Fonds F0396 - Calgary Typographical Union. Local 449 fonds

The International Typographical Union was established in the USA in 1852 and adopted its new name in 1869. The Calgary Typographical Union, Local 449 in Calgary, Alberta was chartered by the ITU in 1902. Originally the jurisdiction of the ITU included typesetters, printing pressmen, stereotypers, electrotypers, bookbinders, photoengravers, and journalists. However by 1910 the ITU's jurisdiction was confined to typesetters as the remaining printing trade workers formed their own international unions. General objectives of the ITU are to increase membership, maintain job security, increase wages, improve work hours as well as conditions, maintain a high level of craftsmanship, and assist its members in adapting to technological change. In 1908 the Union started a pension fund and by 1953 had established a Welfare Committee. The technological revolution of the printing industry and computer technology in particular caused the ITU's membership to decline significantly between the mid-1960s and early 1980s causing the union to merge with the Graphic Communication International Union. For further information see Calgary Typographical Union No. 449, 1902-1952. -- Calgary, 1952.