Encyclopedia Of Detroit

Founded by English-born Richard F. Trevellick in 1864, the Detroit Trades Assembly was a coalition of trade unions in Detroit, representing workers like cigar packers, blacksmiths, caulkers and bricklayers. It eventually numbered 5,000 members from 14 unions. Even though the assembly only lasted a short time, disbanding amid the recession fallout of 1873, for a while it was a powerful force in Detroit. The Assembly served as a prominent representative for organized labor in economic matters, such as supporting grievances of member unions by boycotts. One stated goal was to advocate for an eight-hour work day. The union was also an effective participant in city politics.

Trevellick, described as a “riveting speaker,” continued as a labor organizer for the remainder of his life, being principally involved with the National Labor Union. The successor to the Detroit Trades Assembly was the Detroit Council of Trades and Labor Unions formed in 1881, which led eventually to the creation of the Detroit Federation of Labor.