Reinforcing Ironworkers in High Demand

[Go Vols]

Last edited Wed Feb 10, 2016, 09:21 PM - Edit history (2)

Since the creation of the Department of Reinforcing Ironworkers in August of 2006, we have seen a number of obstacles that threaten and stifle our ability to regain the union reinforcing market share. The biggest obstacle we need to focus on for 2016 is recruiting and training more reinforcing ironworkers.

Around the United States and Canada, we have seen shortages of skilled reinforcing ironworkers – the demand is extremely high, and unfortunately, the supply is low. Through organizing efforts and partnerships, we have been able to grow our union workforce and have seen increases in the number of union reinforcing rodbusters but we need to figure out where we can get more.

The projected work for the next 5 to 10 years will leave us no choice but to organize and find 10,000 new rodbusters to keep up with the work. We will need to keep our local union doors open and determine better ways to recruit men and women into all training programs available, as well as strategize how to best market the strengths of the union and benefits to union members.

We are seeing locals turning to distance learning programs in an effort to embrace technology and reach out to the younger generation who are computer and tech savvy. Building distance-learning platforms will allow us to place workers while still maintaining a standard level of “classroom” training.

As we continue to promote the rebar industry throughout the United States and Canada, it is imperative we consider how to boost our recruitment into our training programs. One thing remains clear: the amount of work available is steadily increasing and we will need to meet the demand.

http://www.ironworkers.org/news-magazine/ironworker-magazine/archives/articles/2016/02/01/reinforcing-ironworkers-in-high-demand


My kid joined when he was 18,at 27 he is doing real well.Member of Local #8.... "Since 1901 Local 8 has proudly served the industry and the community"
Plus this means if more Union Ironworkers are needed,there will be a similar demand for carpenters,electricians,pipefitters,ect.,all Union.

[gladium et scutum]

1. Wish you and your memers all the success in the world. n/t

[Go Vols]

2. I am retired,

but there seems to be a large contingent that think "millennials" can't get jobs,most of these jobs pay $30+ an hour and $25+ an hour in benefits.That is an average.

[gladium et scutum]

3. iron work is hard work

a fair number of folks out there are not willing to do that kind of work regardless of the pay and benefits. Sweating for a living in a world of Hi tech, robots, is not what most want to do. Iron work is an honest living and more people should consider the outcomes
of that work. They would, someday, take pride in their accomplishments.

[Go Vols]

4. One could settle as a worker bee

I did work quite hard for a few years,then onto pushing work with guaranteed 40 hour checks and company trucks,houses..ect.

I got out of it what I put in.

[gladium et scutum]

5. That is one of the basic facts of life

you get out, what you put in. Unfortunately, there are those out there that have not figured that out. Iron working is hard, dirty, uncomfortable work. It pay well, and you can support a decent lifestyle for yourself and family if you are willing to accept the fact that it will require sweat and effort.

[Go Vols]

6. I grew up on a farm

I split the day after I graduated HS,Ironwork was actually easier.

My kid is doing better than I ever did,he beat me last year by $17k as opposed to what I made in '88,my best year.

[gladium et scutum]

7. Farming as another occupation

that is not for the faint of heart. But the rewards for the hard work required can be more satisfying than just the money earned.