About Us

Carpenters Union Local #1 was chartered on Feb 18th 1887, just nine months after the infamous Haymarket riot. During this time, workers were attempting to organize in order to protest dangerous working conditions, low wages and to try to secure an 8-hour work day. They were often met with violence and imprisonment. 132 years later, we continue to organize working Carpenters to ensure the hard–fought battles of the past are not repeated. Today the Union Carpenter enjoys a decent wage, good health benefits for themselves and their families, and a pension that will help them achieve a secure retirement. 

Many members have served in the Apprenticeship program. And all have the opportunity to upgrade their skills with our robust continual education programs. This ensures the highest level of efficiency, production and safety, so developers, building managers and contractors know their projects will be successful and profitable. 

Carpenters Local #1 currently has over 2400 members. They perform every aspect of Carpentry, including but not limited to caissons; foundations; bridges and infrastructure; interior systems; millwork production and installation; windows and treatments and flooring. We are a hard-working group that comes from all walks of life with a diversity that reflects society and the nation. And we all share one common goal… Unionism for the betterment of all.