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 $30 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.
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.