Our Roofing Union History
Our roofing union history began not when our union was formed, but when our ancestors began building the first roofs out of materials they found in nature. It was then that our guiding principles were established, because while the first roofs were thatched using grass and twigs, and most modern-day roofs are made of a variety of man-made materials, the purpose of roofing remains the same. That is—roofs provide much more than a physical barrier between individuals and the environment; roofs provide sanctuary and a safe haven from the world outside, and our roofing union history began when that concept was first realized.
In 1903, the American Federation chartered the International Slate and Tile Roofers Union of America. Another organization, the International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers received their AFL charter on Nov. 6, 1906.
These two unions functioned independently for 13 years, until 1919 when the organizations met in Pittsburgh and decided to merge. The organization they formed was called the United Slate, Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers Association.
The United Slate, Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers Association began with 1,600 members and grew to more than 7,000 by World War II. By 1978, the union had nearly 30,000 members, and in that year the union adopted its new name, the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.
Local No. 2 Today
Today, the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 2 is one of approximately 22,000 members. Our Union Roofers and Waterproofers include dozens of local St. Louis roofing companies, most of which generations of area experience.
If you’re looking for a roofing contractor for your building project, consider hiring a contractor that is part of the Local No. 2. Our roofing contractors have OSHA Alliance implementation; better safety record with fewer mistakes; complete more jobs on time and on budget; and have comparable prices, compared to non-union roofing contractors.
In 2022 Roofers Local 2 celebrated our 130th Anniversary.