Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is a labor union in the United States representing dockworkers, longshoremen, and warehouse workers primarily on the West Coast. Founded in the 1930s, the ILWU advocates for workers' rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The union negotiates contracts with employers and plays a key role in labor relations in shipping and logistics. Through collective bargaining, the ILWU ensures its members have a voice in their employment standards, which is crucial for the smooth operation of ports and warehouses that handle the majority of the nation’s cargo.