International Brotherhood of Painters & Allied Trades. Local 308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) records, 1902-1967

The Cincinnati Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades Local #308 was formed March 6, 1901. Local #308 has been affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, the Cincinnati Building Trades Council, the Ohio State Federation of Labor, Painters' District Council #12, and the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades.

Unionization of house painters dates back to the mid-Nineteenth Century, but a permanent national organization did not emerge until the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators was formed in 1887. In 1890, the union was renamed the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers of America. Its headquarters were located in Baltimore, Maryland. By 1894, the Union had divided into two factions, and by 1900, the Baltimore faction lost power to the Lafayette, Indiana faction, and the national headquarters were moved to Lafayette.

As the union expanded during the Twentieth Century, it extended its representation to new trades. Sign painters and scenic artists were brought into the union in 1900. In 1915, unions representing decorative glass workers merged with the BPD & PA. Eventually unorganized workers employed by paint and varnish manufacturers were accepted as members of the national organization. In 1969, the Union's title became the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. The international headquarters of the IBP & AT are presently located in Washington, D.C.

In Cincinnati, the Journeyman Painters Union Association was formed in 1863. In 1865, this union held a convention in Cincinnati and formed a national organization of painters. Neither the national organization nor the local union were permanent. New Unions of painters, paperhangers, and decorators were formed in Cincinnati during the 1860s and 1870s, but permanent unions did not exist until the 1880s and 1890s.

Local #308, formed in 1901, provides many of the same benefits that other labor unions offer. This Painters and Decorators Union assisted members in distress through the charitable contributions of its members and its sickness and death benefits. Local #308 directed its members to new jobs in the trade mainly through its affiliation with District Council #12. The business agents of District Council #12 were constantly searching for new jobs for painters and decorators. The information uncovered by the agents was passed on to the locals affiliated with the council. Information regarding non-union painters and decorators and unfair employers was also passed along to the affiliates. Union members served an apprenticeship and were evaluated by an examining board. Union members carried working cards as proof of their qualifications and membership. The union also established work rules and wage scales. Through these means and others, Local #308 attempted to achieve greater stability and strength.