The purpose of this organization is to act as bargaining agent for its members in accordance with the Merger Agreement Between ILA Local 953 and ILA Local 1355, and the constitutions of the Baltimore District Council of the International Longshoremen's Association, the Atlantic Coast District of the International Longshoremen's Association and the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO and as authorized by their Charter, acquired April 9, 1917, to instruct and guide its members to better workmanship and efficiency.