Against a background of rapid rail expansion, begun in the late 1800's, organized railway labor appeared and began to flourish throughout the first decades of the 20th Century. This expansion
was facilitated in 1908 by the formation of the Railway Employees' Department (RED) of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) - a cooperative effort on the part of seven national shop craft unions, the Brotherhood of Carmen of America; International Association of Machinists; International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers and Helpers; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders and Helpers of America; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; International Brotherhood of Firemen, Oilers Helpers, Roundhouse and Railway Shop Laborers; and Sheet Metal Workers International Association. Materials relating to the International Association of Machinists, and the Brotherhood of Carmen of America predominate.
RED bargained with the Railroad Carriers for these skilled trade employes on a wide range of activities affecting almost every aspect of their social and economic status as employees. RED was active as in organizing, collective bargaining, legislation, apprentice training, political lobbying (especially the encouragement of active involvement of rank and file in political activities), and the protection of job opportunities of these railroad workers. The RED endeavored to guarantee every member representation, to preserve craft autonomy, and to provide for joint federated action through unity of purpose and increased economic strength.
From the guide to the AFL-CIO. Railway Employees' Department. Records, 1917-1970, (Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives, Cornell University Library)
