Plumbers union celebrates 75 years

Plumbers union celebrates 75 years LIMA - Look around town and you cannot miss any building of consequence the Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians union hasn't had a big hand in constructing and keeping safe. "Without a doubt, just about any major structure here, our members have had a hand in it," said Mike Knisley, business manager for the union. The union is also proud of its contribution to the larger union movement, and what that has meant for worker safety, working conditions and equal pay. All the trade unions are struggling with recruiting young people to apprenticeship programs and are increasing efforts in places such as high schools. "We've made a lot of strides. About 500 people are members of United Association Local 776. We achieved a standard workday, workweek and standard wage," Knisley said. A lot of guys paid an ultimate sacrifice, and they paved the way for younger people to have a safe workplace. "People used to work sunup to sundown. More than 300 people attended the banquet, which included honoring recent apprenticeship graduates, retirees and members celebrating milestone anniversaries in the trades. It remains that way today, Knisley said, as members protect people's health implementing good sanitation codes and maintaining safe environments at places such as Lima Memorial Health System, St. "We are trying to promote that it's a nice living with relative job security in today's age," Knisley said. Plumbers union celebrates 75 years Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 29/04/2012