Throughout history, workers have attempted to organize. These attempts were met with indifference and outright hostility. Many company owners and elected officials viewed unions as illegal and immoral. Meetings were held in secret with a password necessary for admittance. Despite this, by 1880 unions began to flourish in America. On October 11, 1889 the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters was officially created. Eighteen months later on May 9, 1891 Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 60 was chartered. Our young local had eight members, all dedicated to the principles of unionism. We have been able to identify three of the charter members. They are:
* Edward Hubbs
* J.A. Reynolds
* Bernard J. Riley
By the turn of the century membership reached fifty. Interest in the union and good organizing brought this figure to over two hundred by 1930. The hardships of the depression of the 1930's lowered this to a mere forty.
Economic recovery along with World War II gave our local the opportunity for phenomenal growth. Hospitals, training camps, airports and other military facilities were constructed in the South Louisiana area.
Meanwhile military ship building, primarily at Delta and Higgins Shipyards was exploding. This was in addition to the tremendous repair yards located on the Mississippi River. In order to handle this work the United Association wisely chartered Marine Pipefitters Local 574. The two locals would work very closely over the next twelve years. Though well funded and ably managed by Business Agent R.L. Binney, Local 574's membership was declining. After lengthy negotiations with Local 60 Business Agent Preston Thompson, Sr., a very satisfactory merger agreement was consummated. Our entire organization was immediately strengthened.
History 
