It was recognized over 70 years ago that if the IABSORIW were to adequately maintain their jurisdiction as erectors, it would be necessary to organize the many steel fabricators and related industries. The Shop Department was created to address this issue.
Today the Shop Department has over 16,000 members in 63 Local Unions, covered by over 500 collective bargaining agreements with various employers throughout the United States and Canada. By organizing the steel fabricating and related industries, the Iron Workers International became a potent force in the representation of industrial workers. The 16,000 members organized by the Shop Department consisting of men, women, skilled, semi-skilled work in large and small shops in a diverse set of industries throughout the United States and Canada.
The Shop Department offers employees and well as their employers the opportunity to participate in the National Shopmen’s Pension Plan and the Canadian National Shopmen’s Pension Plan along with participation in the National Health Care Plan, for further information please contact this Department.
In conjunction with the Outside Organizing Department, this Department continuously conducts aggressive campaigns to organize those who need a voice in the workplace so that they will earn higher wages, have pensions and health plans and be treated with dignity at the workplace. In addition to Local Union representation throughout the United States and Canada we have International Representatives who stand ready to assist unorganized workers in all organizing campaigns. These efforts safeguard the Iron Workers jurisdiction while improving the standard of living for our entire membership and all working men and women.
