Laborers International Union of North America

Overview

The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) is a prominent labor union that operates across the United States and Canada, advocating for the rights and interests of its members. It was formally established on April 13, 1903, under the name International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' Union of America. Samuel Gompers, then President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), played a pivotal role in uniting various local construction unions to form this international body.

History

1900-1920

The union's origins can be traced back to earlier local labor unions, but it gained momentum when Gompers called for a unification of these groups. At its founding convention in Washington, D.C., delegates from 23 unions in 17 cities elected Herman Lilien as the first General President. The initial membership base was approximately 8,186 laborers. In 1912, the union underwent two name changes, ultimately becoming the International Hod Carriers' Building and Common Laborers of America.

By 1920, membership grew significantly to 96,000, with the union actively advocating for wage increases and supporting African-American workers' rights to full union membership. Notable figures, like Domenico D'Alessandro, who served as General President from 1908 to 1926, contributed to the union's expansion and success during this period.

The Great Depression and World War II

The Great Depression severely impacted the union, with membership plummeting to 17,365 by 1933. However, the onset of World War II marked a significant turnaround, as construction demand surged, and membership grew to over 430,000 by 1942. The union actively supported the national defense effort and post-war development.

Post-War and Modern Era

In the post-war period, LIUNA continued to expand its influence through mergers and strategic affiliations. Notably, in 1958, it absorbed the National Association of Post Office Mail Handlers, Watchmen, Messengers and Group Leaders, and the Journeyman Stone Cutters Association of North America.

In 1965, the union adopted its current name, the Laborers' International Union of North America. During the Civil Rights Era, LIUNA actively participated in anti-discrimination efforts and supported marches with Martin Luther King Jr. The union also established innovative benefits like dental clinics and legal services for its members.

In modern times, LIUNA has continued to evolve, focusing on safety, political activism, and member benefits. It has been involved in major events such as the cleanup at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks in 2001 and has played a significant role in political campaigns, notably donating to the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016.

Current Status

Today, LIUNA is one of the largest labor unions in North America, with a membership of about 500,000 as of 2017, including approximately 80,000 in Canada. It operates through nine regions, comprising over 500 local unions. The union remains committed to advancing the rights and interests of its members through collective bargaining, political activism, and educational initiatives.

Leadership and Structure

The current General President of LIUNA is Brent Booker, who took office in 2023. The union is part of both the AFL-CIO and the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), maintaining strong ties with these organizations after briefly affiliating with the Change to Win Federation from 2006 to 2010.

Affiliations

• AFL-CIO: LIUNA rejoined the AFL-CIO in October 2010.
• NABTU: Affiliated with the North America's Building Trades Unions.
• Change to Win Federation: Briefly affiliated from 2006 to 2010.