Laborers International Union of North America

From the ashes of strife, a powerful force emerged. The Laborers’ International Union of North America, right here, stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of workers. In 1903, in this very city of Washington D.C., the foundation for LIUNA was laid. Twenty-five delegates, representing 23 local unions and over 8,000 laborers, gathered to forge a path towards better lives. The Laborers’ International Union of North America wasn’t simply built on hopes and dreams. It was built on a declaration of principles, a constitution printed in English, German, and Italian, and the election of Herman Lilien, a Belgian immigrant, as their first General President. The Laborers’ International Union of North America fought tirelessly for its members. In its early years, LIUNA secured jurisdictional victories over rival unions and advocated for equal rights for African American trade unionists. LIUNA faced the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Membership plummeted, but the union persevered. The Laborers’ International Union of North America championed the Davis-Bacon Act of 1935, ensuring fair wages on federal projects. This landmark legislation continues to protect LIUNA members today. The Laborers’ International Union of North America’s commitment extended beyond wages. They pioneered multi-employer plans, providing portable health insurance, pensions, and disability coverage, a revolutionary concept for workers constantly shifting between contractors. LIUNA members answered the call to duty during World War II, even suspending dues until the war’s end. The post-war era brought the Federal Highway Act of 1944, creating countless jobs for LIUNA members and shaping America’s infrastructure. From the Cache River Diversion Channel Project in Illinois to the Fordham Dam in Northern Illinois, LIUNA’s influence stretched nationwide. The Laborers’ International Union of North America also secured the first National Pipeline Agreement in 1949, a crucial step in protecting pipeline workers’ rights. The Laborers’ International Union of North America continued its fight for equality. In 1962, during the Civil Rights Era, LIUNA sent Vice-President Robert E. Powell, an African American officer, to the White House to address racial discrimination in unions. LIUNA has never stopped evolving. They implemented training programs in the 1980s and 1990s focusing on skills improvement and safety. They addressed the growing asbestos crisis, training laborers in safe removal techniques and securing asbestos removal projects for union contractors. LIUNA established the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America in 1988, further solidifying their commitment to worker well-being. The Laborers’ International Union of North America’s story is one of continuous progress, from fighting for fair wages to leading the charge in training, safety, and equality. The Laborers’ International Union of North America’s unwavering commitment has empowered laborers for over a century. It has transformed the lives of countless workers and shaped the landscape of North America.