To my 85,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, I wish you all a Happy Father’s Day. This holiday is very special to our International, and for me. For generations in the ILA, dating back to our founding in 1892, fathers have worked the ILA Waterfront providing for their families. From our beginnings, a powerful tradition was created when fathers brought their adult sons down to the piers to join them there and begin their own careers as an ILA longshoreman. My father introduced me to the waterfront and I, in turn, did the same with my children. The Daggett family’s connection to the ILA waterfront dates back more than a century.
Today, ILA Dads are bringing their sons AND daughters to the Waterfront. ILA Moms in many families, who also serve the roles as both Mom and Dad to their children, are working on the ILA Waterfront and passing on this proud ILA longshoring career to their kids.
Whether you’ll be celebrating Father’s Day 2025 with your own Dad or Granddad, or you are being recognized as the Dad in the family, I wish you and your families a happy day filled with joy and love. Happy Father’s Day
Harold J. Daggett
International President