Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers,
one of the oldest trade unions. Found-
ed in 1865, the International Union of
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
represents masonry workers through-
out Canada and the United States and
will celebrate its 154th anniversary in
2019. According to an article in the
IUBAC Journal magazine in 1889 (the
year Local 7 was founded), Local 7’s
first President, A. R. MacDonald, was
“one of the most widely known labour
men in the Dominion of Canada and
an enthusiastic international trades
unionist.”*
“For a little glimpse into the history
of our craft,” says Swan, “consider
that in 1907, bricklayers and stonema-
sons would have worked nine hours a
day, and five hours on Saturdays and
were paid 50 cents an hour. The build-
ings on and around Parliament Hill in
Ottawa are instantly recognizable
“Most of the
iconic buildings in
Ottawa that Canadians are
familiar with, as well as many
that are not as instantly
recognizable, are the work of
members of our local.”
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Oliver Swan
Local 7 Business Manager
JULY 2018 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 5
