Labor of Love:
Community Involvement Helps Shape Union's Future
In 2000, when John Schmitt took over as Business Manager for Laborers Local 113, he stepped into a position that would reinforce his beliefs about the union while simultaneously helping his family, membership and community members. The past 10 years have seen many changes and advancements within the Laborers, and Schmitt feels strongly that the unions' community outreach has served them well.
Being the first ones on a jobsite and the last ones to leave are one of the many reasons the Laborers are unique from other trades. However, when it comes to continuing the uniqueness and achievements of one of the most diverse unions, Schmitt feels partnering with the local community is the key to a successful future.
Leading Through Partnerships
"Without the community and our local unions working together, programs like the MORE ordinance never would've passed," Schmitt stated. The MORE ordinance helped level the playing field in many respects, and Schmitt feels it benefits labor, management and the community. The requirements within the ordinance, especially prevailing wage, allows contractors to be better prepared when bidding and forecasting work while positively impacting community members.
"Hopefully all the unions, especially Laborers Local 113, will continue to improve their social and political activity," Schmitt added, "because the power of working with community groups and politicians changes lives and shapes our future."
Although many initiatives start at the individual unions' level, it's important for all trades to partner on issues affecting the industry. Working with other trades is an everyday occurrence, and Schmitt's history as a trustee on the Building Trades United Pension Trust Fund Milwaukee and Vicinity, Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Milwaukee Building Trades, and as a board member on the Construction Labor Management Council of Southeast Wisconsin (CLMC), has benefitted his union, and proved that partnering with others strengthens all sides of our industry. "I've been involved with labor and management relations since the early 1980s," said Schmitt about his role within the CLMC and why sitting on the board is important for his union. "When you work together with management, you can better understand how to remain competitive, the challenges management has when working with the customer, and how we can grow together."
Ultimately, strong relationships in all aspects of the union construction industry make our communities better.
Stepping Forward
Having witnessed how far his union and industry advanced over his 36-year career readied him to take on his new role as the President and Business Manager of the Laborers District Council.
"Recognizing John's efforts over the years and how much he's done for Local 113, I'm proud to congratulate him on his new appointment to the Laborers District Council," Ken Kraemer, CLMC Executive Director stated. "He has been a huge asset to our board, and we've all been privileged to serve next to him over the years.
"Although he is moving on to another role within our industry, his insight will be missed," added Kraemer. "However, with every end comes a new beginning, and I'm happy to have Anthony Neira, newly appointed Business Manager for Local 113, fill John's seat on the board. Tony's extensive background and fresh perspective on labor and management relations will help the CLMC strengthen our industry."
"John did an outstanding job moving our union forward while he was Business Manager," Neira commented. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of leading our membership at the level they're used to while continuing our long-standing tradition of community involvement."
Power of One Newsletters
