History
It was in the year 1938 — the nation was just coming out of a great depression and within a few short years would be entering into World War II — that fourteen (14) men affixed their names to a petition asking the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for a charter recognizing them as a Specialty Floor Covering Local Union. All of these men are now gone, but their legacy lived on to form the foundation that future generations would build upon. The early leaders recognized the uniqueness of our trade and negotiated contracts to cover many aspects of our craft. By becoming part of the Carpenters Union, they were able to negotiate from a stronger position for wages and working conditions.
Our Business Representative was Harry Taber whose four sons followed in his footsteps as floorlayers. INSTALL Local 1823 has always been a local in which generations of families have carried on the work and traditions. Many members have become contractors and some are active to this day. Since the beginning, there have been six Business Representatives serving and each was responsible for the growth of our organization. Of special note is Robert H. Gray Jr.: under his leadership INSTALL Local 1823 made significant gains in wages, membership and status.
The 40s and 50s were reasonably quiet years, trades-wise. It was not until the 60s that some of the benefits now enjoyed, such as Pensions and Health and Welfare, were negotiated. Most of the work in the early years was hard surface with carpet being installed in offices, hotels, theaters and private homes. The uniqueness of the carpet phase was that women performed the sewing of seams. This process was eventually phased out with the introduction of newer innovative processes. At this time, there are no longer carpet sewers (women) except for those who are retired.
One of the highlights of the 70s was the inception of the formal apprenticeship program. There have been four instructors during this time, with Sam Valente serving 19 years. Before the apprentice school came into being, apprenticeship was served under the direction of journeymen mechanics, where new methods and materials were introduced. With the advent of the apprentice school, the apprentices are taught the practice of installation with methods and products new to the building industry. James Valente and Stephen Raisner are our present instructors, and they do an excellent and successful job.
Wages in INSTALL Local 1823 were low compared to other trades, but the 70s and 80s saw a rapid rise in wages and benefits due to the foresight of the leadership and members in contract negotiations. In 1970, there was a work stoppage for the duration of 13 weeks that solidified our Union’s strength. Since that time, there has been peace for 33 years with each contract negotiated resulting in rising wages, new benefits and conditions to where we are now recognized as having one of the best contracts in the Brotherhood.
In 1975, Local Union 443, which represented the Drapery Workers, was dissolved and its members were absorbed into INSTALL Local 1823. Since that time they have become valued members of INSTALL Local 1823’s family. They are currently working under a 6-year agreement — one of the very few of its kind for this scope of work in our Brotherhood.
INSTALL Local 1823 has been responsible for the installation of the majority of floor covering in schools, hospitals, office buildings and commercial institutions in the five-county area of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester. These were not the only areas, as other geographical sites were also serviced. (We now cover the state of Delaware, eastern shore of Maryland and the Lehigh Valley).
We can look to the past and see the foundation that was laid was strong, and each leader and members since have built upon it to the point where it stands today, as one of the outstanding locals in our craft.
The current INSTALL coordinator and business manager, Patrick McGinley, and staff, will use their vision and determination to lead Local 1823 into the future for the good of the membership and their families.