Take Five with John Jorgensen
Business Manager of District Council 7
Recently, John Jorgensen shared his perspective regarding the continually evolving construction industry and his leadership role within District Council 7.
Q. How long have you been in the union?
Jorgensen: I've been a member for 25 years — since I began my four-year apprenticeship in the 1980s. After my apprenticeship, I knew I would want to run for office because it had always been an interest of mine. First, I became a trustee to the apprenticeship and health funds, and in the late 1980s, I made it to the executive board level in the union. I also worked as a business agent helping out with grievances, job referrals and the like.
Q. What led you to become business manager and how long have you been the business manager?
Jorgensen: As I said before, I knew all along that I wanted to be in the union office helping our trade move forward. It made the most sense to run for this position. I like servicing our members and making sure that what I do each day is representative of how hard each of them work.
Q. How has your role as business manager changed throughout the years?
Jorgensen: In 1975, we had 25 local unions throughout Wisconsin, and by 2003, that number had dwindled to eight. At that time, we decided to develop a District Council for all the Painters and Allied Trades in Wisconsin, which changed my role as business manager. By forming the District Council, we could focus on moving the union forward with additional resources and manpower. This decision has allowed us to grow stronger, generate more revenue and spend more time on our members.
When I first became business manager in 1994, our resources were limited and I wasn't able provide the level of service I wanted. However, when the idea of forming the District Council first came about, members were skeptical and not fully on board. They felt it was too autonomous and that the individual unions would lose their voice. With the merging of the health and welfare funds, which led to an increase in benefits at no additional cost, members have now seen the direct benefits of this move.
Q. What accomplishments/growth have you seen throughout your tenure and in the industry as a whole?
Jorgensen: We are heading into an exciting era with the purchase of a new training center that allows us to "walk the walk." We will finally have a true multi-craft center where the Painters, Glaziers, and Sign and Display Workers will be able to learn and hone their skills. The training facility will benefit both our members and employers.
Like many industries, ours is constantly evolving and we need to know how to use new techniques, equipment and products. With the addition of the training center to our District Council, we can stay on top of "green construction," which we received a few grants for this year, and also look toward the future in commercial and infrastructure work. Upgrading our program directly affects our members. I'm proud to have been a part of securing the training center.
We have also taken a stronger role in securing more grants and have increased our efforts in our political activities. It's not just about cutting politicians checks, but becoming involved with campaigns, being up to speed on legislation affecting our industry, and leading the fight to show our commitment.
Q. How has the relationship between the union and management changed over the years?
Jorgensen: It has definitely improved. Twenty years ago, we didn't meet on a regular basis – we only met during contract negotiations and grievances. Today, with better relationships and both sides having an understanding of how the other operates, we are able to work together in a much less adversarial way. Knowing what it takes for a contractor to operate their business and vice versa allows us to make decisions that positively affect all of us.
"John is clearly dedicated to his union and advancing their positions," said Tom Sweitzer, owner, Hess Sweitzer. "There are always going to be issues between contractors and the union. It goes with the territory. But John has helped improve the relationship between the parties over the years he has been in office."
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