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 affiliate with the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
The Pullman porters at the Pullman Company sought guidance from civil rights leader and labor organizer A. Philip Randolph to establish a union aimed at achieving dignity, fair wages, and justice. The effort faced significant resistance from the Pullman Company but ultimately resulted in official recognition for the BSCP in 1935 after a decade-long campaign.
“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 formation of BSCP is seen as an important development not only in labor history but also in advancing civil rights, as it inspired workers to seek equality both in their workplaces and society at large. It was recognized as the first major black union in the United States with an international charter from 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.”
In a 1973 interview with The Washington Post, A. Philip Randolph reflected on his efforts during challenging times: “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.”
The Brotherhood eventually merged with BRAC—now known as TCU/IAM—in 1978, resulting in what is now called 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.”
