History of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

The union that would become IUPAT was organized originally as the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America in 1887. Within a year, the union had grown to more than 100 locals and 7,000 members. In 1970, expanding membership led to a new name, the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. In the interest of the growing female membership of the union, General President Michael Monroe announced a new name at the 1999 General Convention: the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. James A. Williams Jr. serves as the general president of IUPAT.