Ironworkers Union Local 63

Black workers have been the backbone of industries and communities, driving progress despite countless obstacles. This year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, honors their strength, perseverance, and lasting contributions. We are deeply grateful to our panelists—Fletcher Holmes (Ironworkers Union Local 63), Jonathan Jones (Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council), Marcus Jordan (Local 150), and Joe Wells (Local 134)—along with keynote speaker Dr. David A. Peterson Jr. and MC Irma Ratliff- Holloway. Your voices highlighted the sacrifices and triumphs of African Americans in the labor movement, reminding us that the fight for equity and opportunity continues. Together, we honored the trailblazers who broke barriers and those who continue to build, lead, and inspire. #PeaceLoveCleanWater ???????#BlackHistoryMonth #MWRD

?????? The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) celebrated Black History Month by honoring the invaluable contributions of African Americans in the workforce. On February 20, the MWRD hosted a special evening event recognizing this year’s national Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor.” The celebration highlighted the lasting impact of Black workers throughout history, emphasizing their role in shaping the labor movement, driving progress, and strengthening the nation. Read the press release and watch the video at MWRD.org/News: https://lnkd.in/dTG7ZCqH The MWRD is grateful for the participation of our guest speakers: Dr. David A. Peterson Jr. National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum Irma Ratliff- Holloway Phoenix CCI Black Contractors Owners and Executives (BCOE) Fletcher J. Holmes, Jr. Ironworkers Union Local 63 Jonathan Jones Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Marcus Jordan INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS 150 Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting Joseph Wells International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) ???? The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was performed by The Shea Butta Band. Thank you! Dawn Walker, vocalist Davaughn Nicholas, saxophone Marlen Bass, guitar #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #BlackHistoryMonth ?? Music: “Victorious Vibe” - sourced and licensed via PremiumBeat by Shutterstock.

Exciting News! The Ironworkers Union Local 63 Training Center has been named a finalist for the 2025 The Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards in the Commercial Construction Under $50M category! This state-of-the-art center provides a high-tech training facility for apprentices to learn the tools of the trade, all the while serving as a showpiece to the ironworkers’ craft. Some key features of the building include: ??Dual arc-shaped 50-foot-tall curtain walls with over 100 glass panels ??A centralized training floor with mezzanine-level observation areas ??A five-ton bridge crane for hands-on ironworker training ??A 20-foot-tall water pressurization chamber for glass panel durability testing Congratulations to our project partners – Gensler and Ironworkers Union Local 63 – as well as all team members involved for this ground-up project, setting the standard for trade training centers and exemplifying excellence in design and construction. #BuildingBetterTogether

Proud to have been part of the restoration team. The Bean is back! #thebean #cloudgate #thebeanchicago #mthprojects

If you were to name iconic structures in Chicago, Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") would likely be on your list. But while you may know of the art piece, do you know who built it? See Ironworkers Union Local 63, the local union that trains and represents skilled architectural and ornamental ironworkers. A new CAC partner, Local 63 shares our commitment to deepening appreciation for the forward-facing and behind-the-scenes work that shapes our city, as well as empowering young people to explore the construction industry. We are grateful to Local 63 for their investment in the future of Chicago’s architecture!

Saturday morning I set up shop at the Ironworkers Union Local 63's brand new facility to support their annual Apprentice Competition. The apprentices competed across seven contests including welding, rigging, and column climbing to name a few. The energy was contagious. Huge thank you to Jason Butz & Jason Puckett for the invitation, and kudos to the amazing experience. The roar of the crowd during the column climbing portion was something I will never forget. Such passionate participation and support from families and trainers alike. There is a resurgence in the growth of the trades and DEWALT is proud to be a partner in its expansion. #DEWALT #growthetrades

This year we had the privilege of providing equipment to Ironworkers Union Local 63 for the 2024 Apprentice Skills Competition. Thanks to all of the competitors who came out from across the US and Canada for this competition. A special thanks to all the local representation at the event. The video from the event really doesn't do justice to the support shown by the crowd. The climbing competition was the highlight of the event for us. https://lnkd.in/gcaVBzaX Shown in our photos and videos is our MEC Aerial Work Platforms, 4046 Electric scissor lift. https://lnkd.in/gh6WmeQa For more information on rentals, sales or service give us a ring in our office at 708-279-7574. We don't have computerized phones, you'll talk to a human being right away during business hours. Wellbuilt Equipment is proud to be family owned and operated since our founding in 1987. We have been and always will be your trusted locally owned access equipment partner for the future.

Did you know that Architectural & Ornamental Ironworkers Union Local 63 is the only one of its kind in the entire Midwest region and we are 1 of only 2 in the entire country? Our history goes back to the 19th century, where we were founded by Architectural Iron Workers with 579 members. Today, we represent over 1,500 highly skilled union-trained Ironworkers. Our new 12,000-sq-ft training facility, located outside of Chicago in Village of Broadview, will continue to allow our members to perfect their high-precision craft work and it will attract a younger workforce into the trades. (c) Gensler/Gillian Fry #facades #glass #curtainwall #design #architecture #ironworkers #architectural #ornamental #buildingdesign #glassbuilding #Construction #contractorlife #unionbuilt #UnionYes #facts #chicago #Broadviewstrong #dailypost #training #design #mondaymotivation #tradeswork #glassinstaller #FenceInstallation

It has been over a week since I attended the IRON WORKERS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHICAGO AND VICINITY #ApprenticeCompetition hosted by Ironworkers Union Local 63 where the next generation of #Ironworkers show #skills and compete in different categories including #rigging, #rodtying, #welding, and the #columnclimb. I was lucky enough to meet one of #Local63’s retired #Apprenticeship coordinators, Phil Hottinger, who graciously showed off the #training facility and explained all of the competition categories to me. I also brought my son, Henry, to watch the column climb at the end of the event. He thought it was pretty cool and took it upon himself to video each of the competitor’s climbs. The “wahoo!” commentary is courtesy of Henry. ?? Video features Danny Guitierrez, the winner of the competition. Congratulations to the winners! And thank you to Dave Cottongim for allowing me to tag along. Looking forward to the International Competition host at Local 63 in October. 1st place: Danny Gutierrez, IW Local 63 2nd place: Eric Rukavina, IW Local 63 3rd place: Alex Hoehn-Ruiz, IW Local 444

Ironworkers Local 63 recently hosted the District Council of Chicago & Vicinity Apprentice Competition where the next generation of Ironworkers show skills and compete in different categories including rigging, rod tying, welding and the column climb. Congratulations to the winner, taking 1st place is Local 63's very own Danny Gutierrez, taking 2nd place and also our very own is Eric Rukavina, and coming in 3rd is Alex Hoehn-Ruiz of IW Local 444. Congrats all! Danny and Eric will go on to represent us in the upcoming Iron Workers Union National Apprentice Competition against other Iron Workers from across the U.S. and Canada. The contest, first held in Pittsburgh in 1996, consists of eight different competitions: a written test, instrument layout, welding, burning, knot tying, rod tying, ornamental and the famous column climb. The competition will be held on Saturday, October 5th at our training center in Broadview. We want to thank everyone who participated and everyone who helped and showed up in support. Special shout out to our awesome Apprenticeship and Training Center team! Well-done Danny and Eric! We are so proud and we know you will go on to represent our Local with great pride, skill, and professionalism. We are looking forward to hosting again and welcoming our Brothers and Sisters from across U.S. and Canada into our home. Proud to be an Ironworker... Proud to be 63!! #Ironworkers #ironworkerslocal63chicago #apprentice #chicago #competition #contractor #architecture #UnionStrong #careergoals #dailypost