Isaac Myers: A Labor Leader Who Built Opportunity

February 7 2025

Media, Related Organizations, TAUC News, Unions

As we kick off Black History Month, we highlight Isaac Myers, a labor leader and mason who transformed the future of Black workers in organized labor. Born free in Baltimore on January 13, 1835, Myers had no access to public education, but he received private schooling before starting an apprenticeship in ship caulking at 16. By 20, he was supervising the caulking of Baltimore’s clipper ships, proving his skill and leadership early on.

Building a Union for Black Ship Caulkers

After the Civil War, caulkers and longshoremen protested Black employment, leaving Myers and many others without jobs. Rather than accept defeat, he organized the Colored Caulkers Trade Union Society, one of the first Black labor unions in the U.S.

Determined to create economic independence, Myers and his fellow workers raised $10,000 in stock subscriptions from Black Baltimore residents and secured additional financing. On February 12, 1866, they opened the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company, which employed over 300 Black caulkers. The success of this cooperative inspired Black caulkers in other port cities to unionize, showing the power of self-determination in labor.

National Leadership in the Labor Movement

Myers’ leadership gained national recognition, and in 1869, the National Labor Union (NLU) invited his union to its convention. However, when the NLU demanded that Black workers leave the Republican Party for the Labor Reform Party, Myers refused. As a result, his members were excluded from the NLU.

Despite the setback, Myers became president of the (Colored) National Labor Union, the first organization of its kind in U.S. history. He urged Black workers to unionize and called on white unions to welcome Black workers as full members. However, without support from the larger labor movement, the CNLU dissolved by 1871.

Later Career and Legacy

Although his national influence declined, Myers remained active in business and community affairs. He held various positions, including detective, coal yard owner, and federal revenue officer. He also founded organizations like the Maryland Colored State Industrial Fair Association and the Colored Business Men’s Association of Baltimore to promote Black economic growth.

Myers passed away in 1891, but his work laid the foundation for Black workers in organized labor. His leadership in forming Black unions, securing economic independence, and advocating for fair employment remains an important chapter in labor history.