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), recognized as the first African American-led labor union to join the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
The BSCP was founded on August 25, 1925, when Pullman porters at the Pullman Company sought guidance from civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph in their efforts to organize for better working conditions and fair wages. Despite resistance from their employer, which tried to prevent unionization, the porters continued their campaign until they achieved 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 success of the BSCP went beyond labor achievements; it played an important role in shaping the civil rights movement by motivating workers to pursue equality both on and off the job. The union was not only significant for being led by Black Americans but also as it was granted an international charter by 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 Washington Post interview, A. Philip Randolph reflected on his experiences organizing workers: “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 known as TCU/IAM—to form what is called today’s 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 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.”
