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

LABOR DAY
September 7, 2026

May God Bless the ILA members and their families on this Labor Day 2026!

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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LABOR DAY 
September 7, 2026

May God Bless the ILA members and their families on this Labor Day 2026!

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association 
Established 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

Port of Virginia
Hampton Roads

ILA LOCAL 1624 CLERKS AND CHECKERS SWEARS IN NEW MEMBERS AT HAMPTON ROADS

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating the newly sworn in members of ILA Local 1624, Clerks and Checkers, out of Hampton Roads, Port of Virginia.

In photograph:
ILA Local 1624 President Kevin Halstead swears in new members at their monthly membership meeting on September 1, 2026.

We wish you success and happiness in your new career!!
Congratulations and welcome to the ILA!

Photo credit:
Mike Heath, Vice President, ILA Local 1624
Thank You!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Virginia 
Hampton Roads 

ILA LOCAL 1624 CLERKS AND CHECKERS SWEARS IN NEW MEMBERS AT HAMPTON ROADS 

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating the newly sworn in members of ILA Local 1624, Clerks and Checkers, out of Hampton Roads, Port of Virginia. 

In photograph: 
ILA Local 1624 President Kevin Halstead swears in new members at their monthly membership meeting on September 1, 2026. 

We wish you success and happiness in your new career!!
Congratulations and welcome to the ILA!

Photo credit:
Mike Heath, Vice President, ILA Local 1624
Thank You!! 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

12 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations from #1416

Welcome Aboard

Congratulations

I’m so proud! Now get out there & don’t give ‘em the satisfaction!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

🫡💪🏾🫶🏽

Congratulations 🎊

Congratulations

Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS!

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Port of Galveston

Brother Titus “T-Bolt” Sennette of ILA Local 1504-8, Galveston, Texas, has gone home to be with the Lord. He was a 40+ year longshoreman and a true master operator. His knowledge, experience, and dedication to the waterfront deserve to be remembered as part of our I.L.A. history.

Rest In Peace Brother

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Galveston

Brother Titus “T-Bolt” Sennette of ILA Local 1504-8, Galveston, Texas, has gone home to be with the Lord.  He was a 40+ year longshoreman and a true master operator. His knowledge, experience, and dedication to the waterfront deserve to be remembered as part of our I.L.A. history.

Rest In Peace Brother 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

108 CommentsComment on Facebook

Rest at ease Skool it was a pleasure meeting & working with u 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Rest in Peace "T-Bolt" you taught me everything I know from my first start at Pier #10 on that 30 gone but never forgotten.

Peace and Blessings be upon him and his family from Local 1233 NJ

Good Brother 💯💙💪🏾

I’ll root for his Steelers a little this year. I missed our talks we used to have out in the yard. Peace brother

Rest in peace, dear brother, your dedication will never be forgotten 🙏🙏🙏

🙏🏾💙🕊️Local brother t bolt

Thank you, my brother for all that you do

Praying for his family. From ILA 1410 🪝

Rip 🙏🏾From your Brothers At 1414.

A true legend, his legacy lives on forever 💖

RIP MY FRIEND 🙏

Prayers and strength 🙏🏾💪🏾🌴

You'll be deeply missed, rest in peace 🙏

Rest my brother

RIP sir

Sending my deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. Rest In Peace Brother!

Rest in Heaven 🌹 from, Paul Handy ( Local 851 )

RIP my brother and thanks you for all the blood, sweat and tears

My deepest sympathy and condolence to the family from ILA 1410

Rip T from your Local Brother. 1504-8

May your journey be peaceful and your memory be a blessing

My Sincere Condolences to Family and Friends

RIP from local 1416

Rest In Peace brother! 🙏🙏

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1804-1/PNCT GIVES BACK TO THE HOMELESS CHILDREN OF NEWARK AS THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS FALL 2026

We are proud to be part of Port Newark Container Terminal and ILA Local 1804-1 as they came together on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 to donate 114 fully stocked backpacks, including breakfast and snacks, to Newark children beginning the school year in homeless shelters.
Local 1804-1 also donated more than $3,000 for uniforms and sneakers.

May God Bless all the children as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

The ILA is proud to make a difference for the children of Newark!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1804-1/PNCT GIVES BACK TO THE HOMELESS CHILDREN OF NEWARK AS THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS FALL 2026

We are proud to be part of Port Newark Container Terminal and ILA Local 1804-1 as they came together on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 to donate 114 fully stocked backpacks, including breakfast and snacks, to Newark children beginning the school year in homeless shelters. 
Local 1804-1 also donated more than $3,000 for uniforms and sneakers.

May God Bless all the children as they prepare for the upcoming school year. 

The ILA is proud to make a difference for the children of Newark!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Bravo

The best ILA local. Yes I’m biased I was a member for 42 years.

Multi million dollar company donates 3k lol

A MESSAGE FROM ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT:

International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) President Harold J. Daggett 2026 Labor Day Message to the ILA’s 85,000 members across the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes region, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada, and the Bahamas.

​NORTH BERGEN, NJ (September 7, 2026). As our great International Longshoremen’s Association prepares to celebrate Labor’s National Holiday – Labor Day 2026 - we champion our unprecedented bargaining triumphs, historic family protections, and an aggressive, unified strategy for a prosperous future through 2026 and 2027.

Landmark Successes of the Six-Year USMX-ILA Master Contract
I am proud of the unwavering solidarity of the rank-and-file membership, which permanently solidified the USMX-ILA Master Contract, running through September 30, 2030, as "the greatest Collective Bargaining Agreement in the history of Organized Labor," spotlighting record-shattering achievements:
• Historic Wage Gains: Members are entering the third year of the contract on October 1, 2026, triggering a $4.00 per hour raise, which follows an initial $6.00 raise and a subsequent $5.00 raise. Four additional annual raises are guaranteed through 2029.
• Unprecedented Automation Protections: The contract secures an astounding feature unique to global dockworker labor—full, ironclad protections against job-destroying automation.
• Substantial Benefit Improvements: Landmark returns of full container royalty funds to the ILA, accelerated wage progressions for newer workers, increased money purchase plan contributions, and the comprehensive strengthening of the MILA healthcare plan.

The Newly Negotiated Master Contract Death Benefit
I am grateful to have achieved a Master Contract Benefit for ILA members covered un the USMX-ILA Master Contract. This new benefit recognized the severe hazards longshore workers brave daily to keep the global supply chain moving, prompting the ILA and USMX to officially established the Master Contract Death Benefit.
• Maximum Security: The newly formed trust structure provides up to $2 million, entirely tax-free, to the spouse and children of any eligible ILA member who suffers a fatal accidental injury while working under the Master Contract.
• A Lifelong Promise Kept: I note this financial safety net guarantees that no grieving ILA family will ever face immediate economic ruin or lose their home following a workplace tragedy.

A Bright and Prosperous Future for 2026 and 2027
Looking forward through 2026 and 2027, I state confidently that the ILA’s best days lie ahead, provided the membership remains fiercely disciplined and active.

Global Solidarity: Backed by alliances forged at the Anti-Automation Summit and local labor support, the ILA enters 2027 stronger, and more unified than ever before.

​A Happy, Healthy and Safe Labor Day 2026 to all our ILA members and their families.
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A MESSAGE FROM ILA INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT HAROLD J. DAGGETT:

International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) President Harold J. Daggett 2026 Labor Day Message to the ILA’s 85,000 members across the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes region, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada, and the Bahamas.
 
​NORTH BERGEN, NJ (September 7, 2026). As our great International Longshoremen’s Association prepares to celebrate Labor’s National Holiday – Labor Day 2026 - we champion our unprecedented bargaining triumphs, historic family protections, and an aggressive, unified strategy for a prosperous future through 2026 and 2027.
 
Landmark Successes of the Six-Year USMX-ILA Master Contract
I am proud of the unwavering solidarity of the rank-and-file membership, which permanently solidified the USMX-ILA Master Contract, running through September 30, 2030, as the greatest Collective Bargaining Agreement in the history of Organized Labor, spotlighting record-shattering achievements:
• Historic Wage Gains: Members are entering the third year of the contract on October 1, 2026, triggering a $4.00 per hour raise, which follows an initial $6.00 raise and a subsequent $5.00 raise. Four additional annual raises are guaranteed through 2029.
• Unprecedented Automation Protections: The contract secures an astounding feature unique to global dockworker labor—full, ironclad protections against job-destroying automation.
• Substantial Benefit Improvements: Landmark returns of full container royalty funds to the ILA, accelerated wage progressions for newer workers, increased money purchase plan contributions, and the comprehensive strengthening of the MILA healthcare plan.
 
The Newly Negotiated Master Contract Death Benefit
I am grateful to have achieved a Master Contract Benefit for ILA members covered un the USMX-ILA Master Contract.  This new benefit recognized the severe hazards longshore workers brave daily to keep the global supply chain moving, prompting the ILA and USMX to officially established the Master Contract Death Benefit.
• Maximum Security: The newly formed trust structure provides up to $2 million, entirely tax-free, to the spouse and children of any eligible ILA member who suffers a fatal accidental injury while working under the Master Contract.
• A Lifelong Promise Kept: I note this financial safety net guarantees that no grieving ILA family will ever face immediate economic ruin or lose their home following a workplace tragedy.
 
A Bright and Prosperous Future for 2026 and 2027
Looking forward through 2026 and 2027, I state confidently that the ILA’s best days lie ahead, provided the membership remains fiercely disciplined and active.
 
Global Solidarity: Backed by alliances forged at the Anti-Automation Summit and local labor support, the ILA enters 2027 stronger, and more unified than ever before.
 
​A Happy, Healthy and Safe Labor Day 2026 to all our ILA members and their families.Image attachment

12 CommentsComment on Facebook

Just retired in May ,47 years in 1804-1 ILA STRONG 🇺🇸 Harold is the rock 🪨 of this Union for sure but another thing for sure is he raised his Son's Union STRONG 💪 Dennis is outstanding for sure!! The old adage the apple 🍎 doesn't fall far from the tree rings STRONG here The ILA HAS GIVEN ME A GREAT LIFE!! BUT I WORKED HARD FOR THAT AS WELL. GOD BLESS THE ILA AND OF COUSE AMERICA 🇺🇸

Solidarity!

Amen brother i gave 30 years been retired 7 no cost of living adjustments at all glad to see all the accomplishments to the current work force but don’t leave us out dam

The best

The best ever we ever had!

Hapyy Labour Day

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Great

Unfortunately nothing for the retiree’s who gave their all to get where we are today

Go Union

Yes Brother

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West Piers, NYC
Brooklyn, NYC
October 16, 1945

ILA STRIKE GOES TO DAY 16 ON THE WATERFRONT OF NEW YORK CITY

The New York City Police Department was on the West Side Piers back in the fall of 1945 to prevent an outbreak of violence as dockworkers went into their 16th day of a strike in which they demanded better wages and working conditions.

In photograph:
The International Longshoremen’s Association insurgents from Brooklyn clapped their hands and encouraged their striking brothers to stand strong and do not return to work until all demands are met at the negotiating table.

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892

Photo Credit:
Historic Images
Thank you!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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West Piers, NYC 
Brooklyn, NYC
October 16, 1945

ILA STRIKE GOES TO DAY 16 ON THE WATERFRONT OF NEW YORK CITY 

The New York City Police Department was on the West Side Piers back in the fall of 1945 to prevent an outbreak of violence as dockworkers went into their 16th day of a strike in which they demanded better wages and working conditions.  

In photograph:
The International Longshoremen’s Association insurgents from Brooklyn clapped their hands and encouraged their striking brothers to stand strong and do not return to work until all demands are met at the negotiating table. 

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association 
Established 1892

Photo Credit:
Historic Images 
Thank you!! 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Bravo

The ILA was good to me Dennis Stewart ILA all the way 1291 retired 34 years

Go Union

Livingston, NJ

THE ILA LOCAL 1233 WILLIAM BERNARD DUDLEY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

ILA International President Harold J. Daggett and ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett are joined by Super Bowl Champion New York Giants Otis Anderson (Super Bowl XXV MVP) and Harry Carson (Super Bowl XXI Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer) at the ILA Local 1233 William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing at Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, NJ

All proceeds go towards the William Bernard Dudley Scholarship Fund
Local 1233 Int'l Longshoremen#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationssociation
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Livingston, NJ

THE ILA LOCAL 1233 WILLIAM BERNARD DUDLEY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING 

ILA International President Harold J. Daggett and ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett are joined by Super Bowl Champion New York Giants Otis Anderson (Super Bowl XXV MVP) and Harry Carson (Super Bowl XXI Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer) at the ILA Local 1233 William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing at Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, NJ

All proceeds go towards the William Bernard Dudley Scholarship Fund 
Local 1233 Intl Longshoremens 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

19 CommentsComment on Facebook

Tip of the spear!

Great picture !

Harry Carson is my favorite!

What a great picture Harry Carson still looks like he can play

Bendiciones

I carried there when I was a kid

Love it

Great job💕

Wonder how family made it to the top 🤔

Those two are missed. I hope horrible can find coaching spots for them. They will bring the Giants culture back.

Lookin good coach Daggett !

Dudes

Good job

Great

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5 days ago
ILA Education/History

MCNAMARA CELEBRATES 45 YEARS WORKING FOR THE ILA

Please join us in congratulating James McNamara, ILA Chief of Staff, as he celebrates 45 years today working for the International Longshoremen’s Association.

James McNamara began his career in the ILA on August 31, 1981. At that time, Teddy Gleason was our International President and he brought McNamara aboard as the ILA’s Director of Public Relations.

Years later, as his career blossomed, McNamara was honored when he was named ILA Chief of Staff by our current International President Harold J. Daggett.

James McNamara has worked under four ILA Presidents….Thomas (Teddy) Gleason, John Bowers, Richard Hughes and Harold Daggett.

On May 21, 2026, James McNamara was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame.

Congratulations Jim!

In photograph:
ILA Chief of Staff James McNamara is congratulated by ILA International President Harold Daggett on his incredible 45 years working for the sisters and brothers our union and our industry.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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MCNAMARA CELEBRATES 45 YEARS WORKING FOR THE ILA 

Please join us in congratulating James McNamara, ILA Chief of Staff, as he celebrates 45 years today working for the International Longshoremen’s Association.

James McNamara began his career in the ILA on August 31, 1981. At that time, Teddy Gleason was our International President and he brought McNamara aboard as the ILA’s Director of Public Relations. 

Years later, as his career blossomed, McNamara was honored when he was named ILA Chief of Staff by our current International President Harold J. Daggett. 

James McNamara has worked under four ILA Presidents….Thomas (Teddy) Gleason, John Bowers, Richard Hughes and Harold Daggett.

On May 21, 2026, James McNamara was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame. 

Congratulations Jim!

In photograph:
ILA Chief of Staff James McNamara is congratulated by ILA International President Harold Daggett on his incredible 45 years working for the sisters and brothers our union and our industry. 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

99 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations!!

Captain for Bouchard in 87 until strike in 88. Knew john bowers great man

Congratulations Jim 👍🏻

Congratulations!!! Keep up the great work

Thanks for your Service Jimmy!!!

Congratulations and Thank you for all that you do!!

Very nice congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Jim. Have A Very Happy ILA A-Day!!!!

Congratulation sir great things you have done for the I l a

Congratulations Jim and thank you for all you do and everything you have taught me about this incredible union we all call the ILA!!

So impressive! Congrats, Jim!!👑🏆☘️💥

Congratulations Salomone Pucella 43 years

Congrats & Thank You

Congratulations

Congratulations James!!

Congratulations

Congratulations and thanks for all your efforts and dedication all these years!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations Jimmy!! 🎊

Go Union

Congratulations

Congratulations you Rookie lol You are a good man Mac . Keep going baby.

Congratulations!!

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Livingston, NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233 WILLIAM BERNARD DUDLEY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
CEDAR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
LIVINGSTON, NJ

ILA International President Harold J. Daggett attends ILA Local 1233 William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing at the Cedar Hills Country Club in Livingston, NJ

President Daggett is joined, from left to right, by:
Buddy Smith, President, ILA Local 1233
Tyreke Wells, Vice President, ILA Local 1233
Jay Sharpe, Trustee, ILA Local 1233
Abdul Boone, ILA Local 1233
Herbert Hall, Business Agent, ILA Local 1233, International Vice President

We are proud to announce that the William Bernard Dudley Golf Outing raised over $200,000 this year which will go towards the Scholarship Fund for students in the Newark area.

Int'l Longshoremen#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationssociation
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Livingston, NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233 WILLIAM BERNARD DUDLEY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING 
CEDAR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 
LIVINGSTON, NJ

ILA International President Harold J. Daggett attends ILA Local 1233 William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing at the Cedar Hills Country Club in Livingston, NJ

President Daggett is joined, from left to right, by:
Buddy Smith, President, ILA Local 1233 
Tyreke Wells, Vice President, ILA Local 1233
Jay Sharpe, Trustee, ILA Local 1233 
Abdul Boone, ILA Local 1233 
Herbert Hall, Business Agent, ILA Local 1233, International Vice President 

We are proud to announce that the William Bernard Dudley Golf Outing raised over $200,000 this year which will go towards the Scholarship Fund for students in the Newark area. 

Intl Longshoremens 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

17 CommentsComment on Facebook

Keep up the good fight!!

From Livingston Texas to Livingston New Jersey... ILA strong 💪

I'm a Longshoremen ,...and a proud one...,at that..."I Love America"

What an amazing event ILA Local 1233's William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing was! Kudos to Buddy Smith, Tyreke Wells, Jay Sharpe, Herbert Hall, and of course, President Harold J. Daggett for making it happen. ILA Strong 💪 💪🏾🦾💕

Bravo

Congratulations

What’s Happening All Of My Brothers !!.

👏🙏💯

Can you have Marie call me3466775749

You're all champions for raising over $200,000 for the Scholarship Fund! 💖

Tariq 😎

Go Union

The best!

Congratulations ,with honor, to your life long service .

My president daggett

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Livingston, NJ

The William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing
Livingston, NJ
Driving Community
Building Legacy

All proceeds from this event go towards the William Bernard Dudley Scholarship Fund

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Livingston, NJ

The William Bernard Dudley Annual Golf Outing 
Livingston, NJ
Driving Community 
Building Legacy 

All proceeds from this event go towards the William Bernard Dudley Scholarship Fund 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

1 CommentComment on Facebook

What a wonderful event for a great cause! 💖

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