Member Spotlight
Millwrights Local 2337: Remembering the Past to Prepare for the Future
As most of you know, when it comes to the trades, there is no shortage of pride. This sentiment is heard from union members to union leadership to families, and this pride is also shared within the Millwrights Local 2337. It's their ability to look to the future, partner with all trades, and their problem-solving capabilities that makes them proud.
Brief History
Millwrights began in the 12th century, as towns were being developed by harnessing the wind, and now has grown into a unique and skilled trade. The first known usage of the term 'millwright' was in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest known trades. Millwrights' work can be seen from power generation (wind mills and power plants) to conveyors in manufacturing to the roof at Miller Park.
"Early on, Millwrights were mechanical engineers and designers," said Dan Slane, Business Representative for the Millwrights. "We were and still are the precision arm of the construction industry, and we take great pride in our work."
Mechanical engineering and design capabilities are made possible through problem solving. Finding something that either hasn't worked yet or isn't working right, and making it better is what makes a Millwright a Millwright.
"We realize that productivity is what most people think of when they say performance," said Slane. "However, we understand that performance goes beyond productivity and into how well the trades communicate with each other."
Working Hand in Hand
Partnering with other trades is an important reason for the millwright's successes and future plans. Working together is never underestimated nor understated because "without the other trades on the site, the project wouldn't get done," said Slane. Millwrights work daily with ironworkers, operating engineers and many other trades, and they realize they help their customers and contractors by partnering together to make the best possible product.
"Our relationship with the Millwrights allows me to have the confidence needed when we are working together on a project," said Bob Doro, President of Doral Corporation. "Their problem-solving abilities and work ethic are what this industry is about."
A unique initiative the Millwrights are undertaking is human performance training and how it improves collaboration between the trades.
"We realize that productivity is what most people think of when they say performance," said Slane. "However, we understand that performance goes beyond productivity and into how well the trades communicate with each other."
"Although we rely on our employees to be productive, the way the Millwrights engage their members helps us out on our projects," added Doro. "It's a trend I am seeing since I'm involved with many of the trades. It's about reaching out to each member or employee and making sure they are buying into the end goal of making sure the customer is happy."
Reinforcing teamwork and the need to constantly upgrade the skills to remain competitive in the industry are equally important to the Millwright's future success. Since the work is always evolving, the members also need to evolve and remain at the highest skill level possible.
Learning from Experience
Since the Millwrights merged with the Chicago Council of Carpenters in 2004, they have seen immediate benefits for their members and customers. Their local contractors have more portability, larger areas to do work, and it allows for access to manpower like never before. These added benefits have helped to position the Millwrights for many growth opportunities.
Additionally, the Millwrights are looking to their history to help with their future. Since the very early days of their trade, they were involved with wind power, and it is fitting that they are again involved with generating power through wind mills and more traditional power generators, such as the Elm Road Generating Station.
"I'm really proud of the work we've done on the Elm Road project," said Slane. "We have the best safety record of any trade onsite, and it's a testament to our dedication to training." More information about the safety on this project can be found in the Building Trades Safety Committee Impacts the Bottom Line article in this issue. Slane and the Millwrights were heavily involved in the success of that program and all trades benefitted from the committee's work.
Continually upgrading their skills and planning for the future affords the Millwrights the ability to meet members' demands as well as their contractors and customers. Without the efforts of each trades person on any jobsite, a successful project is not possible. The Millwrights understand this as well as anyone, and their work ethic gives them reason to be proud.
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