Conductor with Ironworkers Local 396 in St. Louis, Aurora Bihler, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her life as a journeyman in the Ironworkers Union. Bihler also talked about the importance of diversity in the trades and her work with the BUD program in St. Louis
Bihler admitted she originally planned to be an artist after after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Sculpture degree. After working on an archaeological site after college, she took the leap to apply for the Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship program. She was accepted, and shared details about the transition into union life and some of the difficulties she experienced. She has been a member of the Local since 2013 as a journeyman and was one of two women to become the first female representatives at Local 396.
It’s incredibly important for trades to have a diverse group of members. Each time a member of the trades goes out into the community, they set a standard. As non-union workers see someone like them in the trades, they become more willing to learn about the different trades. Each time Bihler discusses her job and work, she uses it to educate the person on the trades and the importance of the work. She believes she serves as an example that anyone can join the trades if they have the right mentality.
Bihler serves as a representative and instructor for the Building Union Diversity (BUD) program in St. Louis. She uses her experience in the trades to educate the pre-apprenticeship classes and prepare them for a future in the trades. There are a lot of projects and money flowing into the St. Louis area, and with the growing number of retirees, the work being done by the BUD program is setting up the future of union workers in St. Louis. Bihler discussed how well the trades, particularly Local 396, in the St. Louis area, retain and support women and minorities in the union.
To learn more about Bihler and her experience as an Iron Worker, play the show above.