Director of Workforce Development and Organizing and also Vice President for Ironworkers Local 55 in Toledo, Ohio, Rob Monak, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about how he teaches fifth graders important job traits. He also discussed organizing and the work outlook for Local 55 members.
Years ago, Local 55 joined the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce and Monak, who has a bachelor’s degree in education, was asked to participate in a program to teach students about career opportunities. As part of the REACH Program, Monak visits fifth-grade students at the Lakota Schools once a month to talk about things like work ethic, attendance, paying attention, making an effort and a variety of careers, including being an ironworker.
Monak also spoke about the organizing efforts going on within the Iron Workers District Council and how he and others are working to help people improve their lives by joining the union. He discussed how one new organized member is succeeding. This young man, an Army veteran, has exceeded all expectations. As a result, the Local and his contractor are putting together a succession plan for him to advance his career.
Finally, there are two major projects in the Local 55 jurisdiction - a datacenter project in Sandusky and an Amazon warehouse. Monak said more datacenters are coming to the region and discussed how it will benefit the members of his Local.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Monak on his outreach to fifth graders and the work opportunities in Northwest Ohio.