The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 30 serves NYC, Long Island, and CT, and represents stationary engineers and facility maintenance workers. The IUOE Local 30 has over 5,000 members, and has the only apprenticeship program in the area of stationery engineering that is registered with NYSDOL. This program is focused on training workers in the field of HVAC/R engineering, facility maintenance systems, and technology associated with those systems. The union’s tag line is “We Power and Maintain”. Local 30 members work in the engineering rooms of the iconic buildings that define New York culture, including the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, CitiField, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and the symbol of America’s commitment to freedom – the Statue of Liberty.
Last year (pre-COVID) WDI worked with IUOE Local 30 to help the union stay current with changing technologies in heating and cooling systems. Specifically, WDI helped to support a new classroom training system so that union members could train on new technologies being used in the field. When the equipment was purchased, the union predicted that the new equipment and tools would lead to career advancement for members and new opportunities for apprentices.
We recently heard back from the union on the impact of the equipment. IUOE Local 30 leadership reports that a total of 100 union members have been trained on the equipment thus far, and that 50 apprentices have been promoted to Mechanic level as a result of the training. The promotions resulted in wage increases of roughly $7.20/hour. Overall, the union reports that the new equipment has improved the knowledge and safety of their members.
photo credit: IUOE Local 30