Happy Holidays from Iron Workers Local 7

Local 7 logo
Brothers and Sisters, 
 
This holiday season, we look back on a year that, for many of us, has been one of the most difficult and challenging of our lifetimes. 
 
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. From our continued work building and servicing our region to our generous spirit helping members and neighbors in need, we’ve proven that we can emerge stronger than ever. Tough times or even a pandemic can’t break our bonds of solidarity at Iron Workers Local 7. And with vaccines on the horizon and a new round of COVID-19 relief, we have many reasons to look forward to 2021.
 
As you gather with family and friends for the holidays, thank you for all you do. 

On behalf of our full team, we wish you and yours a safe, happy holiday and a prosperous 2021. 
 
In Solidarity, 

Michael Hess
Business Manager

Robert MacNeil
President

William P. Hurley
Financial Secretary/Treasurer

Announcing Local 7’s Scholarship Opportunities

Local 7 logo
Brothers and Sisters,

Local 7 is committed to giving back to our communities and helping put our children on the path to success. Our scholarship program is 100% member-funded and each year, we’ve been able to donate thousands of dollars to hardworking students across the region.

We’re pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for our 2021 Memorial Scholarships. High school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is in good standing with Local 7 are encouraged to apply.

The application process includes taking the AFL-CIO Labor History exam. Students should register for the exam by Friday, December 18, 2020, at 5 PM.

Click here to learn more about this scholarship opportunity. 

Whether scholarship recipients plan to enroll in a four-year college, community or technical college or go into the building trades, we are proud to lift up students as they strive for success.

In Solidarity,

Michael Hess
Business Manager
 
Robert MacNeil
President

William P. Hurley
Financial-Secretary/Treasurer 

Celebrating Our Apprentices

Thank You Apprentices graphic

Brothers and Sisters,

Every year, we have the honor of swearing in dozens of new apprentices. These men and women come to Local 7 looking to become the next generation of union iron workers. This week, we recognize National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) and take a moment to celebrate our apprentices’ achievements.

Our apprentices come to our program in different ways and for different reasons. Some are 2nd or 3rd generation ironworkers. Others are looking for a new career path with great pay and great benefits. Regardless of background, we’re proud to welcome new apprentices to our trade and build our region together.

Click here to learn about Local 7’s apprenticeship application process.

We know that apprenticeships are at the core of our trade. And as thus, we will uphold and protect our training standards at all costs. Just earlier this year, we notched a victory against Industry-Recognized Training Programs (IRAPs), which would have undermined union apprenticeship programs and cut key training requirements. Our collective action as a Union helped us defeat it. 

Apprentices, thank you for everything you do. We look forward to fully welcoming you as members of the Local 7 family. 

In Solidarity, 

Michael Hess
Business Manager

William P. Hurley
Financial-Secretary/Treasurer

Robert MacNeil
President 

Honoring Our Veterans

Thank You Veterans graphic

Brothers and Sisters,

Today and everyday, we honor those among us who dedicated their lives to defending our country. These heroes put on their uniforms and put their lives on the line for our freedoms. We will never forget their tremendous commitment and sacrifice.

As a Union, we must ensure that our veterans receive the career opportunities they deserve upon returning home. Far too often, veterans struggle to return to civilian life and find employment that provides the wages and benefits needed to support their families.

For that reason, we proudly partner with Helmets to Hardhats, a national nonprofit organization which has paired over 25,000 active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard, and reservists with great jobs in the union building trades. If you know someone who is returning from military service, we encourage you to refer them to this excellent program.  

On behalf of all of us at Local 7, thank you for your service —and for the very freedoms you have protected. We remain ever committed to supporting your success. 

Thank you, veterans, for all that you do. 

In Solidarity, 

Michael Hess
Business Manager

William P. Hurley
Financial-Secretary/Treasurer

Robert MacNeil
President

Voting for Labor Champions

Local 7 logo
Brothers and Sisters, 
 
This election will shape the future of labor for decades to come. Our retirement security, prevailing wages, and new infrastructure projects are all on the ballot this fall.

That’s why we’ve proudly endorsed Joe Biden for President. 

As President, Joe will fight to protect our wages and retirement security, and defend working families, while Donald Trump has attacked unions and rolled back key protections on workers’ rights.

Together, we can vote to ensure working people are protected for the next four years. A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for the future of our union. The choice couldn’t be more clear.

On Tuesday, November 3, I encourage each of you to vote and make sure your voice is heard. Make sure you have a plan to vote and check to see you are registered in your state:

In Solidarity,

Michael Hess
Business Manager
Iron Workers Local 7