The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) are marking the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), which was founded on August 25, 1925. The BSCP was the first labor union led by African Americans to join the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
On its centennial, both unions released a commemorative video honoring the history and achievements of the BSCP. The union was formed when Pullman porters at the Pullman Company sought leadership from A. Philip Randolph, a civil rights leader and labor organizer, to help them form a union for better wages and working conditions. Their efforts faced strong resistance from their employer but ultimately led to official recognition in 1935.
“The Sleeping Car Porters proved that solidarity can overcome even the most powerful corporate opposition and deep-seated injustice,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This anniversary is a celebration of the past and a reminder of the work ahead. Their story continues to inspire the IAM and TCU/IAM as we fight for fairness and dignity for every worker.”
The impact of the BSCP extended beyond labor rights, playing an important role in advancing civil rights in America. It became known as the first major black union in the United States and was granted an international charter by the AFL.
“When the BSCP merged with our Union, they brought an extraordinary legacy of courage and resilience,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “That proud history is alive today in the men and women working onboard trains across the country. The Sleeping Car Porters and the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and his belief in organized labor are a celebrated source of pride that TCU/IAM will continue to uphold.”
A. Philip Randolph reflected on his years leading negotiations with Pullman, saying in a 1973 Washington Post interview: “I don’t ever remember a single day of hopelessness,” he said. “I knew from the history of the labor movement, and especially of the black people, that it was an undertaking of great trial . . . that, live or die, I had to stick with it and we had to win.”
In 1978, members of BSCP merged with BRAC (now TCU/IAM), creating what is now known as the Sleeping Car Porters System Division.
“The legacy of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters shows the link between the labor movement and the civil rights movement,” said Josh Hartford, special assistant to the IAM International President. “Their struggle for dignity on the job helped lay the foundation for greater justice in our society, and that fight continues today through the IAM Union Rail Division.”
