FOUNDING THE CIO (1938)

Location: 3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

On Nov.14, 1938, the first convention of the Congress of Industrial Organizations met on Pittsburgh’s North Side at the Islam Grotto, a former fraternal meeting hall. Thirty-four international unions were present for this historic meeting representing millions of newly organized workers. Rubber, auto, electrical, steel, textiles and other industrial, commercial and service sector workers successfully formed unions under the CIO banner.

It was an important milestone for those who struggled for decades for industrial unionism, embracing not just the highly skilled, but all workers, including previously disenfranchised women, recent immigrants, African-Americans and others. Massive walkouts, sit-down strikes and elections held by the newly established federal National Labor Relations Board, as well as voluntary recognition by U.S. Steel, swelled the ranks of the unions.

Immigration and Unionization in America During the 1800-1900’s

CIO Founding Convention at Islam Grotto (1938) marker, Martin Luther King Elementary School, North Commons Drive, North Side

United Mine Workers president, John L. Lewis, chaired the meeting and led the organization for two years until Pittsburgher Philip Murray became CIO president, serving from 1940 to 1952. Union banners decorated the walls.

Political, religious and other luminaries were on hand as delegates discussed, debated and voted on policies for the new federation. CIO delegates pledged to provide union members with better wages, working conditions and a voice on the job.

Pittsburgh’s labor priest, Charles Owen Rice, gave the opening prayer:  “Grant to American labor enlightenment, strength and unity … grant it victory, we pray, for labor’s cause is Your cause, its victory Your victory.” Lewis admonished the crowd: “Organize the Unorganized!”