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

Port of Tampa

ILA LOCAL 1402
ESTABLISHED 1935

β€œTampa’s port is one of the most important economic engines, and for over a century, the port’s longshoremen have been one of the most significant groups of people who make that engine run smoothly.”

What a wonderful achievement for Local 1402 and the Tampa community!

President Andre Davis clearly hit the ground running, building on the foundation laid by Secretary-Treasurer Stephen Hall to accomplish something truly significant.
Getting a building both grant-funded for restoration and officially designated as a historical landmark is a double win, it secures the finances for preservation and provides long term legal protection for the structure.

That’s no small feat when it comes to navigating county processes.

703 E. Harrison Street will now stand as a permanent piece of Tampa’s history, which is especially meaningful given how much downtown Tampa has transformed over the years. A landmark designation ensures that even as development continues to reshape the city, that building won’t be lost to it.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Tampa 

ILA LOCAL 1402
ESTABLISHED 1935

β€œTampa’s port is one of the most important economic engines, and for over a century, the port’s longshoremen have been one of the most significant groups of people who make that engine run smoothly.”

What a wonderful achievement for Local 1402 and the Tampa community! 

President Andre Davis clearly hit the ground running, building on the foundation laid by Secretary-Treasurer Stephen Hall to accomplish something truly significant.
Getting a building both grant-funded for restoration and officially designated as a historical landmark is a double win, it secures the finances for preservation and provides long term legal protection for the structure. 

That’s no small feat when it comes to navigating county processes.

703 E. Harrison Street will now stand as a permanent piece of Tampa’s history, which is especially meaningful given how much downtown Tampa has transformed over the years. A landmark designation ensures that even as development continues to reshape the city, that building won’t be lost to it.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
MARCH 2026

LEADING THE CHANGE: WOMEN SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

For 2026, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly presents the theme: β€œLeading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”
This theme honors the women who have and are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability - environmental, economic, educational, and societal.

Every year the month of March is designated Women’s History Month.
Let us all salute and honor the amazing Women of the International Longshoremen’s Association as they continue to make their own piece of history on the waterfront.

Please take a moment to scroll through the photographs of the history making women of the ILA.

**RESPECT**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 
MARCH 2026

LEADING THE CHANGE: WOMEN SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 

For 2026, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly presents the theme: β€œLeading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”
This theme honors the women who have and are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability - environmental, economic, educational, and societal.

Every year the month of March is designated Women’s History Month.
Let us all salute and honor the amazing Women of the International Longshoremen’s Association as they continue to make their own piece of history on the waterfront.

Please take a moment to scroll through the photographs of the history making women of the ILA.

**RESPECT**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

12 CommentsComment on Facebook

Don't forget our lady crane operators down here in Houston..I.L.A local 28..holding it down

I see you, ladies!!!! You're fierce!

May the good lord watch over, keep safe and bless the wonderful ladies of the I.L.A., our fellow union sisters each and everyday. πŸ™β€οΈ

I Love This πŸ’•

πŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎ

Yessss

God Bless You!

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4 days ago
ILA Education/History

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION AND THE UNITED STATES MARITIME ALLIANCE….WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR INDUSTRY STRONGER THAN EVER

In photograph, from left to right, ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International President Harold J. Daggett and CEO and Chairman of USMX F. Paul De Maria come together nearly a year ago on March 11, 2025 as they sit down and sign the greatest contract in labor history which includes a 62% raise and protections against automation at all ILA ports from Maine to Texas. The contract secures labor peace until September 30, 2030.

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association….Established 1892.
@ilaunion @ilasagcd @ila1804_1official @ddag21 @h_daggett @jdaggett5 @jimmmymac18 @kennyoelkers_

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION AND THE UNITED STATES MARITIME ALLIANCE….WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR INDUSTRY STRONGER THAN EVER

In photograph, from left to right, ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International President Harold J. Daggett and CEO and Chairman of USMX F. Paul De Maria come together nearly a year ago on March 11, 2025 as they sit down and sign the greatest contract in labor history which includes a 62% raise and protections against automation at all ILA ports from Maine to Texas. The contract secures labor peace until September 30, 2030. 

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association….Established 1892. 
@ilaunion @ilasagcd @ila1804_1official @ddag21 @h_daggett @jdaggett5 @jimmmymac18 @kennyoelkers_ 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

16 CommentsComment on Facebook

Historic! Labor leaders around the globe took notes on what these men got done !

The best !! ❀️❀️πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ

What an accomplishment ❀️

Great Job I L A strong

An awesome group of gentlemen.

Wow. That’s great

Were going to need you. June 30 2028. When our contract expires on the west coast. From Canada to Mexico. Ilwu

πŸ‘πŸΏπŸ‘πŸΏπŸ‘πŸΏπŸ‘πŸΏπŸ‘πŸΏ

πŸ˜† 🀣 πŸ˜‚ 😹 πŸ˜† 🀣 πŸ˜‚ 😹 πŸ˜† 🀣 πŸ˜‚

ILA Baby πŸ’ͺ🏾

ILA Strong

How about you get a contract that makes these lazy fucks actually do something at the ports. Especially newark or Baltimore. Its fkn ridiculous

This fucker is an extortionist is sheep's clothing. I can't wait for automation to start taking over the terminals. This way these hard working truck drivers dont have to pit up with shitty union attitude from crane operators. We are tired of it. You guys want out non union driver support, then start showing some respect towards us.

Go Union

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ILA MAKES HEADLINES IN SPAIN NEWSPAPERS AS THE SUPPORT FOR DOCKWORKERS OUT OF PORT AVILÉS CONTINUES TO GROW ALL OVER THE WORLD

The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1804-1 membership, led by Business Agent Billy Hartigan, has made international news as the rally that was held at Port Newark Container Terminal on Thursday, February 26. 2026 appeared in Spain newspapers early this morning.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers out of the PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN
The worldwide dockworkers movement has never been stronger.
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ILA MAKES HEADLINES IN SPAIN NEWSPAPERS AS THE SUPPORT FOR DOCKWORKERS OUT OF PORT AVILÉS CONTINUES TO GROW ALL OVER THE WORLD 

The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1804-1 membership, led by Business Agent Billy Hartigan,  has made international news as the rally that was held at Port Newark Container Terminal on Thursday, February 26. 2026 appeared in Spain newspapers early this morning.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers out of the PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN 
The worldwide dockworkers movement has never been stronger.Image attachment

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

Solidarity At Its Best !!!!!πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έβš“οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έβš“οΈ

Worldwide solidarity!!πŸ’ͺπŸ‘

Y en Acajutla El Salvador los dejaron morir

Need the leadership in Philly

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1804-1 BUSINESS AGENT BILLY HARTIGAN LEADS THE MEMBERSHIP IN SUPPORT OF OUR SISTER AND BROTHER DOCKWORKERS AT THE PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN IN THEIR ON GOING FIGHT FOR BETTER WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

ILA Local 1804-1 stands in full solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters in AvilΓ©s.

β€œLa Estiba No Se Vende”, dock work is not for sale!
These are not just words on a banner. They are a declaration. Dockworker jobs, jurisdiction, and hard-earned rights are not commodities to be traded away to privatization schemes, automation agendas, or corporate interests.

From the Port of New York and New Jersey to AvilΓ©s, Spain, we understand what is at stake. Longshore work is dangerous, skilled, and essential to the global economy. It is built on generations of sacrifice and solidarity. When one port is under pressure, we all feel it, and we will respond!

The ILA stands with the AvilΓ©s Dockworkers because we believe in global unity among maritime workers. We believe that no dockworker stands alone, and if we are together, it’s impossible to fail….

We will never walk alone.

In solidarity,
ILA Local 1804-1

A special thanks to Business Agent, Billy Hartigan for organizing the event and bringing us together….

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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23 CommentsComment on Facebook

ILA STRONG Local 24 Houston,Texas

Solidaridad ILA!

Solidarity!! πŸ’ͺπŸ»βœŠπŸ»πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έβ€οΈ

ILA Strong Local 1413 We With You My Union Brothers And Sisters πŸ’ͺ🏾

Solidarity!! Always!

ILA STRONG πŸ’ͺ !!!

We stand with you in solidarity!!!

solidarity at its finestβœŠπŸΎβš“οΈ

Today was a honor and privilege to stand in solidarity for our brothers and sisters. Local 1804-1

Union πŸ’ͺ 1804-01

πŸ’ͺ🏾πŸ’ͺ🏾 GOD BLESS THE I.L.A.

Can’t wait for this type of solidarity when the Rail contract is up in 2027. Longshoreman working in and around the Port of NY/NJ know the Rail at Maher and PNCT are vital for both companies. We were there for you in 2024 and we expect the same from everyone in 2027! Union! Power!

Shut them down!!!! STRIKE! LET THE WORLD UNITE

Solidarity ! I.L.A. ALL THE WAY

πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ‘πŸΌ

πŸ’ͺπŸ½οΏΌπŸ™πŸ½

πŸ’ͺ🏼

We stand with you!!!!! Solidarity!

πŸ’ͺ🏾πŸ’ͺ🏾πŸ’ͺ🏾ILA strong

Stay Strong Avilés!!! πŸ’ͺ🏾πŸ’ͺ🏾πŸ’ͺ🏾✊🏾

Yes we stand together

ILA 🫑

ILA 24

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Port of NY/NJ

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION IS RECOGNIZED BY MAHER TERMINALS CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER ANTHONY MURRELLO AS THE ILA MEMBERSHIP WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND DURING THE HISTORIC WINTER STORM THAT TOOK PLACE ON FEBRUARY 22, 2026 AT THE PORT OF NY/NY.

**ILA….UNSTOPPABLE**

Please take a moment to read the letter attached to this post.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION IS RECOGNIZED BY MAHER TERMINALS CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER ANTHONY MURRELLO AS THE ILA MEMBERSHIP WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND DURING THE HISTORIC WINTER STORM THAT TOOK PLACE ON FEBRUARY 22, 2026 AT THE PORT OF NY/NY.

**ILA….UNSTOPPABLE**

Please take a moment to read the letter attached to this post.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

37 CommentsComment on Facebook

πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ

Well done πŸ’ͺ🏻1804-1 ❀️

Words can’t express my gratitude for all the members of ILA Local 1804-1. It’s obvious that you were all instrumental in the getting the Port back up and running so consumers can buy the necessities needed. Super Proud to represent the finest there is…. Love you all….

ILA STRONG !!!!

This appreciation extends from MMR also. In my short but long lifetime at Maher there have been many of winter event cleanups I’ve been involved with and nothing compared to this one. The job that was done to get the facilities safely operable with the conditions faced was extremely impressive. Tip my cap to Sammy G. and the 1804 crew. In the words of Carol King “nobody does it better”

ILA All The Way Hell of a job fellas!!!

HI, I STRONG STICK TOGETHER.\NWE WILL ROCK

Will the employers remember this at contact time?

Maher is actually nice, been there a few times to pickup loads

Nice letter to thank labor for their great effort during storm...

An absolutely AMAZING job!!!

Excelent job @ maher guys .

The best!!!

My wife's uncles and cousins worked up there. Truly a great union!!!

That's Fantastic

Way to go….ILA The best….πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈβœŒοΈπŸ·πŸ·

That's what I'm talking about. Kudos to you Maher terminal for sending out this letter expressing your appreciation for all that we do.. You have no idea how much it means to all πŸ™πŸ½of us.

I.L.A. ALL THE WAY

Vito Reneo

1804-1πŸ’ͺ🏻

πŸ’ͺ🏿πŸ’ͺ🏿πŸ’ͺ🏿πŸ’ͺ🏿

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ILA CHIEF OF STAFF JAMES A. MCNAMARA TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME HALL OF FAME ON MAY 20, 2026 AT CHELSEA PIERS IN NYC

Please join us in congratulating ILA Chief of Staff James A. McNamara as he will be inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in New York City on May 20, 2026.

James A. McNamara is the Chief of Staff and Director of Public Relations for the International Longshoremen’s Association. In a career spanning over 44 years, he has led the organization’s communications under four ILA International Presidents, Thomas Gleason, John Bowers, Richard Hughes and Harold J. Daggett.
McNamara currently serves as the ILA’s primary spokesperson and also serves the membership as President of ILA Local 512. He has coordinated the ILA Children’s Fund golf outing for 33 years, raising over $10 million for charity. An Iona University graduate with a master’s from Fordham University, he is a veteran member of the IMHOF Executive Board and an β€œOutstanding Irish-American Labor Leader” honoree by the Irish Echo.

James McNamara became the International Longshoremen’s Association Public Relations Director on August 31, 1981.
After a long, distinguished career in that position McNamara was humbled and honored to be named ILA Chief of Staff by International President Harold J. Daggett on May 18, 2021.

Jim McNamara and his wife Alice have been married nearly 50 years and are the proud parents/grandparents to daughter Elizabeth Mueller; Son-in-Law, Daniel Mueller; Grandkids, Gabi, Luke and Lily.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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ILA CHIEF OF STAFF JAMES A. MCNAMARA TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME HALL OF FAME ON MAY 20, 2026 AT CHELSEA PIERS IN NYC 

Please join us in congratulating ILA Chief of Staff James A. McNamara as he will be inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in New York City on May 20, 2026. 

James A. McNamara is the Chief of Staff and Director of Public Relations for the International Longshoremen’s Association. In a career spanning over 44 years, he has led the organization’s communications under four ILA International Presidents, Thomas Gleason, John Bowers, Richard Hughes and Harold J. Daggett. 
McNamara currently serves as the ILA’s primary spokesperson and also serves the membership as President of ILA Local 512. He has coordinated the ILA Children’s Fund golf outing for 33 years, raising over $10 million for charity. An Iona University graduate with a master’s from Fordham University, he is a veteran member of the IMHOF Executive Board and an β€œOutstanding Irish-American Labor Leader” honoree by the Irish Echo.

James McNamara became the International Longshoremen’s Association Public Relations Director on August 31, 1981. 
After a long, distinguished career in that position McNamara was humbled and honored to be named ILA Chief of Staff by International President Harold J. Daggett on May 18, 2021.

Jim McNamara and his wife Alice have been married nearly 50 years and are the proud parents/grandparents to daughter Elizabeth Mueller; Son-in-Law, Daniel Mueller; Grandkids, Gabi, Luke and Lily.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

163 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations to the Best!! I am thrilled that he is getting this long overdue recognition. It’s beyond deserved, and I personally appreciate and respect the contributions he has made for over forty years to our beloved Union.

Congratulations πŸ‘πŸ‘ so well deserved Jim Such a dedicated person to the ILA!!!

That's so awesome Jim! You definitely earned it!

Congratulations, Jim! An incredible and well-deserved honor. πŸ‘

Congratulations Mac! Love ya brother! So very of proud of you. My man!

Well deserved, Congratulations!!

Congratulations Mr M! Well deserved

Congratulations to JimπŸ‘πŸ’ͺπŸŽ‰

Congratulations my brother!! Amazing accomplishment!!

Congratulations so well deserved

Congratulations Jim! Well deserved for all your hard work and dedication. πŸ‘

Congratulations. Well deserved!!!

Congratulations jim πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸ‘πŸΌ

A well deserved Honor. Congratulations Jim πŸŽ‰

οΏΌJim it’s a long time coming my friend God bless you

True Gentleman! Congrats Jimmy Mac!

Congratulations Mr. McNamara! What an honor and well deserved, Jim. πŸ‘πŸŽ‰

As good as they come! Congrats Jimmy Mac!!!πŸ‘ŠπŸΎπŸ’―

Congratulations Jim !!!! What an Amazing Honor for All the Hard Work You've Done for the ILA !!!!!

Congratulations from Johnny Boy Augusta!!πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰

Jimmy, congratulations! Thank you for your service, brother.

Wow! Could not be more deserving! Congratulations!!

Wow! What an honor! True pillar of the ILA! One of the hardest working people I know!

Congratulations God bless you i started in 1983 Miami

Congratulations Mr Mac!

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233

ILA Local 1233 has a long, storied history on the docks at the Port of NY/NJ.
They are part of the Longshore craft and were established on March 1, 1927.
Next year, the members of ILA Local 1233 will come together and proudly celebrate their 100th Anniversary!

In photograph, the ILA Local 1233 Executive Board at one of their union meetings sometime during the 1950’s.

Photo Credit:
Victor Thomas
Secretary Treasurer
ILA Local 1233
Thank You!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233 

ILA Local 1233 has a long, storied history on the docks at the Port of NY/NJ. 
They are part of the Longshore craft and were established on March 1, 1927.
Next year, the members of ILA Local 1233 will come together and proudly celebrate their 100th Anniversary!

In photograph, the ILA Local 1233 Executive Board at one of their union meetings sometime during the 1950’s.

Photo Credit:
Victor Thomas
Secretary Treasurer 
ILA Local 1233
Thank You!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Check out my Uncle Junior Gardner sitting in the middle...He was Legendary...President of Local 1233 #FamilyTies

Legendary for sure. I remember when he became the first African American to become the Assistant General Organizer of the ILA in 1979. Your uncle was all of that in the ILA Convention. He accepted that position wearing a red suit, black shirt, and black gators. Junior was our Black Star. He opened the door for a movement like the Charleston 5. PEACE & SOLIDARITY!

Junior gardener thank you sir you was a blessing in my life

Those was the icebreakers the original

πŸ’ͺ🏽πŸ’ͺ🏽πŸ’ͺπŸ½πŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½

πŸ’ͺ🏾

Go Union

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