Laborers International Union of North America

The Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) is a prominent construction industry labor union in the United States and Canada. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

History

LIUNA's origins date back to 1903 when Samuel Gompers, the president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), brought together various local construction unions to form the International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' Union (IHC and BLC)[1][3]. This was in response to the need for unity among construction workers facing poor working conditions and unfair labor practices. The union held its first convention in Washington, D.C., with delegates from 23 unions in 17 cities, representing over 8,000 workers[1][3].

Over the years, the union experienced several name changes, becoming the International Hod Carriers and Common Laborers of America and then the International Hod Carriers' Building and Common Laborers of America by 1912[1][3]. In 1965, it was officially renamed the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)[4].

LIUNA played a significant role in civil rights activism, notably participating in Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington in 1963 and working to end racial discrimination within unions[4]. The union has also been at the forefront of improving workers' benefits, leading in areas such as health, welfare, and pension coverage[4].

Structure and Membership

As of recent years, LIUNA had a membership of over 500,000 workers, with approximately 80,000 located in Canada[1][5]. The union is composed of over 400 local unions and 44 district councils across the United States and Canada[5].

Activities and Advocacy

Beyond its core mission of protecting workers' rights, LIUNA has been involved in various advocacy efforts:

• Civil Rights and Social Justice: LIUNA has supported civil rights movements and has worked to ensure equal opportunities for all members.
• Political Engagement: The union established the Laborers Political League to encourage members' political participation and has contributed significantly to campaigns and lobbying efforts[5].
• Immigration and Healthcare Reform: LIUNA advocates for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and has expressed concerns about the impact of healthcare policies like Obamacare on union members[5].

Leadership and Governance

The union's leadership is headed by a General President, currently Brent Booker, who oversees the overall direction and strategy of LIUNA[1]. Other key figures include Armand Sabitoni, who serves as General Secretary-Treasurer and chairs several significant funds within the organization[5].

Financials and Controversies

Historically, LIUNA has faced challenges, including allegations of association with criminal figures during the tenure of former President Arthur Coia[5]. In response, the union underwent significant restructuring following a settlement with the Department of Justice in 1994[5].

Despite these challenges, LIUNA continues to influence labor policies and advocate for construction workers' rights across North America.

References

Non-specific references available from various sources listed under Wikipedia's Laborers' International Union of North America.