Local 286 Kicks-off WSLC 2010 Labor Neighbor Program

Labor Neighbor volunteers pose for a picture with State Rep. Geoff Simpson and State Rep. Pat Sullivan, before walking for WSLC endorsed candidates on Saturday, July 24, 2010.  Please check WSLC website for next dates if you would like to volunteer.

The Labor Movement of the International Union of Operating Engineers

     Getting to where we are today has been no easy task for the labor movement. The road has had many bumps and obstacles. It was only through dedicated leadership, sacrifice, sweat, blood, and tears that unions were able to advance. In the 1800's working conditions were best described as horrible, and wages for 60 to 90 hour workweeks were equally miserable. Benefits were almost unheard of.

     In an effort to change those conditions, eleven individuals met in Chicago on Dec. 7, 1896, and formed the National Union of Steam Engineers of America, what would eventually become today's IUOE. Each person was from a small independent U.S. local union; the largest had only 40 members and all but one of the locals was from the stationary field. The majority of these founders shared a common skill: the ability to operate the dangerous steam boilers of the day. It is fitting that the steam dial still dominates the logo of the IUOE.

     A year later, the first Canadian workers joined our budding union. To reflect this expansion across the border, our union's name was changed to the International Union of Steam Engineers. Their unique ability made the steam engineers integral to the operation of steam-driven construction equipment introduced at the turn of the century.

     More and more construction workers signed on, and at the 1912 convention, our union changed its name, reflecting our new make-up we became the International Union of Steam and Operating Engineers. As our members expanded our duties and began working with internal combustion engines, electric motors, hydraulic machinery, and refrigeration systems, the word "steam" was dropped from the union's name. In 1928, we officially became the International Union of Operating Engineers. As the IUOE moved forward, it attracted workers from the public sector, making it a truly diverse trade union.

     Since our inception, we have endured through boom times and lean times, due in part to our hard work and high skill level. Today, our members are reaping the rewards of the sacrifices and foresight of our founding fathers.

General Membership Meeting

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Union Hall

18 E Street SW, Auburn, WA 98001

Union meetings are a right and a privilege that many of our brothers and sisters of the past have fought hard and sacrificed for us to have.  They are also the heart of our union. That is because meetings are how the local conducts business and how the members vote on important issues.  Regular union meetings allow members to ask questions and discuss issues that affect them.  It also is your connection to your fellow brothers and sisters within your bargaining unit and allows you to be part of the union community. 

   It gives your business representative an opportunity to communicate important information to you and hear from other member’s experiences. This information may help you to avoid making mistakes and also gives you the opportunity to be more aware of the important issues surrounding your job.

   I know life gets busy and sometimes it is not always easy or convenient to attend, but please try to attend as many regular union meetings as you can.  Remember, a union is only as strong as its members and union meeting attendance is an important part of membership.  Let your voice be heard!

ORGANIZE!