Premiered at the 93rd South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District Convention in Galveston, Texas
More than 130 years of history. Thousands of stories. One union.
During the 93rd ILA SAGCD Convention in Galveston, Texas, delegates were among the first to watch History of the ILA, a special video exploring a defining period in the history of the International Longshoremen’s Association and the transformation of work on the waterfront.
The response from our members was overwhelming, and since Convention, we have received numerous requests from members and local presidents who wanted the opportunity to watch and share the video again. We are proud to now make it available to the entire ILA family.
Voices Featured in the Film
History of the ILA features perspectives from ILA leaders and members who have witnessed the evolution of the waterfront and the union firsthand:
- John D. Baker — General Organizer, ILA
- Benny Holland, Jr. — Executive Vice President Emeritus, ILA
- Benjamin Bryan — Safety Representative, ILA
- W.D. Preston — Foreman, ILA Local 24
- Harold Daggett — President, ILA
A Waterfront Transformed
Containerization forever changed the maritime industry.
As containers and new cargo-handling technology spread across ports in the United States and around the world, the waterfront became dramatically more efficient—but the transition also eliminated tens of thousands of traditional longshore jobs.
The ILA adapted.
Through organizing, collective bargaining and the expansion of jurisdiction into work created by the new containerized industry, the union fought to preserve good-paying jobs, strong healthcare, pensions and the ability of longshore workers and their families to live with dignity.
Today, another transformation is confronting waterfront workers: automation.
The voices featured in History of the ILA remind us that protecting our union requires understanding the battles that came before us while preparing for those still ahead.
As one message in the film reminds us:
“We stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Generations of longshoremen and women fought to build and protect the ILA. The responsibility now belongs to us to carry that work forward—and to make sure the generations that follow have the same opportunity.
The ILA isn’t just about moving cargo.
It’s about the people who make the world move.
Produced by Motion Filmworks
A special thank you to the team at Motion Filmworks for their creativity, storytelling and care in helping us bring this piece of ILA history to life.
Watch and share the video above, and follow the ILA South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District as we continue sharing special presentations, highlights and moments from the 93rd SAGCD Convention.
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