On this day in Labor History the year was 1887. This was the day the International Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America got their start issuing their first charter.
John Elliot led the founding meeting. Prior to moving to Maryland, Elliot had been involved in painter’s unionizing efforts since the 1870s in New York.
He was a strong advocate of the eight hour work day.
In Baltimore, he founded Painters Local Union 1.
Elliot called the meeting to discuss forming a national painter’s trade union.
Local Union No. 1 chartered 15 more locals, from Pensacola, Florida, to Peoria, Illinois. Painters in Toronto, Canada were also gained a charter, making the fledgling union a true “International.”
During the first year of operation, the union grew to represent 7,000 workers from 100 local unions.
As membership continued to grow, so did the union’s collective power.
The painters union became known for their exceptional skill and quality craftsmanship.
By 1918, the union had won the important victories of the eight-hour day and a five-day workweek for its members.
By the 1920s, the union had grown to represent more than 100,000 workers.
The painters, like many other unions, saw hard times during the Great Depression.
As construction projects dwindled, union membership fell by nearly half.
During World War II, union membership surged again, reaching as many as 145,000 members. The Union painters worked on many government projects as value craftsmen for the war effort.
Today the union is known as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades with a membership of 160,000 current workers and retirees.
These men and women include painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, and convention and show decorators.
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades membership extends far beyond the workplace and is recognized as one of the most active unions in the US labor movement
Labor History in 2:00 brought to you by the Illinois Labor History Society and The Rick Smith Show