The union that would become IUPAT was organized originally as the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America in 1887. Within a year, the union had grown to more than 100 locals and 7,000 members. By the turn of the century, the brotherhood was publishing “The Painter and Decorator” to provide news on the industry.
In 1921, the union opened its first real home, a four-story office building, in Lafayette, Indiana. Most of the offices of the union remained in that location until 1967, when its headquarters was moved to Washington, D.C. Over the years, IUPAT members have worked on many notable projects, with a highlight being a facelift of the White House before the inauguration of President Richard Nixon. In 1970, expanding membership led to a new name, the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades.
In the interest of the growing female membership of the union, General President Michael Monroe announced a new name at the 1999 General Convention: the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. In 2010, IUPAT moved its international headquarters to a new home in Hanover, Maryland. The new building is part of a campus that includes a residence hall and an international training center.
James A. Williams Jr. serves as the general president of IUPAT. He took office on Sept. 1, 2021. Williams is a fourth-generation glazier from District Council 21/Local Union 252 (Philadelphia). He began his career with IUPAT in 1998, was appointed assistant to the general president in 2002 and served as the regional organizing coordinator for IUPAT’s Eastern Region. In 2011, he was appointed to the position of organizing director and remained in that role after being elected as general vice president at large in 2014.
Members Work as Industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, glaziers and glass workers, sign and display installers, floor covering installers and many more. There are 140,000 members working in unions throughout the nation.
