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The History of Cement Masons Union Local 527

Historical Pictures | Significant Events

Cement Masons Union Local 527 has a rich history and has played a huge part in the success of the union labor movement in the St. Louis area. The following is a short summary of events that lead to the founding and growth of Local 527.

In the early 1900’s a group recognized as the Lodge of Cement Finishers and Helpers were represented by the Building Trades of St. Louis. On April 8, 1915 after several meetings regarding union organizing efforts by W.A. O’Keefe of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers International Association with the Lodge, a motion was made and carried to affiliate with the O.P. & C.F.I.A. On April 12, 1915 the Lodge was chartered as a Local Union 527 of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers International Association. Brother Fred Schulz presided as the first and only Local 527 Business Agent representing its then membership of approximately 100 members until 1931. During the depression era, Local 527 endured many obstacles which required that drastic measures be taken by the local to remain in existence. The Business Agent was forced to sell the local’s car to obtain funds, an emergency working rule limiting the amount of hours worked by a member was passed and loans were made to the local by several of its members. After several rough years, the changes that were made to improve the finances are abolished and the local purchased its first building on June 9, 1943 and moved to the new location at 5325 Easton Ave in St. Louis, Missouri. On June 12, 1952 Cement Finishers Union Local 527 changed its name to Cement Masons Union Local 527 to conform with a Resolution that was adopted at the 1950 Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Convention. Cement Masons Union Local 527 has grown strong and has been a volatile part of the Organized Labor movement in the St. Louis area since its early existence as a Lodge. Its commitment to the construction industry in the region remains today with its continued support and affiliation with the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council and PRIDE of St. Louis Inc.

Historical Pictures of Local 527

Overview | Significant Events

Significant Events in Local 527 History

Overview | Historical Pictures

January 14, 1915-

First documented meeting of Cement Finishers and Helpers.



February 25, 1915-

A motion is made and carries to have a telephone installed in the name of the Cement Finishers and Helpers.



March 25, 1915-

Communication is read from W.A. O’Keefe of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers International Association. A motion to call a Special Meeting on April 8, 1915 on this subject carries.



April 8, 1915-

W.A. O’Keefe of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers International Association is allowed the floor. The matter is laid over while a Constitution of the O.P. & C.F.I.A. is sent for. A motion to have O’Keefe present at the reading of the O.P. & C.F.I.A. Constitution carries. A motion to affiliate with the O.P. & C.F.I.A. carries unanimously. A motion to give O’Keefe a rising vote of thanks carries.



April 12, 1915-

Local 527 is chartered as a Local Union of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Finishers International Association.



April 22, 1915-

A motion to have the new charter framed carries.



May 13, 1915-

First documentation of a fine recorded. One Member is fined .25˘ for misconduct at the meeting while another is fined .50˘ then $1.50 for abusing the chair.



July 8, 1915-

A motion is made that the Secretary notify 2 unions that the finishers will do all frame setting. An Amendment is introduced to revise the motion to finishers will do all frame setting and any member of other locals not satisfied will be put off the job. After a discussion both motions are lost.



July 22, 1915-

A motion carries to permit a contractor to use a finishing machine on curb and gutter work provided it is finished by hand afterwards.



August 26, 1915-

Charges are preferred against a Trustee by the President. The charges are withdrawn when the Trustee resigns his position. These are the first set of charges preferred against a member documented.



February 10, 1916-

A motion to give Business Agent Fred Schultz a rising vote of thanks for what he did to raise the finishers pay to .62 ˝ ˘ per hour carries.



April 16, 1916-

A motion to appoint a sick visiting committee carries and 3 members are appointed to serve.



March 8, 1917-

A motion to fine any member who leaves town or returns without notifying the local carries. A motion to place the fine at $2.00 carries.



September 13, 1917-

A motion to ask the bosses for .75˘ & .80˘ per hour on April 1, 1918 carries. A motion to buy a Ford Touring Car for the Business Agents use carries. A committee is appointed oversee the purchase.



October 10, 1918, October 24, 1918, November 14, 1918 and November 28, 1918-

The meetings on these dates are cancelled due to a ban placed on meetings by the Board of Health on account of the Spanish Influenza epidemic which is now raging over the country.