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
ILA leaders out of the Port of Virginia attend Anti-Automation Summit in Vancouver, BC
In photograph, left to right, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President/ILA Local 970 President Jonathan Coley, ILA Local 1970 President Monta Bivins and ILA Local 1248 President Chris Faulk out of Hampton Roads, Port of Virginia traveled to Vancouver, BC to represent the International Longshoremen’s Association at the Anti-Automation Summit as dockworkers from around the world come together to fight against automation.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Vancouver, BC
ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President Albert Batten out of the Port of Montreal is called to the mic to speak to delegates, dockworkers and guests from
union around the world at the Anti-Automation Summit at the Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver, BC
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Looking good Albert, set them straight
International Dockworkers Anti-Automation Summit
September 21st to 24th, 2026
Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1K3
Hosted by ILWU Canada
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
If people don't have jobs who's going to be able to buy any of the goods that are being shipped or sold?
Robots don't pay taxes
Vancouver, BC
ILWU WELCOMES ILA
ILWU Canada President Tom Doran welcomes ILA Atlantic Coast District President Michael Vigneron to the International Dockworkers Anti-Automation Summit at the Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver, BC.
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Great to see these leaders at this important event . Automation will be the demise of all of us world wide Greed over employment,. ILA Strong 💪 GLOBAL Power
Vancouver, BC
Canada
DAGGETT ADDRESSES DELEGATES AND UNION LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT ANTI-AUTOMATION SUMMIT IN VANCOUVER, BC
ILA International Executive Vice President/IDC General Coordinator Dennis A. Daggett is at center stage as he speaks to union leaders, delegates and guests at the International Dockworkers Anti-Automation Summit at the Maritime Labour Center in Vancouver, BC.
Daggett’s message inspired a room filled with generations of dockworkers from around the world as he spoke about the history of longshoremen and the industry they built for over 100 years.
He stressed the importance of worldwide solidarity, highlighting the ongoing fight with DP World stating that, “This is an international fight around the world and we must stand together. We cannot negotiate the jobs of our children and grandchildren and the future generations to come. Our legacy and how we take a stand against automation will be remembered and become part of our history!”
During his address, Daggett also mentioned and repeated several times, “We are not against technology as long as it does not cost the jobs of longshoremen. Technology that eliminates dockworkers will not be tolerated!”
Daggett went on to further warn the delegation:
“The Terminal Operating System is the brain behind the scenes that runs each terminal.
These employers are implementing automation little by little and sometimes it takes place without the dockworkers even knowing about it. We must all be aware of this and we must notify each other if this is taking place because what takes place at your ports will take place at other ports!”
PROTECT THE WORK!
PROTECT THE WORKER!
PROTECT THE JURISDICTION!
WORLDWIDE SOLIDARITY!
Int'l Longshoremen's Local 1804-1 ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District Dennis A. Daggett Brian Porter William Hartigan Joey Daggett Michael Vigneron David C
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21 CommentsComment on Facebook
Incredible speech!! The world is watching!! The world is noticing!! Thank you Dennis for your commitment to the greatest dockworkers movement in history
Hardest working man
Well said Dennis, this FIGHT against automation will be our legacy. We must be remembered as the generation that successfully fought and preserved the future of dockworkers around the globe for generations to come. Winning is our only option. So let's win this.
How bout coming to union meetings. Education with vision for the future is key. Be ahead of the future not part of it. Spearhead positive change. Awesome to see this. Thank you✊✊✊
Solidarity in action!
Powerful message today on the importance of global solidarity. Dennis, your leadership from the front, and the relationships that have been forged around the world. It will continue to protect our ports, our jurisdictions, and our future, for generations to come!!! 💪🏾💯
Great message Dennis, thank you for daily role!!!! Solidarity at its best!!!
Hell yeah! Solidarity at its finest. Thank you for always keeping us well informed of things that are happening, not only in our own backyard, but around the world.
The best in the business!! Solidarity 💪💪
Best that ever did it
Excellent work Dennis.
Dennis I haven’t forgotten you, good. Luck 🍀 in your. Work!!
Excellent Dennis !!!!! School the World!!!! Solidarity!!!!!!⚓️🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸
💪💪💪💪❤️
✊🏻
ILA 💪
The Best of the Best !!!
💪🏻ILA 110%🇺🇸SOLIDARITY
Carry the message Dennis! 💪🏼💪🏼
The boss 💪🤝✌️⚓
Vancouver, BC
Canada
INTERNATIONAL DOCKWORKERS ANTI-AUTOMATION SUMMIT
MARITIME LABOUR CENTER
VANCOUVER, BC
SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2026
ILWU Canada President Tom Doran welcomes ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett to the stage at the International Dockworkers Anti-Automation Conference at the Maritime Labour Center in Vancouver, BC.
#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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ILA Proud!Amazing speech.
the guy on the right is my son shawn twin
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
9 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.
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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