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
PORT OF NY/NJ
PORT HOUSTON, TX
APRIL 26, 1956
THE DAWN OF CONTAINERIZATION TOOK PLACE 70 YEARS AGO ON APRIL 26, 1956 AND IT CHANGED OUR INDUSTRY FOREVER
As container shipping turns 70 years old, we look back on how American trucker Malcolm McLean converted a World War II tanker (the SS Ideal X) into a vessel carrying 58 containers from Port Newark, NJ to Port Houston, TX. This replaced the traditional breakbulk services.
Containerization is born and has been used ever since!
The standardized steel containers he developed were stackable and theft-proof, revolutionizing cargo transport by reducing costs and speeding up loading times. This innovation led to the modern container shipping industry and transformed global trade.
In photos, McLean overlooks port activities as his Ideal X moves along the open ocean with containers on board.
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Port of Boston
ILA members at the Port of Boston attend the Teamster’s Local 25 17th Annual Gala for Autism at Encore Casino in Boston, MA.
A great event to raise money for a great cause. Thank you to Teamsters Local 25 for hosting us and always being a true friend to the ILA.
Left to Right:
Rob Luzzo, Business Agent, ILA Local 1604
Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25
Bernie O’Donnell, ILA International Vice President
Eugene Stancato, Vice President, ILA Local 800
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My Heros... 💚😎🐷
You can see their salaries on Unionfacts.com
Port of Savannah
The ILA awaits to unload cargo as a container ship arrives at the Port of Savannah…..at sunset….June 17, 2024.
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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!!
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Local1291 Phila.💪👍🇺🇸
🇺🇸 Local 333 Baltimore 🇺🇸 ✌️
Proud to be Union! 🇺🇸
👍
ILA all the way!!
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!”
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ILA Strong 💪 ❤️
Solidarity never fails!!! 👏🏻✊🏻💪🏻❤️🙏🏻
Amazing work!
Go Union
Solidarity, Jordi ✊
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!!
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Retired Local #28 Port of Houston... 💪
❤️
✊
Congratulations from retired ILA Local 1242 Clerks and Checkers member Phila Pa USA
👍🏽
💯
✊🏽
🙏🏽
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)
————————————————————
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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!!
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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
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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!
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!!
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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