ILA Response to Port Houston COVID-19 Incident

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, it has always been our core value to protect the quality of life of our workers and the communities in which they live. We are on the front line of the waterfront and we take this responsibility seriously.

The South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District (SAGCD-ILA) has remained in close contact with Port Houston officials, Harris County, and all agencies involved in monitoring developments and updated guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).

It’s important to share with you the actions the SAGCD-ILA is taking across our entire operation to safeguard the health and well-being of our members, associates, and our community.

ILA Members
Our priority is to ensure the appropriate care of our recently affected member and his family. The situation is evolving, and we plan to take the utmost care for the safety of our members and community.

At this time, both Harris County and Brazoria County health officials are involved and are currently reviewing contact points. Health officials have indicated the affected member more likely contracted the virus from his local community, rather than from his job sites. He is doing well and is being quarantined at home at this time.

Sanitation. Our routine cleaning and sanitation standards already meet CDC guidelines. Additionally, we communicated important safety information and implemented a heightened response program that can be found on our website. Local dispatch processes and procedures were recently modified to promote social distancing and we suspended in-person meetings & events until further notice.

Accessibility and Product Availability. We are working tirelessly to have items you need on the shelves. Therefore, our members have maintained access to port facilities that move crucial cargo to our communities.

We encourage you to visit www.iladistrict.com for up-to-date information on how to keep your family and yourself safe. Meanwhile, SAGCD-ILA will continue to focus on keeping our members healthy–and our ports open and cargo moving–to serve and support all our communities.