One-hundred-years ago the carpenters in Cedar Rapids had to confront low wages, unsafe working conditions, itinerant carpenters, technological change, and piecework. They also lived in a city with high rent and prices. On May 9, 1899, forty journeymen carpenters formed Cedar Rapids Local Union 308 at the Plasterers Union Hall to improve these conditions. Within three years carpenters' wages increased, safety conditions improved, and 308 had a signed contract with the Master Builders Association. For the next ninety-seven years Local 308 won its members regular wage increases, shortened the hours of work, and fought against the employment of low paid non-union carpenters.

Local 308's struggle for better working conditions helped create a stable relationship with union contractors. The members of 308 always believed that a strong union would allow contractors and carpenters to cooperate. When contractors paid decent wages, for example, skilled carpenters produced quality craftsmanship.

The members of 308 also fought to protect their interests from anti-union politicians and employers. The members of 308 became involved in political activity to guarantee carpenters a voice in local, state, and national legislation. They picketed non-union contractors, organized non-union carpenters, and built apprenticeship schools to keep the union strong at the jobsite. And they built trade associations, district councils, and joined with other workers in the AFL-CIO to advance the entire labor movement in Iowa.

Local 308's first one-hundred years is a history of a struggle, stability, and contribution. It is a story of skilled journeymen who joined together to build a union to improve the lives of carpenters and the life of Cedar Rapids. These union carpenters built much of Cedar Rapids, participated in its civic life, strengthened families with union wages, energized the city's labor movement, and shaped Iowa's rich working-class history. It is a history that shows that the prosperity of carpenters and Cedar Rapids in the next century depends on the vitality of its unions and the empowerment of its workers. -BACK-