Local longshoremen’s union awards nearly $30,000 in scholarships to area students

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Local 1408 of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to 33 area high school seniors and college students. ILA 1408 is a labor union representing many of the longshoremen and dock workers employed at JAXPORT’s cargo terminals.

To be considered for the scholarship, local applicants were required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, complete community service activities and submit an essay.

Established in 1995, the ILA 1408 scholarship program has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships totaling more than three quarters of a million dollars.

The scholarship program has grown over the years and now offers recipients access to a college success workshop through a partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville. Topics covered include studying tips, financial planning, networking and more.

“Our strong and vibrant seaport community creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our docks,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “I applaud ILA 1408 for investing in our area’s young people and going above and beyond to help these future leaders succeed.”

ILA 1408 is a local chapter of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, the largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing upwards of 65,000 longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico and Eastern Canada.

Local 1408 helps connect more than 1,100 men and women with jobs at JAXPORT. Opportunities for these members continue to grow along with the port.

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