Unions truly make the world go round. Their legacy of advocacy has built our construction industry to what it is now and had long-lasting impacts on the way we view labor in America.
The History of the IUOE
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has a similarly rich history.
“Working conditions for construction and stationary workers in the late 1800s were, at best, appalling,” the IUOE website says. Wages were very low, hours were long, and benefits nonexistent. On December 7th, 1896, eleven innovative individuals formed what is now known as the IUOE. They all shared the unique ability to operate dangerous steam boilers, putting them in a position of greater leverage with companies.
Through the Great Depression and two World Wars, this organization continuously advocated for and advanced the rights and needs of workers. Their hard work helped develop iconic buildings and places.
“San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, Chicago’s Sears Tower, Toronto’s CN Tower and Sky Dome, New York’s Empire State Building and Holland Tunnel, the Statue of Liberty, Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge, the Alaskan Pipeline and Hoover Dam—all are monuments to the skills of the members of IUOE.”
What the Union Does
Unions are fundamental to supporting workers through collective bargaining, legislative action, and extensive training programs. Over the years, unions have directly or indirectly brought about:
- The Department of Labor
- Labor Day
- The end of child labor
- Railway Labor Act
- Guaranteed union wages
- 8 hour work day
- 40 hour work week
- The National Labor Relations Act
- Minimum wage
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Fair Employment Practice Commission (FEPC)
- Equal Pay Act
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- And much more!
Explore more about the history, legacy, and current activities of the operating engineers’ union by visiting the IUOE website here.
Do you need operating engineers?
Steadfast is signatory with IUOE Local 542, which is a blend of heavy equipment operators in building and construction, along with C&D Branch division members who are employed at quarries, landfills, equipment dealers, shipyards, breweries, manufacturing, airports, bridges, and public works. Local 542 employs a rigorous training program for all journey and apprentice operators and our partnership ensures a satisfied customer. Contact us today: 1-855-449-0777.