The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 11 (f. 1881), is an AFL-CIO trade union of carpenters in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally chartered as Local 1 on June 17, 1881, the Brotherhood provided illness and accident benefits by 1883. Several locals were formed in Cleveland in the early years, including two Bohemian and two German locals. The National was founded in August 1881 by Peter J. McGuire, an "unkempt" socialist "with a drooping mustache and deep-set burning eyes" who was formerly a member of the Socialist Labor Party. McGuire lived in Cleveland from 1884 through 1886 during which time the national's headquarters were in Cleveland. Despite McGuire's orientation, the Brotherhood has traditionally been a conservative trade union. The Carpenters were chosen by Samuel Gompers of the AFL to lead the fight for the eight-hour day in 1890. Though they were not completely successful, members of the Building Trades Council (including the carpenters) in Cleveland did win reduced hours. In 1912, Cleveland's carpenters won the half day on Saturday that reduced the work week to 55 hours. Due to the Depression and to the formation of the International Woodworkers of America of the CIO, membership in Local 11 dropped severely during the 1930s to only a tenth of its 1920 membership of 2,800. It recovered strongly during World War II and has remained a strong and active union. Cleveland's District Council 2 and local affiliates (including Local 11) are headquartered at 3615 Chester Avenue in Cleveland.
From the guide to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 11 Records, 1882-1943, (Western Reserve Historical Society)
