Phillip (Phil) Lelli was a longshore worker, union activist, and philanthropist from Tacoma, Washington.
Unlike most other ports on the West Coast, Tacoma longshore workers did not affiliate with the newly formed ILWU in 1937 and instead remained part of the craft-unionist AFL.
[2] After not being permitted to travel to nearby ports for extra work, however, in early 1958, Tacoma longshore workers voted to join the ILWU.
[1] During his time as president, Lelli worked closely with Local 23 business agent George Ginnis to modernize and attract commerce towards the Port of Tacoma.
He served on the Washington state Advisory Council on International Trade and Development from 1983 to 1985 and was elected Tacoma port commissioner in 1992.