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
Vancouver, BC
International Dockworkers Anti-Automation Summit
September 21st to 24th, 2026
Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1K3
Hosted by ILWU Canada
A MESSAGE FROM ILA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT DENNIS A. DAGGETT:
I am heading to Vancouver, Canada, to stand in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters of ILWU Canada and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) in their fight with DP World over the implementation of automation at marine terminals.
I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to speak at this conference and share my thoughts on automation, the ILA’s position on technology, and the success we achieved during our 2024 Master Contract negotiations.
Our position has always been clear: Technology should assist workers, not replace them.
But the automation fight is bigger than machines.
Too often, when we talk about automation, we focus only on the obvious things like automated cranes, driverless equipment, and robotics. There is another side of this battle that deserves just as much attention.
Employers are increasingly looking at technology behind the scenes, particularly Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), and how those systems can be used to quietly erode traditional union jurisdiction and eliminate work that has historically belonged to our members.
I won’t elaborate too much on that here. But I will say this: We see it, and understand it. And we are ready and prepared for this fight!
What happens to dockworkers in Canada or Australia matters to dockworkers (Longshoremen) in the United States, and what happens on our docks matters to them. We might have different Unions and come from different Countries, but we are certainly together in this fight. We spent over a decade building relationships and the strongest International movement in our history. Now it’s time to mobilize! One fight to protect the future of dockworkers around the world!
Technology should work for workers. Workers should never be sacrificed or eliminated for technology.
Our time is now!!
Int'l Longshoremen's ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Local 1804-1 Dennis A. Daggett James A. McNamara
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you need to sign up to go????
Carlo Leal I am Register to go in the morning as a pensioner are you gonna be there?
Solidarity Forever!
Thank you Brother for leading the fight!!!
✊🏼Solidarity will never be defeated. See you in Vancouver ILA.
✊🏻👊
Veronica Veronica
Stay strong 💪
Port of St. John’s
Newfoundland
Canada
Please join us in congratulating Alex Clarke, who is the newest member of ILA Local 1953 out of the Port of St. John’s.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Brother Alex Clarke was sworn in as the newest member of LSPU (I.L.A.) Local 1953 at their General Membership Meeting on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The Longshoremen’s Protective Union (I.L.A.) Local 1953 is the oldest active labor union in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing dockworkers and port labor in St. John’s and surrounding areas.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations ILA 💪🏽💪🏽
Congrats 🥳
Congratulations!!
Congratulations from ILA 1825
Congratulations Brother!!
congrats 1842 Toronto
Congratulations Brother and remember eyes on the back of your head and work hard and play safe ..
Congrats from Halifax ILA269
Congratulations Alex . Welcome aboard
You the man Alex. Congratulations cus
Congratulations 👏🏼 fr ILA 269 Hfx
Congratulations Brother Clarke 👊👊👊 ILASTRONG👊👊👊
Congratulations!
Congrats!!
Congratulations
Atta by
Go Union
Attaboy,head down ass up👊🏻
ILA GIVES BACK AND CONTINUES TO MAKE AN IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD
ILA INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT/LOCAL 1422 PRESIDENT KENNY RILEY AND ILA LOCAL 1410 PRESIDENT/SAGCD VICE PRESIDENT MARK BASS GIVE BACK TO HELP THE PEOPLE AND CHILDREN OF LIBERIA
For more than 10 years the ILA has supported the people of Central Libera after a devastating civil war and the 2014, 2015 Ebola Crisis.
“Save More Kids” and “Christ Children Home” have been the focal point of the ILA’s assistance.
It was the unfortunate and untimely death of the main caretaker at the home that took International Vice President Kenny Riley and South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Vice President Mark Bass back to Liberia.
This trip also provided them with the opportunity to visit the ILA / Panta Pride rice fields and the processing facility. They visited the rubber tree farm where hundreds of trees were purchased by ILA members. Those trees are mature now and are producing latex that is sold to Firestone to help support the home.
When it was no longer possible to ship rice to Liberia during the COVID 19 epidemic, the ILA sent resources to Liberia to take down some of the forest and develop rice fields of their own and to grow their own food. Those fields have grown from about 10 acres to over 3,000 acres and have transformed an entire region.
The pictures are proof of the ILA’s impact on an entire region. May God continue to bless the ILA and all of its members.
Kenny Riley is the President of ILA Local 1422 out of the Port of Charleston, South Carolina. He also serves the membership as ILA International Vice President.
Mark Bass is the President of ILA Local 1410 out of the Port of Mobile, Alabama and also serves the membership as ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Vice President.
Thank you both for contributing to this story.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
Incredible and Inspiring work!! This is God’s work for sure, and the Pride I feel for being apart of this amazing organization is immeasurable….
The blessings God has bestowed upon the ILA are immeasurable. But remember, He blesses us to be a blessing to others. Our leadership understands this and provides us a platform whereby we can deliver on our commitment to God. Because, at the end of the day, this is God's work. Thank you ILA, you are changing lives in ways you may never know. God bless you all.
Thanks for sharing this Amazing history. Mr Kenny Riley and Mr Mark Bass and the ILA Workers, thanks for making a difference and impacting the lives of others. Keep flourishing in all areas of life!
Good stuff Dad and Uncle Mark!! 🙌🏿
If your actions inspire others to dream more , learn more, do more and become more you are a leader awesome work guy's your leadership remains a vital driver of success to the international Longshoremen's Association .
Always very proud of you Mark you’re a great friend and brother.Also the other guys are a great inspiration to the people of Liberia. May God continue to bless all the ILA brothers and sisters.
Linda Sweetie Santana, check it out. I told ya, I wanted to go.
To God Be The Glory!
💯👍🏿🙏🏿
Beautiful
To god be the glory!
My,My,My!
Port of NY/NJ
ILA LOCAL 1804-1 LASHERS
APM TERMINALS
ILA Local 1804-1 Lashers come together on the docks after working a vessel at APM Terminals.
LASHING ON THE WATERFRONT
Lashing is generally considered one of the most dangerous jobs on the waterfront as ILA members work at different heights and must endure all kinds of weather to get the job done.
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 lashing bars, twist locks, ropes, cables, wires, strapping and nets. They are anchored down to the container and tensioned against the cargo so it minimizes unnecessary movement.
On September 8, 2026, ILA Local 1804-1 Lasher Master Foreman Luis Alves welcomed Business Agent Brian Porter as the ILA Lashers displayed the challenges they face on a daily basis.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
16 CommentsComment on Facebook
Strongest men I’ve ever worked alongside 💯💯💯 #ILA
I was a Lasher for 43 years in the Port of Baltimore
It was a pleasure having Brian come down to the terminal to learn about our craft. His dedication and leadership are truly admirable, and we are lucky to have to have him representing us. Thank you very much, Kenny Oelkers for the amazing job you do keeping us informed and educated on the everyday events within the I.L.A. Your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated. I.L.A. 1804-1 💪
Hell yeah!!! Only lashers know what lashers do!!!! 💪💪💪💪💪
Bravo dios bendice 🙏 from Puerto Rico
Good picture 👁️👁️👁️👁️👍
My kid lashed Tough job and schedule Much respect 💪
Toughest job on the waterfront 👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻
much respect to lashers. likely the most dangerous job on the docks yet they move with a devil may cry attitude. #RESPECT
Great guys and greater workers 💪💪
Beat us to the fellas up north who hang rods ... You guys here with them cold to snow in the ice.... Down here we'll deal with some cold.... But down here in the deep South meet is the biggest opponent
💯💯🙏🏾
💪💪💪💪💪👍
ILA
Man water crew 
Port of Newfoundland
Canada
ILA LOCAL 1953 MEMBER DONNY DUNN (center) RETIRES AFTER 31 YEARS ON THE WATERFRONT
Master Mechanic Brother Donny Dunn 🔧 retiring after 31 years on the Docks.
1.) Brother Dunn with Maintenance Members Oceanex Stacker shop
2.)Brother Dunn receiving a retirement certificate from Terminal Manager Eric Thoms.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations from myself and the Brothers and Sisters from our Local ILA 269 Halifax / Nova Scotia
Congratulations on your retirement Donny. Enjoy
Colton Young here is where i work
👍👍👍
Congratulations on your retirement! Be well
Port Houston
ILA LOCAL 24
September 2024
ILA Local 24 President Gabriel Garza welcomes a full house as members come together for their monthly union meeting at their hall of labor in Pasadena, TX in September 2024.
UNION!!
POWER!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
⛴️ Nothing But Love ❤️ For Yall ✊ Because , Yall Love Is On The One☝️ May Holy God Continue Blessing I.L.A. 🙏🏾AMAN 🙏🏻📖 AMEN 🕊️🙏🏿AMAN🙏🏿
Port of NY/NJ
PORT LIBERTY CONTAINER TERMINAL
BAYONNE, NJ
Magnificent photograph of Port Liberty Container Terminal shared to us by ILA Local 1804-1 member Johnny Ribardo.
Thank You!!
Have a great night ILA Sisters and Brothers!!
May God Bless all of you and your families!!
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Go Union
Port of Saint John
New Brunswick
Canada
Last week ILA Labor including linesmen, foremen, crane operators, hatchtenders hold men, slingers, shipliners GMR zoom boom operators, checkers began discharging project cargo for the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill expansion.
This job was not done without some controversy with management over who was going to operate the ships cranes for the discharging of some of the pieces. The resolution was that the company recognized that the work is within the jurisdiction of ILA Local 273, not foreign crew members who would be told to operate the cranes or face discipline, and even be fired by their bosses.
Congratulations to all who worked that vessel today for the pride and determination they showed to meet the expectations that were expected of them. As anyone can see longshoring is a very dangerous occupation. The most important thing is that everyone who worked this ship went home to their families safely.
Thank you ILA Local 273 President Terry Wilson for sharing this story to us.
International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 273 is a historic maritime labor union representing longshore professionals at Port Saint John in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Please take a moment to scroll through the incredible photographs of ILA members working on the docks at Port Saint John.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Nothing better than being a longshoreman for life. Gotta like the maritimes especially for the respect and welcoming with all the crews...👌
Solidarity brothers and sisters. Great work as always.
Good goin. Longshore work ... Is Longshore work Great Job
yes sir good job ILA 1842 Toronto Here
How I remember these days doing this type of work in the city docks.
Port of Galveston
The Great Depression
March 14, 1938
ILA KEPT AMERICA MOVING DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION
ILA members load and handle goods at the Imperial Sugar Company’s loading dock on the Galveston Wharf in Galveston, Texas. Industrial labor and maritime commerce on the U.S. Gulf Coast, during the late Great Depression era, played a crucial role in transporting agricultural and industrial products as ILA members moved cargo at the port of Galveston and other ports up and down the east and gulf coasts.
Sugar refining and shipping were central to the regional economy, and dockworkers formed the backbone of American port infrastructure in the 1930s to keep America’s economy moving during the Great Depression.
We are the International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Amen!
Go Union
Just To Think 🤔 💭 With All The Dedication That Longshoremen Have Had And Still Haves , No Matter If The Work Is Hard Or Easy, That Makes It Feasible For All zThe Entitles That Deals With Everything That Makes Business Into Everything That Keeps The World Running And Staying Afloat , Even During The Times Of Chaotic Events And Being The Elite Of The Frontlines Infrastructures Of The First Responders Members In Unity To Keep The Standards Of Livings Fortified For Every Man , Woman , And Child , THESE M 😡s STILL WANTS TO DISRESPECT US WITH INSTALLING FREAKING ROBOTS THAT AINT GOT NO GOT DAMN LIFE WHAT SO EVER TO TAKE JOBS AWAY FROM HUMAN BEINGS JUST TO STUFF THEIR POCKETS WITH EXTRA PROFITS WHILE THEYRE ALREADY F****N MAKING 100’s OF EXTRA BILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH FREAKING YEAR OFF THE BACKS OF LONGSHOREMEN IN THE FIRST PLACE , And To OUR President Harold J Daggett , When That Contract Comes Around In 2030 , If It Goes Sour For Us , YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT I KNOW WHAT TO DO TO TO FILE A LAWSUIT ON STEVEDORES AND SHIPPING LINES AND ALL OF THEIR ASSOCIATES INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT , THAT WILL BREAK ALL OF THEIR ASSES WITH ALL THINGS THAT ARE WRONG WHERE THEY DID NOT FULFILL THE MASTER OR MILITARY CONTRACT , So , With That , How You Feeling Today Sir , Peace ☮️ And Due Respect To You Sir, AMAN
Newark, NJ
NY DISTRICT COUNCIL
ILA International President Harold J. Daggett speaks at the New York District Council Luncheon at Forno’s Restaurant in Newark, NJ
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yes help us too as retirees
God bless collective bargaining
Brother I do think we deserve some every thing is up in sky good luck!!!🍀
Go Union
Retired members should get a much needed Cost of leaving adjustment (cola) just to keep up with inflation. We were once you guys and someday you will be us.
Go union retirees need a pay raise please in 22 years never got one