International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers is a trade union for boilermakers and related occupations in the United States and Canada. Organized in 1880, it is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and services more than 200 local lodges across North America. Its members work in heavy industry, shipbuilding, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining, and related industries, constructing and repairing electric power plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, and steel mills.

The birth and growth of the Boilermakers union in the 19th Century goes hand-in-hand with the birth and growth of the United States and Canada. Emergent industries needed to harness steam, transport people across the nation, as well as power a growing manufacturing sector. Skilled craftsmen were in demand. As the 1800s chugged along, industry's need for higher pressure vessels increased. The use of steam power expanded as well as the need for craftsmen who could build boilers. Designs became more complex, and the need to build safe and practical vessels grew more specialized. During this time, boiler making had evolved into its own craft, requiring precise skills and creativity to meet the ever-growing challenge for more powerful machines. Ships, trains and plants to power the two nations required the skills of boilermakers. While the uses of steam power grew, so did the demands of workers for fair working conditions and a fair wage. The 19th Century proved a tumultuous time for worker' rights, so the working class turned to forming unions to increase their power and influence. After the Civil War, boilermakers began to organize in earnest. At the time, a boilermaker earned around $2.50 for 10-hour day. Workers did not have health insurance, pension or paid holidays. Children were working 10 and 12-hour days. And safety on the job was of little concern to employers. Two different unions of boilermakers formed—a Chicago group and one in the south. In 1893 the two groups merged to form the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders. Through subsequent mergers, the union today stands as the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers grew out of the Industrial Revolution and the demand for steam power. Organized in 1880, we are one of the oldest unions in the United States. We are headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and service more than 200 local lodges across North America.

An elite membership of skilled craftsmen and women and industrial workers, trained and committed to stand apart as the best; an innovative, forward-thinking union that looks out for its members today and tomorrow.

1. 1The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIOboilermakers.org
2. 2History | International Brotherhood of Boilermakersboilermakers.org
3. 3Boilermaker-made Products | International Brotherhood of Boilermakersboilermakers.org
4. 4About the Boilermakers | International Brotherhood of Boilermakersboilermakers.org
5. 5International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helperswikidata.org