY.
In just 15 days, hundreds of delegates from every continent will come together in Rio de Janeiro.
We cannot wait to see you all, standing shoulder to shoulder, united by our purpose, our principles, and our commitment to the future of our industry.
This is more than an assembly. This is a global movement coming together to shape the future of dockworkers worldwide.
Together, we will strengthen our unity, build our global strategy, and make sure that wherever dockworkers face a challenge, they know they are never alone.
ONE VOICE. ONE MOVEMENT. ONE GLOBAL PURPOSE.
See you in Rio.
If we’re together, it’s impossible to fail.
The future is ours to shape.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Solidarity Comrades