close

Central Labor Union Badge

This badge was worn by the treasurer of the Central Labor Union in Portland. This union had branches in major cities around the country, and Maine had ten across the state by 1919. The Central Labor Union was first organized in Portland in 1889. It was a council with delegates from a wide variety of local trade unions, such as those representing pipe fitters, plumbers, as well as musicians and painters. 

Delegates and union officers often wore badges and developed specific club-like rituals to identify themselves and communicate the value of their work.