About ILWU Local 52

ILWU Local 52 represents supercargoes, supervisors, and marine checkers in Washington State. Our local is part of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, a union with deep roots in waterfront labor, solidarity, and democratic unionism on the West Coast of the United States. Our history is part of the broader history of ILWU waterfront workers whose labor, solidarity, and democratic traditions helped shape the ports and communities of the West Coast.

In Washington, Local 52 members play an important role in the day-to-day work of marine cargo operations, helping ensure that waterfront work is organized, documented, and carried out safely and efficiently. Our jobs support families throughout the state of Washington. This work connects our members to the larger struggles and achievements of the ILWU, from union democracy and member education to the ongoing defense of dignity on the job.