Body
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Plumbers Union Local 27 began in the late 1870s as an affiliate of the Knights of Labor, before the 90 founding craftsmen officially received their charter on May 17, 1890. During these early years membership grew rapidly, increasing to 300 members in 1900 and 650 in 1904. Around this time, Local 27 united with their fellow craftsmen in the Pittsburgh Building Trades Council, which was one of the most well-organized trade councils in the nation; and,
WHEREAS, during this period of harsh labor conditions and low wages, Local 27 was at the forefront of Pittsburgh's labor movement and helped secure several key victories for their membership, including $5 per day base pay with annual raises, an eight-hour work day during the week and four hours on Saturday, and safer conditions on the job; and,
WHEREAS, during the Great Depression, when less than 20% of the membership was working, Local 27 created a fund in which working members all pitched in a portion of their wages to help those that were unemployed, demonstrating the strong bond among members, and their commitment to the union; and,
WHEREAS, more recently, in July 2013, Pittsburgh Plumbers Local 27 expanded their geographical territory beyond the Pittsburgh area to include all of Western Pennsylvania. This expansion increased the membership to over 1,100; and,
WHEREAS, on Saturday, May 16, 2015 union members, family, and friends will gather to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Plumbers Local 27 at The Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh; and,
Title
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby recognizes and honors the Pittsburgh Plumbers Local 27 for their important role in the fight for a living wage, and a safe work environment over the course of their 125-year history; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, May 16, 2015, to be "Pittsburgh Pl...
Click here for full text