Ironworkers Local 22 Business Manager John Whitaker and Western Region Organizer Jon Brian joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the struggles of organizing workers in Indiana, a So-Called “Right to Work” state, and their efforts to educate politicians about what unions can do for working people.
Local 22 represents over 1,300 Ironworkers in the Indianapolis area.
Many politicians do not understand what unions do, nor the fact registered apprenticeship programs are entirely self-funded, Whitaker said. He has taken numerous Indiana politicians on tours of Local 22’s training center.
Last month, representatives from Local 22 sat down with Indiana state legislators and discussed issues and concerns related to the Ironworkers, Whitaker said. It was a good opportunity to let these politicians know what Local 22 is about and the value apprenticeship programs provide in creating a more qualified workforce, he added.
Brian explained many workers in Indiana do not understand the benefits unions can offer. Organizing is particularly challenging when there are numerous misconceptions about union pay and benefits, he said. When workers are educated about the quality of the healthcare and retirement benefits union members enjoy, joining a Local Union becomes much more enticing, he added.
Lastly, the two discussed the Bridge Formula Program which, provides $27 billion to improve bridges as part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program will help repair numerous bridges in Indiana, Whitaker said.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topic.