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 Miami

ILA LOCAL 1416 HONORING 90 YEARS OF BROTHERHOOD, STRENGTH, SERVICE & FAMILY

On June 23, 2026 ILA Local 1416 will celebrate their 90th Anniversary at the 9th Street Mall, Miami, FL, which is located directly across from the union hall.

This event is open to all ILA Local 1416 members and their families.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port Miami

ILA LOCAL 1416 HONORING 90 YEARS OF BROTHERHOOD, STRENGTH, SERVICE & FAMILY 

On June 23, 2026 ILA Local 1416 will celebrate their 90th Anniversary at the 9th Street Mall, Miami, FL, which is located directly across from the union hall. 

This event is open to all ILA Local 1416 members and their families. 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

1 CommentComment on Facebook

The address is incorrect

GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!

ILA ROLL CALL!

If you wish, in the comments section, please list the local you are in and the port you work out of!
Have a great start to your week and be safe!
June 1st already!

WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
ESTABLISHED 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!

ILA ROLL CALL! 

If you wish, in the comments section, please list the local you are in and the port you work out of! 
Have a great start to your week and be safe!
June 1st already!

WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 
ESTABLISHED 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

287 CommentsComment on Facebook

Local 20 & Local 1504-8 Port of Galveston, Tx

1804-1 in the house

Local 20 Galveston Texas 🏝️ 🛳️ ☀️ Local 30 Freeeport Texas ⚓️ 🏗️ 🚢 ILA🫡🫡

Local 1604 Boston

Local 1359 Port Canaveral 💪

Local #28 Houston “TEXAS”

MRS.Walking Foreman Local #20

Local 1985 Port of Mobile, Al. Roll Tide Roll

Intl. & SAGCD RETIRED.

Local 1422-a Maintenance Port of Charleston

1814 S/I N/Y

Ila local 28 headed back to work

Local 1233 PNCT

Port Jersey Bayonne ny harbor

ILA Local 1804-1 Port Liberty Bayonne, NJ 💪🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

Local 1416 Miami Fla💯

Local 24 Port of Houston 🤘🏾

Local 1414 Savannah Ga. AKA the C-Port.

Bobby Keene 1804-1 best Union on the East Coast retired

ILA Strong Local 20 Galveston Texas🤙🏻

Local 1867 Port of Thunder Bay Ontario. The Great Lakes

Local 269 Port of Halifax NS Canada 🇨🇦

Local 1423 ⚓️ Port of Brunswick Local 1414 ⚓️ Port of Savannah Dual Seniority!! 💪🏿

ILA LOCAL 28 PORT HOUSTON BAYPORT

ILA Local 1235.. Port Elizabeth APM Terminals…

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Port Houston
Year unknown

ILA Longshoreman moving cargo by hand on the rail at The East End of Port Houston, Texas, Harrisburg/Magnolia Park & 2nd Ward.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port Houston 
Year unknown 

ILA Longshoreman moving cargo by hand on the rail at The East End of Port Houston, Texas, Harrisburg/Magnolia Park & 2nd Ward. 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

Brothers stood in line to get this job, check out this old rail car.

En qué año sería ?

This is what paved the path for me today !

Wrong type of hook but same idea

That photo shows back in the day when nobody wanted this job

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Port of NY/NJ

LONGSHOREMEN OF YEARS PAST LAID THE FOUNDATION TO BUILD OUR GREAT UNION INTO WHAT WE HAVE TODAY

THE LEGACY OF THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Longshoremen have always been the backbone of our ports, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep commerce moving and communities thriving. Through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, they helped build the foundation of our economy and laid the groundwork for generations to come.

Every shipment unloaded, every piece of equipment serviced, every box checked, and every challenge overcome contributed to the growth and prosperity we all enjoy today.

The hardworking ILA workforce have moved cargo since 1892. These jobs allow us to support our families and strengthened communities across the nation.
However, these benefits and opportunities we enjoy today did not appear overnight—they were built upon the efforts of working men and women who showed up day after day, regardless of weather or circumstance. Through decades of blood, sweat and tears, Longshoremen are proud to stand among those whose commitment and perseverance helped shape the world we know today.

The ILA legacy is more than the cargo they move and the equipment they repair; it is the foundation they helped create, ensuring that future generations could build, grow, and prosper. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Longshoremen who laid the groundwork and carried the weight of progress on their shoulders.

In photograph, ILA Local 1814 members report for the shape on the Brooklyn Waterfront sometime during the 1950’s.

**ILA HISTORY**
**ILA LEGACY**
**RESPECT**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

LONGSHOREMEN OF YEARS PAST LAID THE FOUNDATION TO BUILD OUR GREAT UNION INTO WHAT WE HAVE TODAY 

THE LEGACY OF THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 

Longshoremen have always been the backbone of our ports, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep commerce moving and communities thriving. Through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, they helped build the foundation of our economy and laid the groundwork for generations to come.

Every shipment unloaded, every piece of equipment serviced, every box checked, and every challenge overcome contributed to the growth and prosperity we all enjoy today.  

The hardworking ILA workforce have moved cargo since 1892. These jobs allow us to support our families and strengthened communities across the nation.
However, these benefits and opportunities we enjoy today did not appear overnight—they were built upon the efforts of working men and women who showed up day after day, regardless of weather or circumstance. Through decades of blood, sweat and tears, Longshoremen are proud to stand among those whose commitment and perseverance helped shape the world we know today. 

The ILA legacy is more than the cargo they move and the equipment they repair; it is the foundation they helped create, ensuring that future generations could build, grow, and prosper. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Longshoremen who laid the groundwork and carried the weight of progress on their shoulders.

In photograph, ILA Local 1814 members report for the shape on the Brooklyn Waterfront sometime during the 1950’s. 

**ILA HISTORY**
**ILA LEGACY**
**RESPECT**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

The old bystate

They were men of iron, when ships were made of wood.

The Real Gangsters. ILA all the way.

It’s a shame to have to fight automation some things are better left alone

Port of New Orleans

ILA Local 2036 member Benjy Toups retires after 47 years working on the waterfront at the Port of New Orleans

His son Matt Toups shared this special message in honor of his father:

“Today was bitter sweet but also a great day. After 47 years, my Dad has officially retired! He has been a proud member of ILA Local 2036 out of the Port of New Orleans since 1982. Congratulations Dad….I hope you and Mom enjoy retirement. Love you Benjy Toups Christine Walch Toups Jamie Hallock.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

**ILA FAMILY**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of New Orleans 

ILA Local 2036 member Benjy Toups retires after 47 years working on the waterfront at the Port of New Orleans 

His son Matt Toups shared this special message in honor of his father:

“Today was bitter sweet but also a great day. After 47 years, my Dad has officially retired! He has been a proud member of ILA Local 2036 out of the Port of New Orleans since 1982. Congratulations Dad….I hope you and Mom enjoy retirement. Love you Benjy Toups Christine Walch Toups Jamie Hallock.

CONGRATULATIONS!! 

**ILA FAMILY**

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

25 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congrats my friend glad for you

It's about time we had a lot of good times

Congratulations enjoy retirement my friend.

Congratulations 🎉 Enjoy that new camp with your family and thanks for your support of the ILA and our local 2036 at the port of Nola!

Congratulation well deserved brother

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Benjy on his retirement! 🎈

Congrats!!!

Congratulations and job well done. 🎉🍾🎈🎊

Congrats my brother Just retired 47 years out of port ny nj 1804-1 and ny shipping Had a tear in my eye when leaving

Now you can do whatever you want whenever you want..... Congratulations 🎊

Congratulations, well earned, ENJOY!✌️

Congratulations on your retirement from local #24 Houston,Tx.

Congratulations!!!

congratulations!!

Congratulations

Congratulations 🎊

Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊

Congrats

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations 🎊

Congratulations!

congratulations!

Congratulations

Congratulations brother 👏

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233 GIVES BACK TO THE NEWARK, NJ COMMUNITY AS THEY SUPPORT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING THIS PROM SEASON 2026

ILA Local 1233 Proudly Supports JustMotivated’s Prom Initiative for Newark Youth

The members of ILA Local 1233 are proud to be one of the sponsors of JustMotivated and its incredible effort to support Newark students during prom season.

This year, Just Motivated is sponsoring 20 deserving children from Newark, New Jersey, providing them with everything they need to enjoy a memorable prom experience at no cost to their families.

**ILA COMMUNITY**
**ILA FAMILY**

Thank you Victor Thomas, ILA Local 1233 Secretary Treasurer, for sharing this information with us.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

ILA LOCAL 1233 GIVES BACK TO THE NEWARK, NJ COMMUNITY AS THEY SUPPORT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING THIS PROM SEASON 2026

ILA Local 1233 Proudly Supports JustMotivated’s Prom Initiative for Newark Youth

The members of ILA Local 1233 are proud to be one of the sponsors of JustMotivated and its incredible effort to support Newark students during prom season. 

This year, Just Motivated is sponsoring 20 deserving children from Newark, New Jersey, providing them with everything they need to enjoy a memorable prom experience at no cost to their families.

**ILA COMMUNITY**
**ILA FAMILY**

Thank you Victor Thomas, ILA Local 1233 Secretary Treasurer, for sharing this information with us. 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations

Fantastic!

🙏🏾 AMAN 🙏🏾

Blesss up

Great work 1233

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PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND HIS SUPPORT FOR LABOR UNIONS

During his presidency from 1961 to 1963, John F. Kennedy maintained a strong relationship with organized labor and worked to support the American workforce and labor unions. Kennedy believed that unions played an important role in protecting fair wages, improving working conditions, and strengthening the middle class during a period of economic growth and social change in the United States.

One of Kennedy’s most significant actions regarding labor was his support for collective bargaining rights for federal employees. In 1962, he signed Executive Order 10988, which granted federal workers the right to organize and bargain collectively with the government.

Kennedy also maintained close ties with major labor leaders and organizations.
Many labor unions strongly supported Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election, and his administration often worked alongside union leaders on issues such as raising the minimum wage, improving workplace safety, and expanding unemployment benefits.

In 1946, as a young congressman, John F. Kennedy visited with ILA International Vice President Daniel J. Donovan on the Boston waterfront.
Fifteen years later, on January 20, 1961, Kennedy would be sworn in as the 35th President of the United States of America.
Two years after that, on November 22, 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
JFK was the youngest person ever elected President of United States at 43 years of age.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND HIS SUPPORT FOR LABOR UNIONS 

During his presidency from 1961 to 1963, John F. Kennedy maintained a strong relationship with organized labor and worked to support the American workforce and labor unions. Kennedy believed that unions played an important role in protecting fair wages, improving working conditions, and strengthening the middle class during a period of economic growth and social change in the United States.

One of Kennedy’s most significant actions regarding labor was his support for collective bargaining rights for federal employees. In 1962, he signed Executive Order 10988, which granted federal workers the right to organize and bargain collectively with the government. 

Kennedy also maintained close ties with major labor leaders and organizations.
Many labor unions strongly supported Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election, and his administration often worked alongside union leaders on issues such as raising the minimum wage, improving workplace safety, and expanding unemployment benefits.

In 1946, as a young congressman, John F. Kennedy visited with ILA International Vice President Daniel J. Donovan on the Boston waterfront. 
Fifteen years later, on January 20, 1961, Kennedy would be sworn in as the 35th President of the United States of America. 
Two years after that, on November 22, 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. 
JFK was the youngest person ever elected President of United States at 43 years of age.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Go Union

Port of Charleston

SEAPORT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION VISITS ILA AT THE PORT OF CHARLESTON

ILA Local 1422 President Kenny Riley welcomed Seaport Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Elaine Thompson and Chief Operations Officer Melissa McCann to the Port of Charleston to visit Local 1422 Headquarters and meet up with the membership and inform them what the Seaport Federal Credit Union has to offer ILA members.

“A huge thank you to @ILA and @Local1422 for having us! We truly appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to working closely with the incredible membership here in Charleston. Exciting things ahead!”

For more information about the Seaport Federal Credit Union go to:
seaportfcu.org/

🙌⚓ #ILALocal1422 #CharlestonStrong #UnionPride
@ilaunion @ilasagcd

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Charleston 

SEAPORT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION VISITS ILA AT THE PORT OF CHARLESTON 

ILA Local 1422 President Kenny Riley welcomed Seaport Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Elaine Thompson and Chief Operations Officer Melissa McCann to the Port of Charleston to visit Local 1422 Headquarters and meet up with the membership and inform them what the Seaport Federal Credit Union has to offer ILA members. 

“A huge thank you to @ILA and @Local1422 for having us! We truly appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to working closely with the incredible membership here in Charleston. Exciting things ahead!”

For more information about the Seaport Federal Credit Union go to:
https://seaportfcu.org/

🙌⚓ #ILALocal1422 #CharlestonStrong #UnionPride
@ilaunion @ilasagcd 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

16 CommentsComment on Facebook

ILA 1771 here also outta Charleston, I’m definitely going to look up Seaport and see what they offer vs SCFCU.

Welcome to the best Credit Union for the ILA members!!!

Welcome to Seaport FCU Local 1422!

Yo Kenny what up fam. from The West Coast ILWU Local 23 Pensioners 💪🏾

My big cuz!!

Let me in

⚓🩷🩵⚓

Bless up

What’s up Kenny

Yesssssss...Thank You!💃🏾💪🏾🕺🏿🤑🤑🤑🤑

ILA 1416 miami

Can't wait until they come to Jacksonville I'm interested in getting the information and possibly join myself.

❤️

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Sending birthday wishes to ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett

A 4th generation Longshoreman, Dennis A. Daggett’s 33 year career began on the waterfront as a member of ILA Local 1804-1 working for Bay Container at Universal/Maersk at Berth 51 in July of 1993. He began his career at the ILA International offices’ on December 1, 1997 as he was appointed ILA Safety Director by International President John Bowers.
Just three years later, in 2000, Daggett was proudly elected Business Agent of his home local out of the Port of NY/NJ, ILA Local 1804-1. As his career and reputation in the union and the industry continued to grow, the Executive Officers elected Daggett Atlantic Coast District Secretary Treasurer in 2007 and then President in 2011.
Another of his achievement’s also took place in 2011 when Dennis A. Daggett was proudly elected President of ILA Local 1804-1, a position he holds til this day.
In one of the proudest moments of his career, Dennis A. Daggett was elected ILA International Executive Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association at the 54th Quadrennial Convention in Puerto Rico in 2015.
A labor leader known around the world, his knowledge and commitment to dockworkers at ports on every continent resonated when he was elected General Coordinator of the worldwide International Dockworkers Council in 2019.

Happy Birthday!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Sending birthday wishes to ILA International Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett

A 4th generation Longshoreman, Dennis A. Daggett’s 33 year career began on the waterfront as a member of ILA Local 1804-1 working for Bay Container at Universal/Maersk at Berth 51 in July of 1993.  He began his career at the ILA International offices’ on December 1, 1997 as he was appointed ILA Safety Director by International President John Bowers. 
Just three years later, in 2000, Daggett was proudly elected Business Agent of his home local out of the Port of NY/NJ, ILA Local 1804-1. As his career and reputation in the union and the industry continued to grow, the Executive Officers elected Daggett Atlantic Coast District Secretary Treasurer in 2007 and then President in 2011. 
Another of his achievement’s also took place in 2011 when Dennis A. Daggett was proudly elected President of ILA Local 1804-1, a position he holds til this day. 
In one of the proudest moments of his career, Dennis A. Daggett was elected ILA International Executive Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association at the 54th Quadrennial Convention in Puerto Rico in 2015. 
A labor leader known around the world, his knowledge and commitment to dockworkers at ports on every continent resonated when he was elected General Coordinator of the worldwide International Dockworkers Council in 2019. 

Happy Birthday!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

220 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thank you everyone who commented. Your comments made my day even more special….

Happy Birthday Dennis A. Daggett, wishing you all the best and continue to enjoy your day.

Happy birthday, Dennis! Wishing you a phenomenal year ahead! 💕🎂

Happy birthday 🎉🎂🎊🎁 and blessings

Happy belated birthday

Happy Birthday Enjoy the Day!!

HBD 🎂 🎉Dennis!

Happy Birthday Again and Again.

Happy Birthday Dennis! Hope you have a great day Enjoy!

Happy Birthday my brother!

Happy Birthday Dennis 🎈🎈🎈🎈 God bless you with 100 more.

HBD!

happy birhday Dennis have a great day 🎈🎈

Happy Birthday Fearless General!

Happy Birthday Big Den!

Happy birthday 🎂 from Port of Cleveland longshoreman 1317

Happy Birthday to a great Labor Leader.

Happy birthday my friend!!!

Happy birthday to an incredible leader and advocate for workers' rights, Dennis A. Daggett! Your dedication and perseverance have made a real difference in the lives of many. Wishing you a wonderful day! 🌟

Happy birthday Dennis Enjoy your special day 🎂

Happy Birthday Dennis enjoy many more in great health .God Bless

Happiest of birthdays Dennis A. Daggett! Your hard work and leadership is appreciated. You always have family in Baltimore. Your brother in arms Don.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday again Brother. Next time is see you I’ll get Kerry Scott to buy us a drink

Happy Birthday Dennis! Hope you have an amazing day with family and friends. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the union. Wishing you nothing but health, happiness, and success this year. Local 1804-1 ILA ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

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Port of Jacksonville, FL

ILA LOCAL 1408 SCHOLARSHIP FUND GIVES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS IN THE GREATER JACKSONVILLE AREA

ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament Drives Educational Opportunities For Jacksonville Students. Held each spring, the annual International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1408 Scholarship Fund golf tournament attracted a record number of attendees at World Golf Village on May 19, 2026.

The Fund was started in 1995 by JAXPORT Board Member and longtime ILA labor union leader Charles Spencer to help families pay for college after experiencing his own struggles to pay for his own children’s education.

Spencer moved cargo as a longshoreman on JAXPORT’s docks for decades and has dedicated his life’s work to causes in education and civil rights.
“Charles Spencer – our chief, our captain – has a vision for the kids. For him it’s all about supporting the kids, and it’s a beautiful thing,” said Nicholas P. Rowe, scholarship board member and co-owner of Central Bark Jacksonville.

To date, the Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students, including many first-generation college students. The Fund is supported annually by community and corporate sponsors, as well as the annual golf outing.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Jacksonville, FL 

ILA LOCAL 1408 SCHOLARSHIP FUND GIVES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS IN THE GREATER JACKSONVILLE AREA 

ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament Drives Educational Opportunities For Jacksonville Students. Held each spring, the annual International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1408 Scholarship Fund golf tournament attracted a record number of attendees at World Golf Village on May 19, 2026. 

The Fund was started in 1995 by JAXPORT Board Member and longtime ILA labor union leader Charles Spencer to help families pay for college after experiencing his own struggles to pay for his own children’s education.

Spencer moved cargo as a longshoreman on JAXPORT’s docks for decades and has dedicated his life’s work to causes in education and civil rights.
“Charles Spencer – our chief, our captain – has a vision for the kids. For him it’s all about supporting the kids, and it’s a beautiful thing,” said Nicholas P. Rowe, scholarship board member and co-owner of Central Bark Jacksonville. 

To date, the Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students, including many first-generation college students. The Fund is supported annually by community and corporate sponsors, as well as the annual golf outing.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations 🎉🙏🏽💯

Fantastic!

Congratulations 🎊🎉

Congratulations

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