10 Oldest Labor Unions in the US

The labor movement in the United States has a rich history that dates back to the early days of the country. Throughout the years, countless labor unions have formed to advocate for the rights and well-being of workers across various industries. Labor unions are organizations formed by workers to protect and improve their working conditions, wages, and benefits.

They have played a critical role in shaping the modern workforce and have been instrumental in securing many of the rights and protections that workers enjoy today. From the early days of the textile mills in the Northeast to the modern tech industry in Silicon Valley, labor unions have been a force for positive change in the lives of millions of workers. In this article, we will explore the 10 oldest labor unions in the US that have stood the test of time.

10. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

photo source: IATSE

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is a labor union that represents workers in the entertainment industry, including theater, film, television, and trade shows. The union was founded in 1893 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the entertainment industry. IATSE is divided into over 400 local unions across the United States and Canada, each representing workers in a specific geographic area or industry sector.

In addition to negotiating contracts, IATSE also provides a range of resources and support to its members, including training programs, health and welfare benefits, and legal services. The union has been involved in numerous political and social causes over the years, including supporting LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and fighting for fair labor laws.

Did You Know?

The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

9. Amalgamated Transit Union

photo source: Amalgamated Transit Union

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) represents workers in the public transit industry across the United States and Canada. The union was founded in 1892 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the transportation industry. ATU represents workers in a variety of transit-related positions, including bus drivers, mechanics, maintenance workers, and administrative staff.

In addition to negotiating contracts, the ATU also advocates for the interests of its members on a range of political and social issues. The union has been involved in campaigns to improve public transit infrastructure and services, increase funding for transit systems, and promote environmental sustainability.

Did You Know?

The ATU also provides a range of resources and support to its members, including training programs, legal services, and health and welfare benefits. The union also operates a scholarship program that awards educational grants to members and their families.

8. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

photo source: Wikipedia

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents workers in the electrical and related industries in both the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1891 and is based in Washington, D.C. The IBEW consists of skilled workers such as electricians, lineworkers, and telecommunications workers. The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members to establish wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Additionally, the IBEW offers training and apprenticeship programs to ensure that its members possess the necessary skills to perform their jobs safely and competently. Local chapters, organized by geographic region, are responsible for advocating for their members in labor-related matters such as contract negotiations and grievance procedures.

Did You Know?

The IBEW is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States.

7. United Association

photo source: Wikipedia

The United Association (UA) is a labor union that represents skilled workers in the plumbing and pipe-fitting industries. The UA was founded in 1889 and is based in Annapolis, Maryland. The UA’s membership includes over 320,000 workers in North America, including pipefitters, plumbers, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC technicians. The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members, which establish wages, benefits, and working conditions.

In addition to representing its members in collective bargaining, the UA offers apprenticeship and training programs to ensure that its members have the necessary skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively. The union operates 17 training centers throughout North America, where apprentices can learn their trades through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Did You Know?

The UA played a key role in the construction of many of the most iconic buildings and structures in the United States, including the Empire State Building, the Hoover Dam, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.

6. National Association of Letter Carriers

photo source: NALC

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) represents the largest group of postal workers in the United States. Since its founding in 1889, the NALC has worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions and benefits of its members, which include city letter carriers, rural carriers, and other postal employees. Over the years, the union has played a crucial role in securing important benefits such as paid vacation time, sick leave, and other important protections for its members.

The NALC has also been instrumental in advocating for the protection and preservation of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The union has been involved in several high-profile campaigns to fight against USPS privatization and other efforts that would undermine the agency’s ability to provide affordable and reliable mail service to Americans.

Did You Know?

The NALC’s Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF) is a non-partisan political action committee that supports candidates who are committed to protecting the rights and interests of postal workers and promoting the USPS’s mission of providing universal mail service to all Americans.

5. Sheet Metal Workers International Association

photo source: Flickr

The Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) represents more than 148,000 workers across the United States, including sheet metal workers, air conditioning specialists, and metal roofing and siding workers. The SMWIA was founded in 1888 and has since played a critical role in advocating for the rights and interests of its members.

The union has been instrumental in improving worker safety and promoting the use of personal protective equipment, including through its support for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The SMWIA has also been at the forefront of efforts to promote apprenticeship programs and other training opportunities for its members, helping to ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to advance in their careers.

Did You Know?

The SMWIA’s International Training Institute (ITI) provides training and certification for sheet metal workers and other related trades, helping to ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.

4. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

photo source: Wikipedia

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) represents more than 653,000 workers across a range of industries, including aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing. The IAM was founded in 1888 and has since played a critical role in advocating for the rights and interests of its members. The union has been a key advocate for workers’ rights, including through its advocacy for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.

The IAM has also been involved in several high-profile labor disputes over the years, including strikes at Boeing and United Airlines. In addition to its work on behalf of its members, the IAM has also been involved in efforts to promote social justice and equality. The union has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and has worked to promote the rights of workers of color and other marginalized groups.

Did You Know?

The IAM’s aerospace division represents more than 100,000 workers in the aerospace industry, including employees of companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.

3. International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

photo source: IUPAT

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) represents more than 127,000 workers across a range of industries, including painting, drywall finishing, glazing, and other finishing trades. The union was founded in 1887 and has since played a critical role in advocating for the rights and interests of its members.

The IUPAT has been instrumental in improving working conditions and promoting the use of personal protective equipment, including through its support for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The union has also been involved in efforts to promote apprenticeship programs and other training opportunities for its members, helping to ensure that they have the skills and experience necessary to advance in their careers.

Did You Know?

The IUPAT’s Painters and Allied Trades for Children’s Hope Foundation is a charitable organization that provides financial assistance and support to families of children with life-threatening illnesses.

2. United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

photo source: Wikipedia

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) represents more than 522,000 workers across the United States, including carpenters, millwrights, floor layers, and cabinetmakers. The UBC was founded in 1881 and has since played a critical role in advocating for the rights and interests of its members. The union has been a key advocate for workers’ rights, including through its advocacy for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.

The UBC has also been involved in several high-profile labor disputes over the years, including strikes at construction sites and other workplaces. The union has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and has worked to promote the rights of workers of color and other marginalized groups.

Did You Know?

The UBC’s Sisters in the Brotherhood program promotes the participation of women in carpentry and other skilled trades, helping to address gender inequality in the workplace and providing more opportunities for women to succeed in non-traditional careers.

1. National Education Association

photo source: InfluenceWatch

The National Education Association (NEA) is considered the oldest labor union in the United States, founded in 1857. The NEA represents over 3 million public school educators, support professionals, and retired educators across the country. The union is dedicated to advocating for public education and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Throughout its history, the NEA has been at the forefront of numerous educational and social justice initiatives. The union has fought tirelessly to secure better wages and benefits for educators and support staff, as well as to improve working conditions and reduce class sizes. The NEA has also been instrumental in advocating for the desegregation of schools, promoting equal opportunities for all students, and working to eliminate the achievement gap.

Did You Know?

In 2020, the NEA endorsed Joe Biden for President of the United States, citing his commitment to public education and his plans to increase funding for schools, expand access to early childhood education, and support educators and support staff.