The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing over 85,000 longshoremen across the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada, and the Bahamas. Established in 1892, the ILA aligns with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and has a rich history in advocating for the rights and welfare of maritime workers. With origins tracing back to the Association of Lumber Handlers founded in 1877, the ILA has stood as a prominent force in labor organization, conducting strikes and fostering unity among dockworkers. The union continues to address contemporary challenges, including the impact of automation on the workforce, while preserving its commitment to labor rights and solidarity among maritime unions worldwide. Generated from the website