Longshoremen’s Protective Union (I.L.A.) Local 1953
“None Cease to Rise… But Those Who Cease to Climb”
Welcome to the official website of the Longshoremen’s Protective Union (I.L.A.) Local 1953. Here you’ll find up-to-date news about our workers, as well as a dispatch schedule for our members, and links to sites with relevant information and to our affiliates.
Through the International Longshoremen’s Association, the LSPU is affiliated with the International Dockworkers Council (IDC) and International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) on a global scale, as well as the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) nationally and the St. John’s and CornerBrook District Labour Councils at the local level. The International Longshoremen’s Association stands ready to meet the challenges of the Twenty-First Century head on.
“Hold what you have and sign nothing” and “None cease to rise … but those who cease to climb” are the union’s official mottos.
As a local Labour Organization, the LSPU (I.L.A.) Local 1953 respectfully acknowledges the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as the ancestral homelands of many diverse populations of Indigenous peoples who have contributed to 9,000 years of history including the Beothuk on the Island of Newfoundland.
Today, this province is home to diverse populations of Indigenous and other people. We would also like to acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit. We commit ourselves to working in a spirit of truth and reconciliation to make a better future for all.
A Union of the Working Class, for the Working Class
A Proud History
The Longshoremen’s Protective Union started organizing on the St. John’s waterfront in 1890. They officially became unionized in 1903 after multiple work stoppages and strikes. The union’s renown springs from its longevity and its feisty character. Read more about our history.
Dispatch
Check out the latest dispatches from the Longshoremen’s Protective Union, including bids, times and contacts. Stay up to date here. And as always, have a safe shift.
Workers’ News
Read about the latest news on workers’ rights and social justice from Canada and around the world. Labour unions need a media of their own, the LSPU always keeps you up to date with news about dockworkers and longshoremen everywhere.
