2012 Iron Workers/IMPACT North American Labor-Management ...

Local 377 and Local 378 Volunteer
Their Time on a Piece of American History
On a cold, clear January morning, a group of eleven ironworkers
from Local 377 (San Francisco) and Local 378
(Oakland, Calif.) assembled in front of the USS Iowa, a
working symbol of America’s military supremacy, for the purpose
of helping to restore the majestic vessel to its original
glory. While preparing their equipment for transport onto the
deck of the massive warship, the group, a mixture of journeymen
and apprentices, commented on their fortune to be allowed
to volunteer their time, energy and skills to this noble
cause. When asked why he seemed so happy to be working on
a Saturday, Alan Paulsen, a journeyman ironworker and welding
instructor at the ironworkers training facility in Benicia,
Calif., responded, “I came here for the honor of working on the
USS Iowa. I’ll be welding on a piece of history.”
Led by Paulsen and other ironworker apprenticeship staff,
the group began their work, which consisted of the typical
tasks an ironworker does on a daily basis; cutting iron using
an oxygen/acetylene torch, arc welding and rigging. Dan Pawlowski,
the ship operations manager overseeing the restoration
of the Iowa, observed, “It’s great to have such well trained
professionals aiding us in our cause. These guys show up ready
to work and get so much done.”
Pawlowski also noted that one of the divers that conducted
the inspection of the Iowa’s 18-foot tall propeller is an ironworker,
Dave Peters, a field superintendent with Conco Iron.
“The ironworkers have really stepped up and helped us. It is
hard to find people with the skill and knowledge these people
have that are willing to donate their time and efforts.”
Two at a time, enormous lifeboat racks were cut from the
decks of the Iowa and sent to the ground using a telescoping
forklift. Marcos Ramos, an apprentice ironworker, made sure
that the rigging was safe before he signaled the forklift operator
to raise the load suspended from the forklift’s forks. “I’m
proud to be here today,” Marcos said happily. “We’re required to
complete a minimum of 16 hours of community service before
we complete our apprenticeship and become journeymen. I’ve
done at least double that.” When asked to elaborate, Marcos
listed the projects he has donated his time to, including the
rebuilding of a city park in Vallejo, Calif., and the removal of
large boiler from an old middle school in Crockett, Calif.
“Being a union ironworker makes you realize that you are
fortunate to be a part a great organization that stresses the
importance of giving back to our great nation. This is my duty
as an American and a union brother.” On this beautiful January
day, Marcos and his union brothers are certainly demonstrating
loyalty to their beliefs.
MARCH 2012 13