International Brotherhood of Painters & Allied Trades. Local 308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) records, 1902-1967
Scope and Content
The International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local #308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) contains minutes, quarterly financial reports, roll call books, a defense fund ledger, and miscellaneous material from Local #308. The collection also includes records of District Council #12 including minutes, by-laws, reports, and a Strike Assessment Fund Report (1940).
The minutes of Local #308 emphasize the role the union played in the mutual aid and assistance of its members. The sicknesses, disabilities, and deaths of the local's members are noted in the minutes. Communications received by Local #308 are briefly noted. Disciplinary actions and expulsions of members are listed in the minutes. The minutes of each meeting also include a brief statement of union finances.
Roll call books are an important part of this collection. They list union members, their ages, and addresses.
The minutes of District Council #12 list job opportunities for painters and decorators, any disciplinary actions against its members, and conflicts with employers. The District Council Minutes cover one meeting in 1930 and meetings from March to December in 1931.
The minutes of Local #308 emphasize the role the union played in the mutual aid and assistance of its members. The sicknesses, disabilities, and deaths of the local's members are noted in the minutes. Communications received by Local #308 are briefly noted. Disciplinary actions and expulsions of members are listed in the minutes. The minutes of each meeting also include a brief statement of union finances.
Roll call books are an important part of this collection. They list union members, their ages, and addresses.
The minutes of District Council #12 list job opportunities for painters and decorators, any disciplinary actions against its members, and conflicts with employers. The District Council Minutes cover one meeting in 1930 and meetings from March to December in 1931.
Dates
- 1902-1967
Creator
- International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. Local 308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) (Organization)
Language of Materials
The records are in English
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open for research.
History of the Cincinnati Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Traders Local #308
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.
Extent
4 Linear Feet (1 box, 12 volumes)
Abstract
The International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local #308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) contains minutes, quarterly financial reports, roll call books, a defense fund ledger, and miscellaneous material from Local #308. The collection also includes records of District Council #12 including minutes, by-laws, reports, and a Strike Assessment Fund Report (1940).
Statement of Arrangement
The collection is arranged by material type.
Physical Location
Archives and Rare Books Library
- Labor unions - Ohio - Cincinnati Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Painters - Labor unions Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Paperhangers - Labor unions Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Finding aid for the International Brotherhood of Painters & Allied Trades. Local 308 (Cincinnati, Ohio) records, 1902-1967
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Archives and Rare Books Library staff
- Date
- 2014
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Archives and Rare Books Library Repository
8th Floor Blegen Library
2602 University Circle
P.O. Box 210113
Cincinnati Ohio 45221-0113
513-556-1959
archives@ucmail.uc.edu