Labor unions which have been a force in Brainerd life for nearly 80 years, got their start here in 1891.

On July 28, 1891, a charter was issued to the Machinists Union, believed to be the first labor group formed here.

During the 1890's, several more unions were organized. By 1901, there were five or six in the city and the Minnesota Federation of Labor granted a charter on Feb. 26 of that year, creating the Trades & Labor Assembly of Brainerd.

The International Typographical Union was also one of the early unions to establish a local in Brainerd. Local 593 was established here Feb. 24, 1903 and included some newspaper workers in Little Falls as well as in Brainerd.

Charter members of the local were: L. R. Willis, J. W. Pinkney, Fred L. Bnitton, Frank G. Hall, C. H. Sherman, Edward M. LaFond, F. E. Bacon, E. L. McDonald, J. C. Brown, R.

J. Hochtritt, C. S. Negus. A. J. Halstead, Lettie E. Ryllo, Mayme E. Zaeling, F. W. Wieland. N. H. Ingersoll, John H. Raymond and P. J. Vassly. Nearly every trade in Brainerd now has a union and most large plant unions are well-organized.

The Trades and Labor Assembly has taken part in many city-wide movements for civic betterment including large-scale community planning after World War II of the Committee for Economic Development. Union representatives have also been prominent in movements to improve hospital facilities here.

All types of labor and professional groups are organized here, including the teachers and many city employees.

Members of unions have long been active in government in Brainerd, many having served on the city council, the school board and other community boards.