International Typographical Union records, 1890-1982

The International Typographical Union was founded on May 5, 1852 in Cincinnati, Ohio and was the oldest union in the United States to continuously operate into the late 20th century. Originally titled the National Typographical Union, the organization became the ITU in 1869 after entering into an affiliation with Canadian printing trade unions. The ITU was at the forefront of progressive initiatives within the labor movement, lobbying for an eight hour work day and condemning Sunday work. In 1987, members of the ITU approved affiliation with the Communication Workers of America. After the merger was completed, the CWA created a new Printing, Publishing and Media Workers (PPMWS) Sector in recognition of the distinct nature of the work these union members perform.