United States 1859

Synopsis

In 1859 the National Union of Iron Molders (sometimes shortened to National Molders Union) was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a loose federation of existing local unions. William Howard Sylvis was the prominent leader of the union; some historians call him an important pioneer of the early American labor union movement. The unions of local iron molders retained nearly total independence and authority at the inception of the National Molders Union. In fact, the national body was only given authority in the areas of the "union card" and the collection of contributions for striking members. However, with the guidance and organizational abilities of Sylvis, the national union gained more central authority to direct the locals, and in the process gained the ability to finance its operations. The National Union of Iron Molders was eventually disbanded at the beginning...