The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) is one of North America’s largest building trades unions, with over a half-million members. With pride in our more than 140-year history, we lead the way in training, educating, and representing the next generation of skilled construction professionals. Learn more about UBC below.
While much has changed over the course of more than 140-years, the union today remains as committed as ever to improving the lives of those who make their living in the carpentry trades.
leader of the 19th century, Peter J. McGuire
The early 1880s brought change to the carpentry trade. The number of large building employers was rising, and contractors were increasingly used to coordinate and supervise construction. It was becoming harder and harder for the average carpenter to become an independent master.
As an experienced organizer, McGuire believed that the trade of the carpenter could only be protected through the collective strength of workers. He spent 18 hours a day speaking, writing, and organizing to keep the union afloat, responding to one crisis after another—in St. Louis, Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, and New York. Slowly, the young union grew from 2,042 members in 1881 to 5,789 in 1885.
In 1886, 340,000 workers demonstrated for shorter hours in cities across the U.S.; historians labeled it “the year of the great uprising of labor.” Workers from every industry participated, but building tradesmen were the central force. UBC locals led marches around the country, inspiring others with their determination.