International Longshoremen's Association

07/19/2026

ILA Planning To Follow-up Successful 2025 Anti-Automation Summit In Lisbon, Portugal and Bring Global Maritime Unions Together at Conferences in the Fall 2026 and at International Convention in July 2027. International Longshore & Warehouse Union Canada also plans an International Dock Workers Anti-Automation Summit September 21 to 24, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
"The threat is real - automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are expanding in too many industries," said ILA President Harold Daggett. "Maritime unions must unite, to build on the success of our initial Anti-Automation Summit in Lisbon, Portugal and keep automation off our docks."

Jordi Aragunde Miguens.

Global Union Dockworkers Sign Historic “Lisbon Summit Resolution” T...

07/14/2026

Canada’s Novaporte and the International Longshoremen's Association Forge
Strategic Partnership to Build Cape Breton's Offshore Wind Workforce; Partnership
Positions Cape Breton's Workforce for Canada's Emerging Offshore Wind Industry

SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA – (July 14, 2026) Sydney Harbour Investment Partners (SHIP) is pleased to announce the ex*****on of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), establishing the framework for a long-term
collaborative relationship supporting the future development and operation of the
Novaporte Offshore Wind Logistics Terminal at Point Edward Marine in Sydney Harbour.
Executed by SHIP CEO Albert Barbusci and International President Harold J. Daggett,
the Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared commitment to workforce
development, operational excellence and long-term employment opportunities as Cape
Breton prepares for Canada's emerging offshore wind and marine logistics economy.
The announcement follows Novaporte Wind Canada LP's recent prequalification under
the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator's inaugural Offshore Wind Call for
Bids, another important milestone in building Cape Breton's offshore wind ecosystem.

Albert Barbusci, CEO, Sydney Harbour Investment Partners -
"Great ports don't simply move cargo. They create ecosystems. Today's agreement is
another important step toward building the offshore wind ecosystem that Cape Breton
will need to compete on the world stage. The ILA has helped build Canada's marine
economy for generations, and we are proud to begin building that relationship here in
Cape Breton. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that the
benefits of this new industry are created here at home through local jobs, local skills and
long-term opportunities for future generations."

Harold J. Daggett
International President, International Longshoremen's Association -
"The International Longshoremen's Association has always believed that the strongest
marine industries are built through collaboration, planning and investment in people. The
ILA congratulates SHIP and Membertou on achieving their recent offshore wind
prequalification. It represents an important milestone for Cape Breton and demonstrates
the type of long-term vision needed to support Canada's emerging offshore wind
industry. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the ILA’s commitment to working
alongside SHIP, Blue Water Shipping, educational institutions such as the Nova Scotia
Community College, Indigenous partners and the broader marine industry to help
prepare the highly skilled workforce that will be required in the years ahead. The ILA
believes Cape Breton has an opportunity to become an important center for offshore
wind logistics, and the ILA looks forward to helping build that future together."

Chief Terry Paul
Membertou First Nation -
"Building a new industry is not only about today's opportunities. It is about preparing
future generations to participate in that industry. That means bringing together
Indigenous communities, organized labor, education and industry so our young people
can see a future for themselves here at home. Preparing future generations begins by
preparing today's workforce. We are proud to stand alongside the ILA and our partners
as we continue building that future together."

Closing -
Together, SHIP, Membertou, the International Longshoremen's Association, Blue Water
Shipping and the Nova Scotia Community College are helping build the workforce,
partnerships and infrastructure needed to position Cape Breton as a leading hub for
Canada's emerging offshore wind industry.

For more information or to set up a media interview, please contact:
Justin Forian, Novaporte Wind Canada
[email protected]
Kelsea MacNeil, Membertou Development

07/14/2026

Horace T. Alston, Former International ILA Vice President Representing the Port of Baltimore, Passes Away On Thursday, July 9th; Services This Wednesday , July 15th

BALTIMORE, MD (July 14, 2026) Horace T. Alston, a prominent ILA leader for decades at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away last week on July 9, 2026, just three months shy of his 90th Birthday. He served as International ILA Vice President from 1985 to his retirement in 2011. He held various positions with his home ILA Local 333 in Baltimore.
“Horace T. Alston will be remembered as one of the most respected and intelligent union officers to serve the ILA, said International ILA President Harold J. Daggett. “His accomplishments representing ILA members in the Port of Baltimore were vast. He was a man of great integrity who fought tirelessly to improve conditions for the ILA members he represented.”
Horace Thomas Alston, the son of the late Allen Winston and Mariah Williams Alston, was born on October 8, 1936, in Franklin County, North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Brightview Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility in Catonsville, Maryland.
Alston was the oldest of ten children. His brother, Harvey A. “Red” Alston, and his sister, Annie A. Scott, preceded him in death. On May 3, 1967, Horace married the late Bernice Bryan-Alston, his soul mate and best friend for 52 years.
Alston was educated at Perry’s High School in Louisburg, North Carolina. He joined Perry’s Missionary Baptist Church and remained there until he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. In later years, he became a disciple of Shiloh Christian Community Church, where he served as a choir member, a Deacon, and in many other ministries. Alston enjoyed being a member of Shiloh Christian Community Church. He faithfully served as a Past Worshipful Master of Linwood Koger No. 21 under the Hiram Grand Lodge, leading with integrity, devotion, and a deep commitment to the principles of Masonry. He further demonstrated his commitment to community service through his work with Baltimore's NAACP, assisting with voter registration initiatives that strengthened civic participation and ensured members of his community had the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Alston enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. After his tour of duty, he moved to Baltimore. In 1963, he began his waterfront career in the ship’s hold. Throughout his waterfront career, he held various positions, including crane operator and gang carrier. He became a shop steward six years after being hired, and his belief in fair wages and steady jobs led him to join the union. In 1962, Alson became a full-time union leader as recording secretary for ILA Local 333, and in 1984 he was named Atlantic Coast District Vice President.
In January 1985, he was appointed International Vice President by the International Longshoremen’s Association. As a union leader, he worked closely with the Port of Baltimore’s administration to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. He frequently testified alongside Congresswoman Helen Bentley on Maryland port expansion and shipping projects. Horace strongly believed that the Port of Baltimore was the economic engine of Maryland. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he teamed up with Congresswoman Bentley to fight for government funding and oppose foreign shipping monopolies, helping ensure that local dockworkers had steady jobs.
In 1999, Alston was instrumental in negotiating upgrades to the Port of Baltimore. During his career as a longshoreman leader, he played an important part in fighting for legislation to dredge the channel at the Port of Baltimore. Alston loved his work and serving the men and women who worked on the waterfront. After five decades, Alston retired from the International Longshoremen’s Association in 2013.
Horace Alson leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Kim Dixon and Vanessa Jones (James); two grandsons, Joshua Mason (Alyssa) and Jarred Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Aliyana. He is also remembered by two sisters, Olivia A. Gupton and Donna A. Wardrick, both of Louisburg, North Carolina; five brothers, Ervin Alston (June), Melvin Alston, Roosevelt Alston (Parthenia), all of Louisburg, North Carolina, Danny Alston of San Antonio, Texas, and Mickey Alston (Felice) of Garner, North Carolina; three bonus sisters, Clara A. Fogg of Franklinton, North Carolina, Vicie A. Walker of Louisburg, North Carolina, and Carla J. Walker of Raleigh, North Carolina; a devoted caregiver, Paula Jones; a devoted niece, Jackie D. Gupton; one aunt, Josephine Williams of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Services for Horace Alston will be held at Shiloh Christian Community Church, 825 Yale Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland from 11 am until 12 pm.

07/13/2026

07/11/2026

ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District 93rd Quadrennial
Convention Scheduled For July 27-30, 2026, In Galveston, Texas;
International ILA President Harold J. Daggett Will Headline Opening Day Speakers

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (July 11, 2026) Final preparations are being made by the leaders of the International Longshoremen’s Association South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District who will convene their 93rd Quadrennial Convention to be held at the Galveston Convention Center at The San Luis Resort and Spa in Galveston, Texas from Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Hundreds of delegates and guests are expected to attend the four-day convention at the ILA’s port city of Galveston, Texas, according to Alan A. Robb, the President of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District and Convention Chairman.
International ILA President Harold J. Daggett will address delegates at the opening session on Monday, July 27th after the J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry Bell, named in honor of the late ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District President, is rung by ILA retirees as the official start of the convention.
The Honorable John Listowski, Mayor of Galveston and Rodge Rees, Galveston Port Director will each welcome convention delegates and guests to the City of Galveston, Texas.
ILA International Officers Dennis A. Daggett (Executive Vice President) and Stephen Knott (Secretary-Treasurer) will address the 93rd Quadrennial Convention opening session along with Paul DeMaria, Charman and CEO, United States Maritime Alliance.
“We are very proud to have our International President Harold Daggett open our convention,” said District President Robb. “ILA District Delegates and guests will be treated to an impressive list of speakers throughout our four days convention. We also have important convention business, including resolutions and the elections of officers.”

07/07/2026

Jimmy Dugan, Beloved ILA Officer from the Port of Philadelphia, Passes Away; 59-Year Veteran ILA Member Who Served As Secretary-Treasurer at ILA Local 1242

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (July 7, 2026) - Jimmy Dugan, a popular and beloved member of ILA Local 1242 in the Port of Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at age 80. A 59-year veteran of the ILA, Jimmy Dugan carved an impressive career in the ILA and was a recognizable presence at ILA Conventions, Wage Scale Meetings, known for his big smile and generous nature to all ILA members and their families up and down the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. He would greet you with a warm “Hello Brother!”
“Jimmy Dugan was a true union man and outstanding ILA officer in the Port of Philadelphia,” said International President Harold J. Daggett. “He was a man of great principle and possessed a fierce determination to protect and defend his fellow ILA members.”
His official obituary: James E. Dugan, Jr. "Jesse”, age 80, of Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jim grew up in the Flat Iron neighborhood. He was a proud alumnus of Northeast Catholic High School where he lettered in baseball and football. A graduate of the class of 1963, he was inducted into the Northeast Catholic Hall of Fame in 2007 for his achievements in business.
After graduation, Jim enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corp and proudly served his country from '63 until '67. Upon returning home from his time in the service, Jim went to work on the Philadelphia waterfront. A longshoreman for 59 years, He started as a checker then moved to dock boss. He eventually became the secretary-treasurer for the ILA Local #1242 before his retirement on July 1st.
His love of sports and competition kept him active throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the softball team at the B&B Bar on Gaul St. As the years went by, he took up Golf to feed his love of competition. He had a regular group that he would play with at Avalon Country Club.
Jim also had a dedication to his heritage and loved Irish music and was a devoted fan to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame University. His love of sports also drew him to coach his children's teams at Parkwood Youth Organization. If he wasn't coaching, he was driving them to a practice or a game. Some of the family's most cherished times were vacations to the Jersey shore. Those closest to him knew him as a gentle man, but he was never afraid to engage in a "spirited conversation" about a topic of your choosing. Beloved husband of 56 years to Mary (nee Voneki).
Cherished father of James (Cathy), Mary (Larry) Hammond, and Kathleen (Steven) Thomas. Devoted grandfather of Katie (Marc), James, Anthony, Ryan, Casey and Luke. Dear brother of William (Cathy) Dugan.
Relatives, friends and members of the ILA Local #1242 are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday eve. July 9, 2026, from 5 PM until 8 PM at the T.J. Fluehr Funeral Home, 11010 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, July 10. 2026 from 9:45 AM until 10:45 AM at St. Anslem Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem. Donations in Jim's name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. To share a memory of Jesse, please visit www.tjfluehr.com Florists, all deliveries must be made to the funeral home on Thursday by 2 PM.

07/01/2026

Canada Day
July 1, 2026

HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL OF OUR ILA SISTERS AND BROTHERS WORKING AT PORTS NORTH OF THE BORDER

Canada Day is the national day of Canada. A federal statutory holiday, it celebrates the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, which occurred on July 1, 1867, when the three separate colonies of the United Canadas (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into a single dominion within the British Empire called Canada.

Canada Day takes place every year on July 1.

Canadien Dockworkers became members of the International Longshoremen’s Association in 1895.