Laborers' International Union of North America

The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), often referred to as the Laborers' Union, is a North American labor union comprising both American and Canadian members. It was founded on April 13, 1903, with the aim of advancing the rights and interests of its members in the construction industry.

History

The roots of LIUNA date back to the late 19th century when various local construction unions began forming across the United States. The first recognized Laborers union was established in Philadelphia in 1836, but it wasn't until 1903 that Samuel Gompers, then President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), encouraged local labor unions to consolidate into an international union. This led to the founding of the International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' Union in Washington, D.C., with 25 delegates from 23 local unions in 17 cities attending the inaugural convention.

In the early years, the union underwent several name changes. By 1912, it was known as the International Hod Carriers' Building and Common Laborers of America. Under the leadership of Domenic D'Alessandro, who became General President in 1908, the union saw significant growth and success in asserting jurisdiction over various construction trades. D'Alessandro played a crucial role in organizing and expanding the union, particularly in New England.

Civil Rights and Social Impact

During the Civil Rights Era, LIUNA was at the forefront of addressing racial disparities within labor unions. In 1963, LIUNA members marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and a year later, the union rebranded itself as the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) in 1965. This period saw the expansion of health, welfare, and pension benefits for members, which became pivotal in organizing efforts.

Modern Developments

By the 2000s, LIUNA had grown to include about 632,000 members, with approximately 80,000 in Canada. In 2001, LIUNA participated in the cleanup efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The union also made significant contributions to construction education by establishing the Cranston Public Schools Construction and Career Academy, one of the first construction charter schools.

In 2006, LIUNA disaffiliated from the AFL-CIO to join the Change to Win Federation, but by 2010, it had rejoined the AFL-CIO. The union continues to be proactive in political advocacy and social causes, including supporting the 2016 U.S. presidential election by donating to political action committees.

Structure and Membership

As of 2017, LIUNA comprised about 500,000 members across North America, structured into nine regions with over 500 local unions. The union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Notable regions include Toronto, Canada, led by Joseph Mancinelli, and significant locals like Local 183, which is the largest construction union in North America.

Leadership

The current General President of LIUNA is Brent Booker, who was appointed in 2023. Prior to this, Terence O'Sullivan served as General President from 2000 until his departure from the role.

Activities and Contributions

LIUNA plays a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights, improving work conditions, and enhancing the lives of its members through various initiatives and political activism. The union frequently supports educational and legislative efforts to ensure safer work environments and better benefits for construction workers.