ABOUT IUPAT

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)

Represents a growing force of over 160,000 active and retired men and women in the United States and Canada. Our members work in the Finishing Trades as industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators and in many more exciting occupations. IUPAT members’ skills are in high demand at every construction project in North America.

The IUPAT membership extends far beyond the workplace, however. Recognized as one of the most active unions in the labor movement, IUPAT members help shape their communities in many ways: through an abiding commitment to service, by fighting passionately for workers’ rights that benefit all working families, and through effective and aggressive political mobilization.

Our Mission

Our union, like many modern labor unions, was founded in the 19th century to set standards for uniform compensation in the trades and provide a community for workers to share ideas and solve problems. The Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America was organized formally in 1887. Within a year, the union boasted a membership of over 7,000 tradesmen and more than 100 local unions.

These trade unionists soon realized the power that they had together, rather than staying separate and facing their problems alone. Backed by a growing centralized union, these dedicated organizers won victories over oppressive working conditions that were once thought unchangeable.Today, the IUPAT continues to do its part to lift working families and the rest of the middle class by marching to the words of our founders:“Single-handed we can accomplish nothing; but united there is no power of wrong we may not openly defy.”Learn more about the history of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades below.