International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1416
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In 1936, Miami-Dade County dock workers were the lowest paid longshoremen in the country, receiving 35 cents an hour and nothing for overtime. Judge Henderson encouraged 10 men to contribute $1.75 to apply for the inaugural charter in the International Longshoreman’s Association in Miami. After receiving the ILA Charter, the longshoremen were able to obtain a contract providing for a 5 cent per hour raise and overtime after ten hours of work at the rate of 10 cent per hour. Besides becoming an effective collective bargaining group, the union formed by these Black pioneers under the guidance and leadership of Judge Henderson branched into other fields of civic and social enlightenment. Currently, the local ILA provides job opportunities for over 2,000 longshoremen a year, who “pledge allegiance to always work toward the advancement of all those who desire to labor for their families and community.”
Sources:
Miami Times: //www.miamitimesonline.com/news/florida/a-brotherhood-celebrates-its-storied-82-year-legacy/article_57fee03e-0c1c-11e8-8881-df4d5cf8caed.html
Catalyst Storymap
//www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/library/historic-marker-dedication.pdf
