The history of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is one marked by unwavering determination and progress, forged through the fires of adversity. The late 1800s saw dire working conditions for construction and stationary workers, with grueling hours and meager wages. In response, eleven individuals gathered in Chicago on December 7, 1896, establishing the National Union of Steam Engineers of America, a precursor to the present-day IUOE.
These founders, primarily from small local unions, shared a common skill: the operation of perilous steam boilers. This skill became a cornerstone, symbolized by the enduring steam gauge on the IUOE emblem. As the union expanded its reach to include Canadian workers in the subsequent year, it evolved into the International Union of Steam Engineers, mirroring its cross-border growth.
Operating engineers became pivotal in the reconstruction of San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake and played an instrumental role in excavating the Panama Canal. As more construction workers joined, the union adapted, becoming the International Union of Steam and Operating Engineers in 1912. With the advent of new machinery, the word “steam” was dropped in 1928, culminating in the name we know today: the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Championing both private and public sector workers, the IUOE thrived amidst challenges like the Great Depression, fortified by the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 which secured fair wages for federally funded projects. The IUOE’s members furthered America’s wartime efforts as part of the U.S. Navy’s Seabees, constructing vital infrastructure across the globe. Post-World War II, the Federal Highway Trust Program spurred the IUOE’s growth, creating a multitude of job opportunities.
Through prosperous times and lean periods, the IUOE persevered. Its enduring legacy is exemplified by iconic structures like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, New York’s Empire State Building, and Toronto’s CN Tower. Today, this union stands as a testament to the contributions of its members, who have played an instrumental role in shaping North America’s landscape and progress. Their dedication and expertise continue to build a brighter future for both IUOE members and the broader society they serve.
Types of Work Done By IUOE Members
Driving through the streets of Chicago and throughout Illinois, it’s easy to spot the work of many IUOE members. Their work is imperative to a city’s infrastructure, especially in the city. Some jobs include:
- Road Building
- Hoisting
- Mass Earth Moving
- Slag
- Pits and Quarries
- Landfill
- Drilling
- Material Testing
- Railroad Construction Derailment
- Pipeline
- Landscaping
- Public Works
- Heavy Equipment Mechanics
These workers play a hand in the subways we ride, the bridges we cross, and the tunnels we drive through. IUOE workers operate bulldozers, backhoes, motor graders, and cranes. They dig wells, operate boilers, and work the mines. We work the mines, we dig the wells. Without these skilled workers, we would not have our hospitals, schools, nursing homes, government buildings, and several other important parts of the city’s infrastructure. Our buildings are safe and comfortable because of their contribution.
Representing IUOE Members in Illinois
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is a large organization that is divided into several local chapters across the country. Illinois is serviced by the following local chapters of IUOE:
- Local 150
- Local 318
- Local 399
- Local 520
- Local 649
- Local 841
- Local 935
At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know how important it is for union members to have legal support when issues arise at work such as accidents, injuries, and contract negotiations. Whatever the case may be, you should not have to go it alone. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for a FREE consultation to discuss your situation.
