Pre-Amble to the Constitution of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (written in 1850)

Whereas, God has endowed all individuals with certain inalienable rights, among which are the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and,

Whereas, The trend of employers, assisted by combined capital, is to debase labor and deny its lawful and just share of what it produces; and,

Whereas, Experience has demonstrated the utility of concentrated effort in arriving at specific ends and it is an evident fact that if the dignity of labor is to be preserved it must be done by concentrated and united action; and

Whereas, We hold that all individuals are created free and equal, and that honor and merit make the man, and that self-preservation is the first law of nature, and that those who would be free must first strike the blow.

Therefore, be it resolved, That knowing and looking to the righteousness and justice of our cause, we solemnly bind ourselves (by our most sacred honor) into one union to, by all lawful and just means, better our social and financial condition, by each for all, and all for each, supporting each other by influence and finances in all just demands for a fair rate of compensation for our labor and for reasonable hours of work per day; and

Be it further resolved, That we recognize no rule of action or principle that would elevate wealth above industry, or the professional above the working man; that we recognize no distinction in society, except that based upon worth, usefulness and in good order, and no superiority except that granted by the great Architect or our existence; and, calling upon God to witness the rectitude of our intentions, we, the delegates here assembled, confirm and establish the following constitution.