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 Savannah

The ILA awaits to unload cargo as a container ship arrives at the Port of Savannah…..at sunset….June 17, 2024.

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Savannah 

The ILA awaits to unload cargo as a container ship arrives at the Port of Savannah…..at sunset….June 17, 2024. 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Bring’em in we gone send’em out #local1414 🫡😎

ILA
ESTABLISHED 1892

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION REPRESENTS DOCKWORKERS AT PORTS FROM MAINE TO TEXAS, THE GREAT LAKES, PUERTO RICO, EASTERN CANADA AND THE BAHAMAS….
WE ARE THE ILA AND THE DOCKS ARE OURS!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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ILA 
ESTABLISHED 1892

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION REPRESENTS DOCKWORKERS AT PORTS FROM MAINE TO TEXAS, THE GREAT LAKES, PUERTO RICO, EASTERN CANADA AND THE BAHAMAS….
WE ARE THE ILA AND THE DOCKS ARE OURS!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

👍

Nice post

PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN

A MESSAGE FROM IDC LABOR COORDINATOR JORDI ARAGUNDE:

“Congratulations to the Sepra stewardesses….
There are moments that explain everything.
In the “work battles” and in life, it all boils down to instants in the end.

My union life feeds off of it.
Moments like yesterday early in the morning, when after so many hours of negotiations the “yes” arrived.
Or that hug in October with Dennis, when we knew the terms of the master contract were guaranteed, back to October 2024
Or Lisbon, a few months ago.

Because in the end, all the hours, all the work, all the wear and tear... sums it up in that instant. And that’s where it all makes sense.

Thank you, I mean it.

Thanks to Manu — you’re a fucking machine, kid. And one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Pani — we owe you a lot, more than you surely think, Kaba — from minute one, when no one believed, you were there. And that’s not forgotten.
Miguel - the importance you have... “This is ganao, Miguel” 😂

And also Javi, Paco Valtu, the legend Rubio Casal, Nacho, Luismi, Jose, Josetxo, Guillermo... and all the people who, in one way or another, have made this step forward possible.

Because this goes in a team.
And without a team, this wouldn’t have happened.

Also to Dennis, who from the first moment said: “Jordi, we have to help”, and put everything he had: IDC, Andy, Max, Matt, Kenny, JD, Sergio, Juanpi, Cesar, Paul, Mau... and to eventual companions... and so many others.
Thank you for always being there. Always in good and always in bad.
Therefore, this is yours too.

Leaving for Canada shortly, but leaving with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Union power.
If we’re together, it’s impossible to fail.

I think Today is one of the bests days of my life!”

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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PORT OF AVILÉS, SPAIN 

A MESSAGE FROM IDC LABOR COORDINATOR JORDI ARAGUNDE:

“Congratulations to the Sepra stewardesses….
There are moments that explain everything.
In the “work battles” and in life, it all boils down to instants in the end.

My union life feeds off of it.
Moments like yesterday early in the morning, when after so many hours of negotiations the “yes” arrived.
Or that hug in October with Dennis, when we knew the terms of the master contract were guaranteed, back to October 2024
Or Lisbon, a few months ago.

Because in the end, all the hours, all the work, all the wear and tear... sums it up in that instant. And that’s where it all makes sense.

Thank you, I mean it.

Thanks to Manu — you’re a fucking machine, kid. And one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Pani — we owe you a lot, more than you surely think, Kaba — from minute one, when no one believed, you were there. And that’s not forgotten.
Miguel - the importance you have... “This is ganao, Miguel” 😂

And also Javi, Paco Valtu, the legend Rubio Casal, Nacho, Luismi, Jose, Josetxo, Guillermo... and all the people who, in one way or another, have made this step forward possible.

Because this goes in a team.
And without a team, this wouldn’t have happened.

Also to Dennis, who from the first moment said: “Jordi, we have to help”, and put everything he had: IDC, Andy, Max, Matt, Kenny, JD, Sergio, Juanpi, Cesar, Paul, Mau... and to eventual companions... and so many others.
Thank you for always being there. Always in good and always in bad.
Therefore, this is yours too.

Leaving for Canada shortly, but leaving with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Union power.
If we’re together, it’s impossible to fail.

I think Today is one of the bests  days of my life!”

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

ILA Strong 💪 ❤️

Solidarity never fails!!! 👏🏻✊🏻💪🏻❤️🙏🏻

Amazing work!

Go Union

Solidarity, Jordi ✊

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Port of Avilés, Spain

A message from IDC General Coordinator Dennis A. Daggett

The Dockworkers of SEPRA Are Victorious!

The spokesperson, Manu Pravia, along with delegates Pani, Miguel, and Kaba, and the rank and file dockworkers of the SEPRA Union in Spain, released a video thanking not only their own members, but also the IDC and all affiliated unions for their support throughout the strike in Avilés.

After a long and difficult dispute, they were successful in securing a contract. They stood strong because they knew they were not alone.

Special recognition must be given to Jordi Aragunde for his unwavering commitment to seeing this through. He was there every step of the way, standing in solidarity and helping guide this effort to a successful conclusion.

I am proud of all the locals within the ILA who stepped up, whether by providing resources or standing shoulder to shoulder on the picket lines in Avilés. I especially want to recognize my home local, ILA Local 1804 1, for its continued support and for understanding the true importance of global solidarity.

SEPRA stood up against subpar contracts and came out victorious. That is what unity looks like.

If we are together, it is impossible to fail!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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8 CommentsComment on Facebook

Retired Local #28 Port of Houston... 💪

❤️

Congratulations from retired ILA Local 1242 Clerks and Checkers member Phila Pa USA

👍🏽

💯

✊🏽

🙏🏽

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Port of NY/NJ

ILA TAKE YOUR KID TO WORK DAY

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, these ILA KIDS visited the docks in NJ at Port Newark Container Terminal and Maher Terminals to see first hand what their parents do each day on the waterfront.
The next generation of ILA women and men are getting an education at early age to keep our ILA legacy going!

——————————————————————

A message from ILA Local 1804-1 Master Lasher Foreman Luis Alves:

“This past Thursday was Take Your Child To Work Day on the docks—where the next generation got a firsthand look at what it means to be a Longshoreman. From massive cargo ships to the teamwork it takes to keep everything moving, it’s more than a job—it’s a legacy.”

————————————————————

In first photograph:

Starting from the left:

Valentina Salvador-Daughter of Michael Salvador, ILA Local 1804-1
(Powershop Mechanic)

Lorenzo Tesoro-Son of Sabino Tesoro, ILA Local 1804-1
(Powershop Mechanic)

Adrianna Defelice-Daughter of Francesco Defelice, ILA Local 1804-1
(General Formen)

Joseph and Sienna Ferraro Son and Daughter of Joseph Ferraro, ILA Local 1804-1
(Powershop Mechanic)

————————————————————

In second photograph:

Nicholas Alves, Son of Luis Alves, ILA Local 1804-1
(Master Lasher Foreman)

————————————————————

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of NY/NJ

ILA TAKE YOUR KID TO WORK DAY 

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, these ILA KIDS visited the docks in NJ at Port Newark Container Terminal and Maher Terminals to see first hand what their parents do each day on the waterfront. 
The next generation of ILA women and men  are getting an education at early age to keep our ILA legacy going!

——————————————————————

A message from ILA Local 1804-1 Master Lasher Foreman Luis Alves: 

“This past Thursday was Take Your Child To Work Day on the docks—where the next generation got a firsthand look at what it means to be a Longshoreman. From massive cargo ships to the teamwork it takes to keep everything moving, it’s more than a job—it’s a legacy.”

————————————————————

In first photograph:

Starting from the left:

Valentina Salvador-Daughter of Michael Salvador, ILA Local 1804-1 
(Powershop Mechanic)

Lorenzo Tesoro-Son of Sabino Tesoro, ILA Local 1804-1 
(Powershop Mechanic)
 
Adrianna Defelice-Daughter of Francesco Defelice, ILA Local 1804-1 
(General Formen) 

Joseph and Sienna Ferraro Son and Daughter of Joseph Ferraro, ILA Local 1804-1 
(Powershop Mechanic)

————————————————————

In second photograph:

Nicholas Alves, Son of Luis Alves, ILA Local 1804-1 
(Master Lasher Foreman)

————————————————————

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociationImage attachment

Port of Baltimore

THE TRAFFIC CLUB SALUTES THE WOMEN AND MEN OF THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION AS THEY WERE HONORED AS TRANSPORTATION PERSONS OF THE YEAR AT MARTIN’S VALLEY MANSION IN COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026.

CONGRATULATIONS!!
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Port of Baltimore 

THE TRAFFIC CLUB SALUTES THE WOMEN AND MEN OF THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION AS THEY WERE HONORED AS TRANSPORTATION PERSONS OF THE YEAR AT MARTIN’S VALLEY MANSION IN COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

You all make me Proud 👏

Congratulations

Congratulations 🍾

Congratulations

Port of Baltimore
April 23, 2026
Martin’s Valley Mansion
594 Valley Mansion
Cockeysville, Maryland

THE TRAFFIC CLUB OF BALTIMORE
111TH ANNUAL DINNER HONORING TRANSPORTATION PERSONS OF THE YEAR:

THE HARDWORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF THE BALTIMORE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The International Longshoremen’s Association at the Port of Baltimore has proven itself as one of the most vital, adaptable and dependable pillars of the city’s maritime and economic life.
The ILA represents generations of skilled dockworkers, equipment operators, checkers and specialized maritime professionals.
The ILA has helped shape Baltimore into one of the nation’s leading and most resilient ports.
From the early days of manual cargo handling to the modern era of containerization, the ILA members have been at the center of every major transformation. Over the decades, the ILA members have worked through wars, economic booms and recessions changing trade patterns, a bridge collapse and evolving logistics demands. Through it all, the ILA have safeguarded the continuous flow of commerce that fuels our national supply chain.
The ILA is honored to be recognized by the Traffic Club of Baltimore. This honor and recognition belongs to every member—past and present.
Accepting this award on behalf of the men and women at the Port of Baltimore is ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 333 President Scott Cowan.

In photograph, left to right, are:
Billy Hartigan, ILA Local 1804-1 Business Agent
Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International Executive Vice President/ILA Local 1804-1 President
Scott Cowan, ILA International Vice President/ ILA Local 333 President
David Cicalese, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President/ ILA Local 1 President
Kenny Oelkers, ILA International Education Director
Brian Porter, ILA Local 1804-1 Business Agent
Michael Izzo, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President/ ILA Local 920 President
Virgil Maldonado, ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 1588 President

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Baltimore 
April 23, 2026 
Martin’s Valley Mansion 
594 Valley Mansion 
Cockeysville, Maryland 

THE TRAFFIC CLUB OF BALTIMORE 
111TH ANNUAL DINNER HONORING TRANSPORTATION PERSONS OF THE YEAR:

THE HARDWORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF THE BALTIMORE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The International Longshoremen’s Association at the Port of Baltimore has proven itself as one of the most vital, adaptable and dependable pillars of the city’s maritime and economic life. 
The ILA represents generations of skilled dockworkers, equipment operators, checkers and specialized maritime professionals. 
The ILA has helped shape Baltimore into one of the nation’s leading and most resilient ports. 
From the early days of manual cargo handling to the modern era of containerization, the ILA members have been at the center of every major transformation. Over the decades, the ILA members have worked through wars, economic booms and recessions changing trade patterns, a bridge collapse and evolving logistics demands. Through it all, the ILA have safeguarded the continuous flow of commerce that fuels our national supply chain. 
The ILA is honored to be recognized by the Traffic Club of Baltimore. This honor and recognition belongs to every member—past and present. 
Accepting this award on behalf of the men and women at the Port of Baltimore is ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 333 President Scott Cowan. 

In photograph, left to right, are: 
Billy Hartigan, ILA Local 1804-1 Business Agent
Dennis A. Daggett, ILA International Executive Vice President/ILA Local 1804-1 President
Scott Cowan, ILA International Vice President/ ILA Local 333 President 
David Cicalese, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President/ ILA Local 1 President 
Kenny Oelkers, ILA International Education Director 
Brian Porter, ILA Local 1804-1 Business Agent 
Michael Izzo, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President/ ILA Local 920 President 
Virgil Maldonado, ILA International Vice President/ILA Local 1588 President 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

29 CommentsComment on Facebook

You guys are so handsome 💕

That's a line up! Congratulations!

ILA port of Baltimore all the way !!!!

Congratulations

Congratulations

The best of the best right there!

Great group right here!

Great job, and congratulations! Solid crew right there💯💪🏾

BEST OF THE BEST!

Good crew there!

Andrea Formisano

Looking good guys 👍

Solid crew!

The Best!!

Some good tailors involved. Guys look great.

Looking good guys !! ❤️❤️💪💪

That pic is spot on 🙌💪!

Congratulations 🎊 👏

The best!

Great crew right there

Go Onion

That is a bad ass bunch!🤣

Looking sharp guys!!!

Looking good guys!

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Port of Baltimore
Circa 1920’s

ILA members come together on pay day as the work week ends on the waterfront at the Port of Baltimore sometime during the 1920’s.

Let us all not forget where we came from.
Let us all not forget the blood, sweat and tears the ILA members had to endure to build our great union into what it is we have today.

May God Bless The ILA!!

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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Port of Baltimore 
Circa 1920’s 

ILA members come together on pay day as the work week ends on the waterfront at the Port of Baltimore sometime during the 1920’s.

Let us all not forget where we came from.
Let us all not forget the blood, sweat and tears the ILA members had to endure to build our great union into what it is we have today. 

May God Bless The ILA!! 

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

This is how it was done in the early years. Standing on the corner to be chosen for a days work. Thames Street, Local 829. My grandfather, father, and brothers. My father was a gang carrier and if your gang didn’t have orders on payday he took all his men’s checks home with him. I got a quarter for every check I handed out. 1950’s.

Excelente fotografía casi casi mismo Callao en el mismo año

Waiting outside to be picked for a day’s work. That’s how it was in Baltimore on Thames Street.Lived through that with my father, grandfather and brothers.Growing up was tough through the generations till seniority came along.

This is more like 1910-20

LOOK AT THIS AND EVEN TODAY THE RACISM STILL EXISTS IN THE PORT OF MOBILE ALABAMA

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Port Everglades, USA
Port Iquique, CHILE

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONTINUES BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH DOCKWORKER UNIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

ILA LOCAL 1526 OUT OF FORT LAUDERDALE VISITS OUR DOCKWORKER SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHILE

A MESSAGE FROM ILA LOCAL 1526 PRESIDENT JOHNNIE DIXON:

ILA Local 1526 Members led by President Johnnie Dixon visiting Iquique, Chile 🇨🇱
“It was an honor for members of ILA Local 1526 to be invited by the Dockworkers of Iquique to visit their port and have important discussions about expansion, port safety, and protecting jobs. Moments like this remind us that when dockworkers are united, it is impossible to fail. Solidarity is the strongest weapon we have in this industry, and together we will continue to fight for respect, dignity, and opportunity for workers everywhere. Solidarity forever!!!💪🏾💯”

ILA LOCAL 1526 DELEGATION:
James Williams, Kevin Carroll, Maurice Newton, Stanley Williams, Johnnie Dixon, and Cliff Campbell.

——————————————————————

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DOCKWORKER SISTERS AND BROTHERS FROM THE PORT OF IQUIQUE, CHILE:

📸: TRABAJADORES PORTUARIOS DE FORT LAUDERDALE (EE.UU) 🇺🇸 VISITAN MUNICIPALIDAD DE IQUIQUE

In the context of a labor exchange trip and looking to tighten ties with the Maritime Workers Union Ports of Iquique (Sitramaport), is that a group of representatives of the INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION (ILA) LOCAL 1526 of #FortLauderdale, #Florida, #UnitedStates is visiting our city and arrived to the headquarters of the Municipality of Iquique...

These American ports, headed by JOHNNIE DIXON and members of what is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, were received by the mayor Mauricio Soria Macchiavello and the councilor Rodrigo Oliva Vicentelo, with whom they could internalize the work that IMI does to promote the activity port and to push for the urgent expansion required by the Iquique maritime terminal...

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
#Iquique
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Port Everglades, USA 
Port Iquique, CHILE 

THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONTINUES BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH DOCKWORKER UNIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD 

ILA LOCAL 1526 OUT OF FORT LAUDERDALE VISITS OUR DOCKWORKER SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHILE 

A MESSAGE FROM ILA LOCAL 1526 PRESIDENT JOHNNIE DIXON:

ILA Local 1526 Members led by President Johnnie Dixon visiting Iquique, Chile 🇨🇱 
“It was an honor for members of ILA Local 1526 to be invited by the Dockworkers of Iquique to visit their port and have important discussions about expansion, port safety, and protecting jobs. Moments like this remind us that when dockworkers are united, it is impossible to fail. Solidarity is the strongest weapon we have in this industry, and together we will continue to fight for respect, dignity, and opportunity for workers everywhere. Solidarity forever!!!💪🏾💯”

ILA LOCAL 1526 DELEGATION: 
James Williams, Kevin Carroll, Maurice Newton, Stanley Williams, Johnnie Dixon, and Cliff Campbell.

——————————————————————

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DOCKWORKER SISTERS AND BROTHERS FROM THE PORT OF IQUIQUE, CHILE:

📸: TRABAJADORES PORTUARIOS DE FORT LAUDERDALE (EE.UU) 🇺🇸 VISITAN MUNICIPALIDAD DE IQUIQUE

In the context of a labor exchange trip and looking to tighten ties with the Maritime Workers Union Ports of Iquique (Sitramaport), is that a group of representatives of the INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION (ILA) LOCAL 1526 of #FortLauderdale, #Florida, #UnitedStates is visiting our city and arrived to the headquarters of the Municipality of Iquique...

These American ports, headed by JOHNNIE DIXON and members of what is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, were received by the mayor Mauricio Soria Macchiavello and the councilor Rodrigo Oliva Vicentelo, with whom they could internalize the work that IMI does to promote the activity port and to push for the urgent expansion required by the Iquique maritime terminal...

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
#IquiqueImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great job 1526!!!

💪🏾🆙❤️⚓️🚢👷🏾‍♀️🏗️👊🏾🚚

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GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY!!

Have A Great Day Everyone!!
Be Safe!!
God Bless You And Your Families!!

DAY OF ACTION!!
SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association
Established 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation
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GOOD MORNING ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS!!
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY!!

Have A Great Day Everyone!! 
Be Safe!!
God Bless You And Your Families!! 

DAY OF ACTION!!
SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 

We are the International Longshoremen’s Association 
Established 1892

#InternationalLongshoremensAssociation

8 CommentsComment on Facebook

👍👍💪👏

💪🏻

💯💪🏾💯 ILA 1291 Philadelphia 🤙🏾

All retirees need a pay raise please

💪💯🇺🇸 I♥️ILA

YOU HAVE NO SOLIDARITY BECAUSE YOU DON'T STAND UNITED

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