Bridge, Structural & Reinforcing
Iron Workers Local Union No. 1
Chicago, IL
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Bridge, Structural & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local Union No. 1 Chicago, IL
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We wish to address the concerns of the Owner as they pertain to the bidding process of construction. As we see it from their perspective, the areas of greatest concern are: COST, QUALITY, AND TIMECOST ...... When union-built construction is suggested, the Owner conjures up certain assumptions that are incorrect. Let's correct them.We, are, on the majority of bids, the lowest bidder. The main reason is the efficiency and productivity of the Union worker. We can do the assignment in less time than our competition because our craftsmen are better trained, highly motivated, and very skillful. Less man hours equal lower estimated costs. Dr. Steven G. Allen, in a study sponsored by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc., showed that union workers are at least 29% more productive than non-union workers. Further studies revealed that union workers constructed 38% more square feet per hour. The Federal Highway Administration surveyed five states that were non-union and five states that were union. The average wage of the worker in the five union-dominated states was higher than that of the five non-union. The results were astonishing. Union workers built 107 more miles of bridges and roads for $557 million less from 1987-1990. These statistics verify the statement that union construction can be less even though workers' wages are more. Buyer beware about accepting the lowest bid. Many projects incur cost overruns. Indiana State University surveyed 370 owners of building projects -- the consensus being that cost overruns were frequently mentioned as a problem with non-union construction, but rarely mentioned on union projects with labor agreements. The conclusion of the Institute was that union labor is better trained and more skilled due to their apprenticeship programs and wage scales.QUALITY ......There is no difference in quality between union and non-union construction. Research by Bowling Green State University suggests just the opposite is true. The union wage, benefits and job security attracted the more talented and motivated worker. The union worker takes greater pride in their accomplishments, and the end result was better quality construction. The union worker has worked very hard to achieve his journeyman status and has committed his life to that vocation. His family and his personal ambitions are associated with the quality of work he produces. The owner's project reflects that pride. It is a known fact that the more technical the project, the more desirous it is to have it built union. It is our experience that the owners are more receptive to union construction when the project is more technical and complex in nature. The opposite is also true when the project is less technical. However, the same principles of quality should apply in either instance. It makes good sense to have the job done right the first time. It is a fact that quality creates less service and maintenance costs in the future. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse the trend after the fact.TIME ...... The project agreements that we have worked on in the last couple of years have demonstrated optimum productivity. They have all been completed on-time and ahead of schedule. The common ground on all these projects is that they were all union. Projects of all types such as the new Comisky Park, the United Center, McCon-nick Place Annex, bridges, highways and building of every type done on time, safely and within budget! When the owner can plan on completion being timely, then additional benefits are derived. Other companies face penalties for delays in completion. This record cannot be duplicated by the non-union contractor because he does not have the journeyman resource we have through our referral system. If being on time and peace of mind are important to you, choose union. What is the main reason that we are different and can offer the owner these values: APPRENTICESHIPThe Iron Workers has as its top priority the training, education, and skill level of its members. We feel that the continued employment of its members is directly related to the skill and knowledge of the worker. Injoint cooperation with the contractors, we enroll our workers in education programs designed to increase their knowledge and efficiency. When combined with on-the-job training, the apprentice can achieve joumeyman status in 3 years. The joumeyman who instructs the apprentice in the field has a wealth of practical experience and knowledge to share. Our most valuable asset is the joumeyman who has worked on many projects over the years. We call upon them to pass on that experience. The reputation of quality and skilled craftsmanship of the union construction worker continues. The journeyman continually upgrade their skills by leaming about new tools and methods of achieving the highest quality construction. The by-products of apprenticeship are increased productivity and efficiency. The contractors can depend and trust that they will receive the finest worker their monies can buy. They can market the quality of their projects to the developers. They can assure that work will be done on time and on budget. We believe that America still desires the skilled craftsmen that have set our country above the competition. The young person entering the construction field can look forward to continued employment, as well as a fair wage and benefit package. The purchasers of our goods can bank the savings associated with less service and maintenance costs. They can highlight the attractiveness of their company's facilities. In this day of competition, the appeal of a company is directly related to the external image of that company. The monies spent on capital improvements are too important to waste. We feel that your dollars are well spent on the Union worker.
708-366-8181 |
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