Iron Workers Local Union No. 21 History
Taking Pride in the Past
At the turn of the century when the auditorium was being built in downtown Omaha, the ironworkers were carrying cards in the Knights of Labor. In 1901 they went to work on the new post office building earning 20¢ per hour. It was during this time that a number of ironworkers from the Chicago area moved to Omaha. They joined the labor force erecting these large structures.
Among them, a man named Billy McCain, began the process of obtaining a charter from the Ironworkers International. The Charter was installed on June 24, 1901, making Omaha the 21st Local to obtain membership in the International Union. After organizing they returned to work at 22 1/2¢ per hour. The Ironworkers Local 21 had been established.
In 1942 the Local 21 became affiliated with the federal government’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. This affiliation insured skilled and properly trained iron working professionals. Today, the four year apprenticeship program prepares workers with 816 hours of classroom training and 8000 hours in the field. Wages for the apprentices start at 65% of Journeyman wages with a 4% increase every 6 months.
In 2006 Local 184 in Sioux City, Iowa merged with Local 21 combining the resources of both. This created a much larger and more efficient Local 21. With the added jurisdiction and members, Local 21 can serve its contractors and members with more uniformity and efficiency. The skilled professionals of Local 21 are proud to be a part of Nebraska, Western Iowa and South Dakota’s future.