Our history

Did you know that on March 15, 1887 “The Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America” was established by John T. “Jack” Elliot and 12 other painting and decorating delegates during a meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout our long history our union has been innovative and dedicated to providing a better life for anyone that was willing to work hard and desired to create a good life by becoming a tradesperson. 

In 1900, we added “Paperhangers” to our name and logo marking the first edit to our name which would last for 70 years. In January 1970, the union changed its name after General President S. Frank “Bud” Raftery decided that it should include the words “allied trades.

With the female membership within the I.B.P.A.T. growing, General President Michael Monroe announced a new name at the 1999 general convention. Our leadership understood that it was time that for us to reflect a more inclusive union that welcomes both men and women. In January 2000 we officially became “International Union of Painters and Allied Trades” (I.U.P.A.T.). Although we have been in existence for 138 years, 2025 marks the 25^th anniversary of our current name and logo, which reflects the diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on within the IUPAT.