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St. Louis Mo |
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AMERICAN SHEET METAL UNION TIMELINE |
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HISTORY OF THE SHEET METAL TRADE |
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Significant Dates SMWIA
1888-1980
1888 Jan. 25-28—Eleven delegates from seven cities meet in Toledo, Ohio, and found new metal workers’ union; name: Tin, Sheet-Iron and Cornice Workers’ International Association, Archibald Barnes, Delphos, KS. elected first president.
1896 Name of union changed to Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association on Dec. 10, 1896. Name used until 1903.
1899 March 23-American Federation of Labor grants union a charter.
1902 Jan. 1-Death Benefit Program becomes effective.
1904 Dec.-Vote results by members for new Headquarters show Kansas City, Mo., the winner; Chicago is second and Washington –D.C. is third.
1906 June Journal tells members that $5,332.20 has been contributed for San Francisco, CA. earthquake victims. Journal had appealed to members for contributions.
1908 May 1-Building Trades Department-AFL grants Alliance a charter.
1908 Feb. 17-19-Metal Trades Department-AFL grants Alliance a charter.
1908 Feb. 17-19-Metal Trades Department-AFL grants Alliance a charter.
1909 Oct. Journal informs members of convention action adopting the dues stamp system to be effective in 1910.
1912 Jan. 26-Railway Employees’ Department-AFL grants Alliance a charter.
1919 Aug-General President Hynes has signed Journal/ article endorsing the “Plumb Plan” calling for railroad nationalization. Hynes called the plan “Americanization of the railroads.”
1919 July 21-23-Running battle by Railroad Shopmen against United Association for jurisdiction over piping erupts into an independently called convention of shop craft members in St. Louis, MO. To protest what Shopmen believed was a union cession of Sheet Metal work to the UA. Shopmen later formed their own international association in order to protect their jurisdictions.
1921 Jan. 10-Shopmen’s union is disbanded and members are returned to the International, but movement wins substantial concessions and defeats any effort or thoughts of transferring work to the UA.
1924 April 30-Tragic bombing or explosion in Cleveland, Ohio kills one and seriously injures three other members. William M. O’Brien, senior business agent and future General Secretary-Treasurer, loses one leg and the sight in one eye in accident. The member killed in the incident was Joseph Nestor, business agent.
1924 July 21-25- Delegates a Montreal General Convention vote to change name from Alliance to Sheet Metal Workers” International Association.
1926 May 18-IA participates in helping found the RLEA-Railway Labor Executives Association, primarily a lobby group for union railroaders.
1926 July 2-James M. Burns, L.U. 200, Reedville, MA is names Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL Railway Employees Department. He served 22 years.
1927 In the spring, a small group of members of L.U. 206, San Diego, CA build metal work for monoplane for a young unknown flyer by the name of Charles A. Lindbergh. Sheet Metal craftsmanship on the aircraft, “Spirit of S. Louis”, contributed to overall sturdiness enabling the plane to make its famous Trans-Atlantic non-stop flight.
1933 Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1936-“Certain General Officers, Representatives and employees agree for the General secretary-treasurer to withhold 25 percent of their salaries and withholding of allowances also agreed to during depression period.”
1935 Aug. 5-General convention meets in Chicago; a highlight is strong endorsement of adoption nationwide of Standard Form of Union Agreement urged by General President Hynes.
1938 May 9-IA meets in golden anniversary convention in Chicago and elects General President Hynes “for the term of his natural life.”
1942 Dec. 14-IA meets in Cincinnati, OH in “war convention.” Membership is 40,136 compared with 24,372 four years earlier.
1942 During war period, a number of Sheet Metal Workers were engaged in super-secret construction work at Oak Ridge, TN and other installations doing work in connection with production of the atom bomb.
1946 IA at Chicago convention Nov. 11-14- among other actions listed the names of 44 sheet metal Workers who died or were missing in action in the war.
1948 Jan. The Sheet Metal Workers’ Journal, Vol. I, NO. 1, marks revival of official publication after 15-year lapse.
1948 Oct.-Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Chicago, Il announces national contest for apprenticeship proficiency; prices #100, #75 and $50.
1948 Oct.-“Local 28 Describes Welfare Plan” in journal; this was historic and pioneering effort by New York City local.
1949 Dec-National Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Awards for apprentices and plaques for joint apprenticeship committees announced.
1950 March 14-21- General Executive Council announces intensive organizing campaign. Council also votes to take first steps in welfare program.
1951 March 4-Sheet Metal Workers National Joint Apprentice Committee meets in Washington, D.C. The IA and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ Association (SMACNA) emphasize labor-management participation through locally organized joint committees.
1949 May 9-11-SMACNA agrees to study welfare plans for the industry.
1949 May 9-First awards made in National Apprenticeship Contest are presented at SMACNA convention, Washington, D.C. Winners: Ray Aslin, Milwaukee, WI first; George V. Mattison, Minneapolis, MN second; Samuel Smith, Somers Point, NJ third.
1949 July 29-SMACNA agrees that national association is not opposed to welfare plans and will not advise members against plans.
1950 Jan. 10- President Harry S. Truman signs railroad union shop bill, benefiting railroaders, including many Sheet Metal Workers, in rail industry.
1951 June 1-First 40-hour week on Canadian railroads.
1952 Feb. 14-Presidential Emergency Board finds for railroad workers in union shop case and recommends national agreements and check-off.
1952 Sept 10-First pension checks issued by L.U. 28, New York City, in pioneering program; first check goes to Herman Steinberg.
1952 July 1-Welfare program report on progress shows 43 programs operating covering 29,000 members; first program April 1949 had shown six programs operating covering 4,000 members.
1954 Aug. Frank Bonadio, L.U. 122, Baltimore, MD is named Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL Building and Construction Trades Department. On September 1, 1962 he takes office as Department President succeeding Ci Haggerty. Haggerty.
1954 Sept. 1-John Kolanda, L.U. 176; Milwaukee, WI is named Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL Railway Employees’ Department.
1955 April 26-IA Railroad Shopmen win important victory over UA as National Mediation Board re-affirms IA jurisdiction in rail industry in plumbing and pipefitting work.
1955 May 9-IA shopmen join in striking Louisville and Nashville Railroad in action lasting 57 days. Workers win total victory, announced May 20, giving shopmen hospital and medical care programs.
1955 August 12- General Secretary-Treasurer Edward F. Carlough speaks words of warning and apprehension over proposed merger of AFL and CIO; he quoted constitution which said, “ Each affiliate shall retain and enjoy the same organizing jurisdiction which it had before.
1955 Dec. 5-AFL and CIO hold joint and merger convention in 71st Regiment Armory, New York City, IA delegates include those at AFL convention plus James J. Ryan.
1956 March 17-General Secretary-Treasurer Carlough sends out letter to members polling them on assessment of 50 cents monthly for 24 months to pay for expanded organization plan.
1956 April 23-27-Canadian Labor Congress formed by merger of Trades and Labor Congress and Canadian Congress of Labor. IA delegates to merger convention include J. Lauren Lemoin, James Mathias, Jack Laurence, Frank Quaife, R.W.Hood, Joseph J. Black, Ron S. Taylor, and Robert Francis.
1956 Oct.- This month the IA is formulating new national organization program and in November, details are spelled out. George K. Reese is name Organization Director and following are five regional directors: Alan Roberts, G. Harold Ekdahl, Ellis R. Beeler, Aaron Steward and J. Laurent Lemoine.
1956 June 30-U.S. Department of Labor survey covering 52 key cities shows Sheet metal Workers have best journey-apprentice ratio in the building and construction trades.
1957 June-Department of Organization begins listing products manufactured under collective bargaining pacts with the IA.
1958 Nov-National Joint Apprenticeship Committee announces that the 1958 contest will be expanded from three to 12 awards (first, second and third prizes plus honorable mentions.) Plaque Award and honorable mention also to be give honoring outstanding joint committees.
1959 Feb. 16-20—the 15-member Transfer and Travel Card Committee, authorized by convention action, meets in Washington, D.C. All part of the U.S. and Canada represented.
1959 May 30—General President Robert Byron, L.U. 84, Springfield, IL dies in North beck, IL; he had been in office since January 1939.
1959 June 22-26---General Executive Council elects General Secretary-Treasurer Edward F. Carlough, L.U. 28, New York City, and General President on June 22 and on June 26, elects David S. Turner, L.U. 312, and Salt Lake City, UT General Secretary-Treasurer.
1959 Anti-Labor law, Landrum-Griffin Act, bitter opposed by IA and others, is reprint in full text in The Journal.
1960 July-IA announces plans to organize its own Political Action League—called PAL, League makes encouraging start upon kick-off.
1960 L.U. 6, Toledo, OH is selected by Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, Department of Labor, as model guide for training of apprentices.
1960 To step up political clout, The Journal publishes voting records of all members of Congress.
1961 March—Production workers now have a Standard Form of Union Agreement.
1962 June—NLRB decides on favor of IA in two-man rule case under sec. 10(K) involving L.U. 104, San Francisco, CA.
1962 May 23-IA wins NLRB victory at six Chicago and Cicero, IL Hotpoint plants; a carrier victory two days earlier is noted.
1963 July-The Sheet Metal Craftsman, a “bible” for the trade prepared jointly by the IA and SMACNA makes its bow. The book, selling for $14.00, is officially sponsored by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the Sheet Metal Industry.
1962 IA wins 64 percent of organization elections in first half of 1962.
1962 August 21 IA is cited by Labor Department for “outstanding service” in cause of apprentice training. Presentation made in Washington, D.D. at anniversary celebration of National Apprenticeship Act (Fitzgerald Act) of 1937.
1962 Dec.- A significant “first” is announced by General Secretary-Treasurer Turner: accident insurance -24 hour protection coverage in cases of accident, dismemberment of death.
1963 Jan. 1-New insurance program becomes effective.
1963 Feb.-”Greatest Election in IA History” reports defeat of Barber-Colman, Rockford, IL. The vote: 1,261 for the IA and 1,140 against (43 challenged ballots)
1964 Oct. 21-IA (L.U. 573, Rockford, IL) signs 30-month agreement after 139 day strike against Barber-Colman; signing called “historic victory”.
1965 In a missile silo tragedy of Searcy, AR, 13 Sheet Metal Workers lose their lives. Fire and explosion occur at U.S. Air Force facility.
1965 Dec. 8-15-IA leads fight in efforts to have AFL-CIO and its Department mount strong campaign against inroads of District 50 into ranks of organized unions.
1966 May-National Pension Plan established: Plan A for construction workers; Plan B for production personnel.
1966 May—IA joins with seven other unions in common from against General Electric and Westinghouse in negotiations.
1966 July- IA joins with other unions in resolution calling for deferment of apprentices by Selective Service.
1967 general President Carlough spells out importance of Resolution 60, passed at 1966 San Francisco convention, providing for separation of sheet metal work from other contract specifications.
1968 June-A significant milestone is reached when first pension checks under Sheet metal Workers’ National Pension Plan are presented to seven retirees and two beneficiaries of L.U. 57, Tampa, FL. Recipients had 17 to 27 years service each.
1969 Feb. 20—IA signs national agreement with Associate Air Balance Council (AABC), which had 59 independent air balancing firms.
1969 Oct.-IA exhibits model of proposed new headquarters building at AFL-CIO convention, Atlantic City,NJ. International proposes to join four other unions in building in Washington, D.C.
Dec. 16-IA and IBEW sign memorandum of agreement covering in-duct heaters, inline duct heaters, sill line and baseboard convection, sill line and baseboard continuous convection and infra-red ovens.
1970 March-Air pollution gets double-barreled attack as General Secretary-Treasurer Turner writes, “There’s Poison in the Air” and Organization Director Carlough writes, “Poison Kill U.S. Citizens Awakening to Growing Dangers to American Environment.”
1970 April 7- The IA is glad to see that today the Building and Construction Trades Department signs agreement with Participating Employers Association to reconstitute National Joint Board for the Settlement of Jurisdictional Disputes. SMACNA is one of the employer groups signing.
1970 Sept 16- The IA changes top command in Atlantic City, N.J. convention as General President Edward F. Carlough steps down and becomes General President Emeritus; successor is Organization Director Edward J. Carlough.
1970 Oct.-IA officers and top officers of consortium making up United Unions, Inc. join in breaking ground for new headquarters building.
1970 Nov.-International Representative Lonnie A. Bassett becomes Director of Organizations succeeding Edward J. Carlough.
1971 may-general Vice President Frank Bonadio, L.U. 122, Baltimore, MD., is elected President of Building and Construction Trades Department-AFL-CIO, succeeding retiring C.J. Haggerty. Mr. Bonadio had been Department Secretary-Treasurer since Aug. 1954.
1972 May 11-What is described as “one of the most progressive programs in the history of the sheet metal industry” takes place with the establishment of the National Training Fund. Signing pact is SMACNA’s president, Caveat Snyder and General President Carlough of the IA. Wilbur L. (Bill) Phillippini, longtime member of L.U. 273, Santa Barbara, CA is to be National Administrator.
1971 June-General Office sends to building trades locals a Residential Addendum designed to stimulate an increase in residential work.
1971 Oct.-Phase II of President’s Economic Program gets a rough going-over. General Secretary-Treasurer Turner blasts it as inequitable and Organization Director Bassett stresses hardship on production workers.
1972 April 17-19-IA holds first Construction, Legislative and Economic Conference in Washington, D.C.; 600 delegates present.
1973 July 12-General Executive council establishes in headquarters a Research and Education Department.
1971 July 1-12-New business agents receive intensive training in annual workshop in Washington, D.C.
1972 Sept.-Organization Director Bassett stresses importance of Industrial Addendum to Standard Form of Union Agreement in getting rightful share of environmental work.
1972 Nov. 1-New Governmental Affairs Department established at headquarters.
1972 Dec. 13-General office moves into new United Unions, Inc. building at 1750 New York Avenue, NW, from office at 1000 Connecticut Ave., NW where it had been since 1957.
1973 Jan. 15-In a landmark action, the General Executive Council adopts SASMI program-Stabilization Agreement in the Sheet Metal Industry. Program seeks “full employment…in the construction industry New program receives wide editorial praise.
1973 July-Firs “live National Apprenticeship Contests”-held by IA and SMACNA at Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis, MN. Top winner (fourth year) is James C. Seiter, L.U. 73, Chicago, IL.
1972 July 30-IA is tied for third place with the IBEW nationally in wages and fringe benefits paid by unions, says survey made by CICS-Construction Industry Stabilization Committee. The IA comes from fifteenth to third place since 1950.
1973 Sept 29-General Secretary-Treasurer Turner attends convention of Associated Air Balance Council, Acapulco, Mexico.
1973 July 13-14-Canadian Apprenticeship Competition sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Sheet Metal Workers and Canadian Association of Sheet Metal and Air Handling Contractors hold inaugural national contest, Burnaby Vocational School, Vancouver, B.C. Winners; first-Phil Lamber, L.U. 8, Alberta; second-Mark Grant, L.U. 280, Vancouver, B.C.; and third-from L.U. 276, Victoria, B.C., Art Breithack.
1973 Dec.-Organization Director Bassett warns that sign and plastics industry is being endangered by energy crisis.
1973 Dec.- 20- General President Carlough speaks to Cost of Living Council with special reference on danger to the construction industry caused by shortage of steel.
1974 Feb.-The Journal publishes special 12-page section on complete explanation of SASMI.
1974 March-Engineering-News Record names General President Carlough it’s “Construction Man of the Year” and cites leadership in SASMI program establishment.
1974 Aug.-NESA-Tri Trades Committee explained by Organization Director Bassett; members are the IA, IBEW and Painters.
1975 General Executive Council in special meeting increases insurance coverage from $2500 to $3000.
1975 Jan. 23-at emergency summit meeting of AFL Executive Council and representatives of all affiliates, the IA sends detailed plan for economic recovery.
1975 February 14-Spectacular presentations of first SASMI checks mad in Phoenix, AZ to L.U. 359 (Phoenix) and L.U. 426 (Tucson) members.
1975 April-It is announced that nearly $1,000,000 had been disbursed by SASMI.
1975 April-House Education and Labor Committee hear testimony from General President Carlough on Davis-Bacon and construction problems.
1975 Oct. 1-J.W. O’Brien, General Vice President in Charge of Railroads, retires. The Local Union 490, Jacksonville, FL member had served 14 years and is succeeded by International Representative Richard B. Martin, L.U. 78, and Little Rock, AR.
1975 Called the “world’s tallest free-standing structure”, the CN Tower calls for extraordinary work by L.U. 30, Toronto, Ontario Sheet Metal Workers; tower considered on of North America’s most spectacular projects.
1976 March 1-Today the Carrier-paid dental plan goes into effect and Sheet Metal shopmen benefit: probably larges plan of its kind in the U.S.
1976 March 26-IA makes strong presentations to House Labor-Management Sub-Committee on NLRB reform. In addition to the general president and Organization Director, three Organizers appear: John Lubetich, Hebron Fie and Jack Gregg.
1976 May-The IA and SMACNA jointly present demonstrations, talks and displays in solar energy program for members of Congress and staffers.
1977 April-General President Carlough testifies before Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on need to conserve energy and stimulate employment. He also testifies along parallel lines on July 27 before the Subcommittee on Small Business.
1977 August-IA steps up program of heavy support for Labor Law Reform legislation (5.1883).
1977 August 29-Sept. 1-National Conference of Business Representatives in Los Angeles, CA emphasizes potentials in solar energy-created jobs and the importance of industrial, residential, industrial, and specialty agreements.
1977 Dec-It is announced that an IA member, Virgil Farmer, L.U. 34, Minneapolis, MN has received the George Meany Award. This is organized labor’s highest award for service to youth. Winner Farmer for a great many years has been a dedicated leader in scouting and activities of the Boy Scot movement.
1978 Jan and Feb-IA warns against hostile attacks of business against Labor Law Reform and urges strong support of 5.1883 (later numbered 5.2467).
1978 Period of pushing for legislative reform: Humphrey/Hawkins bill, sites picketing reform and labor law reform.
1978 March 16-Statement on employment and energy policy submitted by General president Carlough to Sub-committee on Energy of the Senate-House Joint Economic Committee.
1978 May 3-“Sun Day” is a nationwide rally in Washington, D.C. to promote understanding and use of solar energy and the IA is an active participant. IA solar exhibit is a crowd please.
1978 May-Formation of National Citizen/Labor Energy Coalition is announced with more than 60 organizations participating. General President Carlough is names to coalition’s executive board,
1978 June-General Secretary-Treasurer makes urgent request of all IA members to push Labor Reform though their Senators. The bill has been under serious filibuster by foes of reform
1978 July through August 4-35th Constitution Convention held in St. Louis, MO emphasizing theme of “Solar Energy, We Can Do It NOW” and “90 Years of Progress: 1888-1978.”
1979 January 1-As a result of action of 35th convention, the Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance was increased from $3,000 to $4,000.
1979 March-Journal presents Summarized Annual Report on SASMI showing total benefits paid as of 12-31-79; $32,541,680.
1979 April-Letter sent by general president Carlough and General Secretary-Treasurer Turner to all building trades local unions in the United States reprinted in the Journal. It featured a strong appear for a 2? per hour worked voluntary check off to PAL. Entitled, “Two Cents at a time to help move our Country in the right direction.”
1979 April-Local 409 members complete the world’s first air supported metal roof at Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S.
1979 April 23-25-AFL-CIO Building Trades Department National Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.D. Sheet metal Workers well represented. SMWIA business agents, discuss Davis-Bacon, energy, political action, open shop contractors at annual Sheet Metal Legislative Luncheon held during Building Trades Conference.
1979 April 30-May 3-National Sheet Metal Apprentice contest held at the Dun wood Industrial Institute in Minneapolis, MN.
1979 may 18-The first nationwide training and education program for contractors and installers of solar-powered heating and hot water systems was inaugurated with a grant of $1.55 million to the new Solar Training Institute of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry, Inc., by the U.S. Department of Energy.
1979 April-More than 10,000 Texas building tradesmen, including hundreds of SMWIA members successfully rallied in support of the Texas state prevailing wage law in a huge rally in the State Capital of Austin.
1979 July 30-August 2-Business Representatives Conference held in Boston, MA. More than 500 delegates focus on solar energy and retrofitting, health and welfare reciprocity, labor legislation, 2? PAL check-off, and organizing.
1979 October 10-13-IA wins four-year-long fight in the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department. Inc convention, the Department voted unanimously to change the department’s Constitution and places all 16 General Presidents of affiliated unions on the Department’s Governing Board.
1979 November-sheet Metal Workers were well represented at the 13th AFL-CIO convention, November 15-20 in Washington, D.C. and at the various Departmental Conventions held before and after the AFL-CIO meeting. President George Meany retires; Lane Kirkland elected President.
1979 December –SMWIA Journal reports on the 7th Annual Canadian Sheet Metal apprenticeship Competition held August 24 and 25 in Windsor, Ontario.
1980 March-General President Carlough describes changes in SASMI, highlight of which is cost of living benefit increases. March-General Secretary-Treasurer Turner in the march issue of the Journal reports on latest economic studies of the Social Security System and details the tremendous value of the plan to millions of Americans.
Significant dates take from “The Sheet Metal Workers’ Story” A Chronicle of Fine Craftsmanship 1888-1980 by Arch A Mercey.
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