For the better part of a century, the Ironworkers Local 92 Union has been helping United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) build a stronger community. Union members have been stalwart volunteers, ready to pitch in and provide labor and expertise on a wide variety of projects ranging from community gardens to children’s playgrounds.
One recent example of the union’s involvement in UWCA’s projects is the new Walker County Community Park. In celebration of United Way’s 100th anniversary in Central Alabama, the organization is building or revitalizing parks in each of the six counties it serves. The plan for the Walker County park included a pavilion, walking track, numerous benches – and swing sets that required extensive fabrication. That’s where the help of Local 92 came in.
The swing sets were built onsite from steel tubing and plates that were machined and welded, planted firmly in the ground and painted bright blue. Used as learning experience, the work was done by apprentices in the union’s training program. It’s an arrangement that’s truly a win for everyone.
Brandon Edmonson, an Apprenticeship Instructor with the union, said the volunteer efforts have been particularly beneficial for the ironworkers in training. “While the apprentices are building these projects, they get experience in all aspects of ironworking, so we use these projects to benefit them for when they go into the field.”
The relationship between United Way and the Ironworkers really took shape in the mid-1900s when W.O. “Buddy” Hare, an Ironworker himself and former financial officer of the union, became UWCA’s first Labor Liaison. That position is held today by David Clark, who has a great talent for relating to, cultivating and organizing volunteers himself.
“Ironworkers Local 92 is one of the oldest unions in our area. They built the Birmingham skyline,” said Clark. Union members take pride in their community and demonstrate that through their participation in projects that enhance our quality of life. In fact, in recent years, Local 92 has become one of the key providers of volunteer labor for United Way’s more ambitious projects.
At Jones Valley Teaching Farm, for example, planters made from corten steel are a key component of the operation. (Corten steel is also referred to as weathered steel and is known for its corrosion resistance and high strength in outdoor applications. Due to its unique properties, however, it can be difficult to work with and requires special skill.) When United Way coordinated the containers’ fabrication, the work was performed by apprentices from Ironworkers Local 92.
Beyond the skills training that volunteer projects offer, Edmonson said these service opportunities can be the first time that apprentices experience the pride that comes from ironworking. “They get that sense of self accomplishment as they walk away saying to themselves, ‘I did that.’”
Across all its impact areas, UWCA’s network of partners and programs rely on volunteers every day to help meet the needs of people across Central Alabama. For information about how you can get involved, click here. Or to learn more about United Way’s impact in our area, click here.