Today marks the 125th anniversary of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
The officers and executive board members of Local 793 congratulate the International in achieving this major milestone.
On December 7, 1896, eleven individuals met in Chicago to form the National Union of Steam Engineers of America, the predecessor of the International Union of Operating Engineers. They were tired of the appalling work conditions and the 60-90 hour work weeks for miserable wages. They knew that joining together in a union was the only way they could improve their work lives.
A year later, the first Canadian workers joined the young union. To reflect this expansion across the border, the union’s name was changed to the International Union of Steam Engineers.
IUOE members’ skills have not gone unnoticed and is part of the reason why members have worked on many internationally recognized project such as Toronto’s CN Tower, Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Chicago’s Sears Tower, and New York’s Empire State Building, Holland Tunnel, and Statue of Liberty.
Today, all IUOE members are reaping the rewards of the sacrifices of their forerunners. Their foresight for safer working condition and fair wages has help thousands of families and will continue to help thousands more in the future.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the 125-year anniversary
CLICK HERE to read more on the history of IUOE
CLICK HERE to read the International Union of Operating Engineers’ rich history in their full-colour 125th Anniversary journal