Compressed Air and Free Air, Shaft, Tunnel, Foundation, Caisson, Subway, Cofferdam, Sewer Construction Workers of New York & New Jersey States & Vicinity

The Compressed Air and Foundation Workers' Union was chartered by the American Federation of Labor in 1904 and merged with the International Hod Carriers', Building and Common Laborers' Union of America in 1918. Local 147, representing New York metropolitan area "sandhogs" was formed from the merger of Locals 45 and 102 in 1938. Local 102 itself was formed through the merger of Locals 63, 67 (northern New Jersey), and 68 (Newark, NJ). Members have been employed in all major sewage, water, subway and traffic tunnel construction in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Originally composed almost exclusively of Irish and English skilled workers, the union has gradually been opened to minority workers since World War II. In 1978 the union formed a Political Action Committee, funded by a voluntary check-off of three cents per hour, and his since engaged in vigorous political lobbying on issues of concern to members, including health and safety. According to Paul E. Delaney's Sandhogs: A History of the Tunnel Workers of New York (New York: Longfield Press, 1983), which includes several interviews with local members, Local 147 has a well-deserved reputation for democratic practice and member participation.

From the guide to the Compressed Air and Free Air, Shaft, Tunnel, Foundation, Caisson, Subway, Cofferdam, Sewer Construction Workers, of New York and New Jersey States and Vicinity Records, 1938-1975; 2008, (Tamiment Library / Wagner Archives)

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