About BAC Local 1
What is a Union?
A union is when workers join together to pursue policies and goals that benefit everyone. Simply put, it’s you and your fellow workers collaborating to improve your everyday working conditions.
In essence, a union empowers individual workers by giving them a voice in decisions and events that directly impact them in what is a significant part of life — their work.
Moreover, a union enables workers to influence changes in workplace conditions and resolve issues effectively. With the support of a union contract and grievance procedure, workers no longer have to endure unacceptable conditions silently or feel that quitting is their only recourse.
History
Since its establishment in 1865, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers has steadfastly championed the enhancement of our members’ quality of life — both on and off the job. We ensure access to fair wages, excellent benefits, safe working conditions, and foster solidarity among our members. Today, we proudly represent the most highly skilled craftworkers in trowel trades throughout the United States and Canada. Our membership includes bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tile setters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, as well as pointers, cleaners, and caulkers. With over a century of dedicated service protecting the rights of our workers, BAC stands as the oldest continuous union in North America.
BAC Local 1 MD, VA & DC represents men and women skilled in Bricklaying, Stone Masonry, Pointer Cleaning Caulking, Terrazzo Work, and Tile Setting within the construction industry. Our Local consists of two chapters: Baltimore and Washington, DC. The Baltimore Chapter predates the founding of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, dating back to March 17, 1864. The Washington, DC Bricklayers Local was chartered by the IUBAC in 1867, while the DC Stone Masons received their BAC Charter on February 1, 1889. Tile Setters and Finishers were assimilated into the BAC in August 1925. In 1994, the International consolidated 18 separate BAC locals from Virginia, Maryland, and DC into one: BAC Local 1, Maryland, Virginia & DC. Our jurisdiction covers Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and the State of Maryland (excluding its three westernmost counties).
Like most organizations, the International and its affiliates, including Local 1 MD, VA & DC, operate under the governance of the International Constitution. Adopted over 150 years ago, our Constitution has been amended numerous times during International Conventions held every five years. The International celebrated its 150th anniversary in October 2015.
Administration
About Us
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers has proudly represented workers in the trowel trades since October 17, 1864. Our Local supports skilled craftworkers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To discover more about our rich history and mission, click on any of the photos above.