Dues Ledgers, 1900-1977

The Records, 1900-1977, of United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 531 (St. Petersburg, Florida), comprise mostly minutes and financial documents. The minutes, 1900-1965, describe Local 531's part in forming the first trades assembly in St. Petersburg, setting wage scales, contract negotiations with numerous construction employers, and the local's real concern to settle employer-employee problems without resorting to strikes. Strikes, however, become more common after 1955 when the Gulf Coast District Council of Carpenters began handling contract negotiations. Local 531 efforts to organize workers in related crafts led to minor disputes with sheetmetal workers, iron workers, laborers, latherers, and plumbers. The minutes also reveal Local 531's interest in education and safety programs for its members, the abolition of prison labor at construction sites, the enforcement of union work rules, and the maintenance of a blood bank for members.