Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers International Union

Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers International Union is a trade union representing workers in the United States and Canada who install, inspect, and repair roofs, as well as apply waterproofing and dampproofing systems. The union has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century, and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress. The union's members work on a wide range of projects, from residential homes to large commercial and industrial buildings, including skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and iconic landmarks like the White House. The union has also worked on various infrastructure projects, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel.

● History

The union was founded in 1903 as the United Slate, Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers' Association, with the goal of improving wages and working conditions for roofers and waterproofers. Over the years, the union has undergone several name changes, becoming the Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers International Union in 1981. The union has been involved in various labor disputes and strikes, including the Lawrence Textile Strike and the Seattle General Strike, and has worked to promote the use of union-made materials and fair labor practices in the construction industry, as seen in projects like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam. The union has also been a strong supporter of workers' rights and social justice causes, including the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-apartheid movement, and has worked with organizations like the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Organization

The union is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a network of local unions and district councils across the United States and Canada. The union is led by a president and a board of directors, which includes representatives from various local unions and industry sectors, such as the Building Trades Council and the Construction Industry Council. The union also has a number of departments and committees, including a training department and a legislative department, which work on issues like workers' compensation and occupational safety and health, and has partnerships with organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The union is also a member of the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers, which represents construction workers around the world, including those in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

● Membership

The union has a diverse membership of over 25,000 workers, including roofers, waterproofers, scaffolders, and other construction workers. Members work on a wide range of projects, from residential homes to large commercial and industrial buildings, including hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and universities like Harvard University. The union also has a number of retiree members who are no longer actively working in the trade, but remain involved in the union and its activities, and has partnerships with organizations like the AARP and the National Council on Aging. The union has a strong presence in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and has worked on various urban development projects, such as the Boston Harbor cleanup and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

● Collective Bargaining

The union engages in collective bargaining with employers and contractors to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. The union has a number of collective bargaining agreements in place, which cover workers in various industry sectors and geographic regions, including the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters and the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. The union also provides training and support to its members and local unions to help them navigate the collective bargaining process, and has partnerships with organizations like the National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The union has been involved in various labor disputes and strikes, including the West Coast waterfront strike and the Detroit newspaper strike, and has worked to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques, such as mediation and arbitration.

● Training and Education

The union provides a range of training and education programs for its members, including apprenticeship programs, journeyman training programs, and safety training programs. The union also offers certification programs in specialized areas, such as scaffold safety and fall protection, and has partnerships with organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The union's training programs are designed to help members develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the trade, and to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends, including green building and sustainable construction. The union has also worked with organizations like the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the Associated Builders and Contractors to promote workforce development and career advancement opportunities for its members.

● Notable Activities and Campaigns

The union has been involved in a number of notable activities and campaigns over the years, including the Fight for $15 and the Workers' Rights Amendment. The union has also worked to promote the use of union-made materials and fair labor practices in the construction industry, and has partnered with organizations like the AFL-CIO and the SEIU to advocate for workers' rights and social justice causes. The union has also been a strong supporter of community development projects, such as the New Orleans rebuilding effort and the Hurricane Sandy relief effort, and has worked with organizations like the Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief and rebuilding assistance】]. The union has also been involved in various environmental initiatives, such as the Green Jobs Initiative and the Sustainable Buildings Initiative, and has worked with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Resources Defense Council to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.