HR0380 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0380 LRB103 33489 LAW 63301 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers #1 (Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1) on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 has been a leader in the mechanical insulation industry for over a century, with the organization currently representing 350 certified members in western Illinois and eastern Missouri who are trained in the industry's latest insulation and safety standards; the organization also has 33 signatory contractors, covering 37 counties in Illinois and 36 counties in Missouri, who provide the safest and most productive workforce in the bi-state area; and

WHEREAS, On December 20, 1898, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 was first organized in St. Louis, Missouri in response to insulation workers enduring low wages, poor working conditions, and no job security; in the subsequent years, the organization effectively served the purpose for which it was founded, improving the future of its members, thus providing inspiration for pipe coverers in other parts of the country; and

WHEREAS, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 held its inaugural national convention in St. Louis on July 7, 1903, which was attended by delegates from local unions in Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois, Boston, Massachusetts, San Francisco, California, and Detroit, Michigan and resulted in the adoption of the organization's constitution and bylaws; and

WHEREAS, At its annual convention in 1904, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 adopted the official name of the National Association of Heat, Frost and General Insulators and Asbestos Workers of America; the organization also received recognition as a national union upon obtaining an official charter from the American Federation of Labor on September 22, 1904; and

WHEREAS, In 1910, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 was joined by several Canadian local unions, leading the organization to apply for a new charter as an international union and to change its name to the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers; and

WHEREAS, Today, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 goes by the official title of International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers #1; and

WHEREAS, Through endurance and relentless pursuit for a higher standard of living and better benefits and conditions, Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 has endured and overcome a great deal in its 125-year history, permitting today's members to enjoy a safe workplace, an excellent hourly wage, superior health and welfare benefits, and a generous pension; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers #1 (Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1) on its 125th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pipe Coverers' Union No. 1 as an expression of our esteem and respect.