Chicago & Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters

Category: Unions

Tom Suhrbur on the History of the Carpenters' Union

Founded in Chicago on August 8, 1881, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America became a charter member of the AFL and was the forerunner of the present-day Carpenters' Union that represents over 36,000 members in northeast Illinois. The intersection of Erie and State, informally known as "Carpenters Place," has been home to the headquarters since 1925. The original three-story building was razed and is now being replaced with the Union's new home that also includes luxury apartment units and retail shopping.