The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers represents more than 50,000 skilled craftsmen and women and industrial workers who work in heavy industry, shipbuilding, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining, and related industries. We construct and repair electric power plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, and steel mills. We build naval ships and commercial tankers, repair locomotives, make cement, and mine coal, gypsum, and talc. We forge tools for industry and make consumer goods.
Our union aggressively prepares, promotes, protects and defends our members. We’re the right choice for workers who want an innovative, forward-thinking union that looks out for its members today and tomorrow. And we’re the right choice for owners, contractors and other employers who want to get the job done right —on time, within budget and safely. Every time.
Our History
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers grew out of the Industrial Revolution and the demand for steam power. Organized in 1880, we are one of the oldest unions in the United States. We are headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas (since 1893) and service more than 200 local lodges across North America. The Boilermakers union has long been politically active, with a permanent presence in Washington, D.C. We aggressively promote and defend the rights of our members and indeed those of all workers.
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Our Leadership
From local lodge leaders to our International Executive Council and International President, the Boilermakers union leadership is committed to constant innovation—for our union itself and regarding the issues that impact our work, such as climate change. We are a progressive, forward-thinking union that has established national funds for pensions, health and welfare, and an annuity trust. We boast one of the best apprentice programs in America and partner in an award-winning alliance with construction industry contractors and owners that has resulted in numerous union/management innovations for improved safety, manpower availability, training, and cost savings.
Structure
The Boilermakers union is made up of local construction and industrial lodges. Local lodges are the most important structural component of our union. Lodges are formed when workers organize themselves in order to bargain collectively with their employer. Each local lodge, within the framework of the Brotherhood’s Constitution, adopts by-laws specifying the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the local lodge. Local lodge members elect the officers of their lodge and vote on contracts and other important matters.
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Our Films
One of the best ways to tell what Boilermakers do is to show what we do. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is proud to partner with Emmy-award winning Wide Awake Films to produce high quality films that tell the Boilermaker story.
Watch Our Films
Boilermaker Products
Looking for a Boilermaker-made product? We’re proud of our work, and we stand by our quality. If it was made by a Boilermaker, you can bet it was made right.
Check out our handiwork
Partners
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is proud of the mutually beneficial relationships, partnership and affiliate programs we’ve developed over the years to make our union stronger for our members and our contractors and owners.
Facts & Myths
Anti-union entities like to spread misleading information about organized labor. Here are some facts about the Boilermakers and unions in general.
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Pressroom
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is involved in a range of issues impacting our members, our communities, our nations and the world.
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Events
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers hosts and participates in a number of events, training opportunities and conferences.
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