United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, often referred to simply as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), is a national construction labor union in the United States. It was founded on August 12, 1881, by Peter J. McGuire and Gustav Luebkert when 36 delegates from 14 local unions across 11 cities came together in a Chicago warehouse to form a unified organization[1][2][3].

History

Early Years

The UBC was established with the goal of negotiating fair terms with employers, securing shorter workdays, improving wages, and ensuring that work opportunities were shared among members[2]. Initially, the union claimed 2,000 members by the end of 1881, growing to 50,000 by 1890 and 100,000 by 1900[3]. Peter J. McGuire served as the first general secretary from 1881 to 1902 and played a pivotal role in organizing carpenters across the country[4][5].

Growth and Influence

By the early 1900s, the UBC had expanded significantly, reaching 261,000 members by the mid-1900s[2]. The union faced several challenges, including opposition from employers and the government, particularly during World War I when it protested the use of non-union contractors on federal construction sites[3]. Despite these challenges, the UBC continued to grow and reached its peak membership of approximately 850,000 members in both 1958 and 1973[3].

Leadership and Challenges

Frank Duffy succeeded McGuire as the general president until 1915, when William Hutcheson took over and led the union until his retirement in 1951[3]. Hutcheson's leadership was marked by a firm stance on union rights and resistances to government involvement in labor policies[3]. His son, Maurice Hutcheson, succeeded him in 1952 and ran the union until 1972[3].

Recent Developments

In recent years, the UBC has faced issues of corruption, with several incidents in the late 1980s involving extortion by union leaders[3]. However, the union remains one of the largest and most influential labor organizations in the continent, with over half a million members across North America[1][2].

Current Focus

Today, the UBC focuses on providing industry-best training, ensuring good wages, a safe workplace, health benefits, and pensions for its members[5]. It continues to adapt to changes in the construction industry, emphasizing high standards and comprehensive training programs for its members[5]. The UBC is not currently affiliated with a national labor union federation[3].

Legacy

The UBC has a significant legacy in promoting labor rights and improving working conditions in the construction sector. It was instrumental in the establishment of the eight-hour workday and has continued to fight for better working conditions[1][4]. The union also played a role in founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and has contributed significantly to the creation of the middle class in the United States and Canada[5].

Membership and Impact

As of recent records, the UBC has a membership base of approximately 425,000 to over 520,000 members across North America[1][3]. Its impact on the construction industry is substantial, both through collective bargaining and by setting industry standards for training and workplace safety[2][5]. Despite historical challenges and internal conflicts, the UBC remains a powerful force in labor relations across North America.