Getting into Construction: Books, Movies, & TV

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Children often idolize construction workers, but as they get older that appreciation sometimes fades. All too often, those in our fields feel the bias against blue collar work. 

Maryland contractor and CEO of Delmarva Veteran Builders, Chris Eccleston, wanted to change that. He teamed up with graphic designer Jenny Kerr Schroen to create Grit Leads to Greatness, a children’s adventure book about two siblings living in a city that has forgotten how to build. Together, they work to find a mason, a carpenter, a plumber and an electrician who help them rebuild their home. The book captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike, reminding them how exciting and important construction is to our world. 

We love seeing young people (and adults!) encouraged to look into the trades, so this blog post highlights the many books, movies, and TV shows that spotlight construction or construction workers. Check them out!

Books

  1. “The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate” by Jon Gordon: This book tells the inspiring true story of George Boiardi, a construction worker and college lacrosse player who embodied the qualities of a great teammate. It offers practical advice on how to build a strong team, both on and off the construction site.
  2. “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach: While not specifically about construction workers, this novel tells the story of a college baseball team and the construction workers who built their stadium. It explores themes of teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
  3. “The Soul of a New Machine” by Tracy Kidder: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of a group of engineers and construction workers who built a new computer in the late 1970s. It offers a fascinating look at the creative process and the challenges of building something new.

Movies

  1. The Big Short: This movie tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the housing market before the 2008 financial crisis. It features several scenes of construction workers building new homes and developments, and offers a sobering look at the consequences of reckless speculation.
  2. Joe Dirt: A comedy that follows the misadventures of a janitor who dreams of becoming a construction worker. It’s a lighthearted and fun movie that features several scenes of construction workers on the job.
  3. Iron Man: This superhero movie features several scenes of construction workers building Tony Stark’s state-of-the-art laboratory and other high-tech facilities. It’s a fun and action-packed movie that shows the importance of construction workers in building the infrastructure of the future.

TV Shows

  1. Undercover Boss: This reality show follows CEOs as they go undercover and work alongside their employees. Several episodes have featured construction companies and their workers, offering an inside look at the challenges and rewards of the job.
  2. Dirty Jobs: This popular show features host Mike Rowe as he travels the country and works alongside people in a variety of dirty, difficult, and often dangerous jobs. Several episodes focus on construction workers and the many difficulties they face.
  3. Building Alaska: This show follows a group of construction workers as they build homes and other structures in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. It offers a fascinating look at the challenges of building in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

We hope you get a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy something from the list above. You’re never too old to get excited about construction!

The Future of Women in Construction

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As part of Women’s History Month, the construction industry celebrates Women in Construction Week from March 5th-11th. To celebrate, we wanted to highlight women who are making a difference in construction: who they are, what they bring to the industry, and how they are making the future brighter for everyone.

Who They Are

Women make up 14% of the construction industry and only about 3.4% of actual trade workers. Considering women make up 47% of the national workforce, this number is low, but it’s growing. 

Studies have shown that diversity increases employee engagement, improves productivity, and fosters innovation, so it’s no surprise that 59% of employers are actively working to bring a wider variety of people to their teams. This includes hiring more women, providing them with ongoing training and professional development opportunities, and promoting them into positions of leadership.

Bringing Growth to the Industry

Women are drawn to construction for many of the same reasons men are: a plethora of available jobs, great wages, and the ability to build a long, rewarding career. Yet there are even more reasons why a woman in particular would want to work in construction: For one, the pay gap in construction is small, with women earning 99.1% of what their male counterparts earn. This is substantially better than the national average of 81.1%. 

Beyond being a very physical job, construction requires intelligence and problem solving skills. Whether it’s making a bid for a job, creating a budget, drawing a blueprint, or solving a difficult puzzle on a job site, women inhabit the world differently and therefore can bring a different perspective to these tasks that often improve efficiency and save companies money.

Workers of the Future

Opportunities for women in construction continue to grow. As the industry looks for ways to recruit young workers, scholarships and training programs are becoming more widely available. For example, just this month the Department of Labor entered into a $20 million agreement with TradesFutures to create pathways for women and minorities into the industry through registered apprenticeship programs. TradesFutures, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, plans to enroll 13,000 applicants into these programs, with over half of them being placed into registered apprenticeship programs across the country over the next four years. 

To make sure that women, veterans, people of color, Native Americans and other underrepresented groups are getting access to the program, TradesFutures will be partnering with the National Urban League and North America’s Building Trade Unions. The initial apprenticeship programs will be in Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri, but will expand to other states as programming becomes available. 

Want to be part of this great change? Check out our last Women in Construction blog post for tips to help you diversify your labor. 

At Steadfast, LLC, we believe that diversity is a strength, and it will only improve the future of construction! We hope to see more women and other underrepresented groups given equal pay, equal access to learning opportunities, and an equal chance to build a thriving career in construction. 

Happy Holiday Workers

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The holidays are a fun yet stressful time of year. The best way to keep your staff feeling happy and motivated? Show them some appreciation! While it’s important to recognize your staff for their hard work every day, we’ve come up with a short list of easy ways to make their holiday season a little bit brighter (and make you more popular than Grandma’s Christmas cookies).

Thank Them

This one might seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the stress of tight deadlines, weather delays, holiday time off, workers out sick, and other obstacles. Make sure you’re telling your staff that you’re grateful for their work and commitment, and let them know when they’ve done a good job. Whether you say it out loud, send an email, or send out holiday cards, ensure the gesture is personal and meaningful. This is important year-round, but especially important when dealing with the stress of the holiday season. 

Pay Them

Most people have additional financial needs during this time of year, so there is nothing like a holiday bonus to make the season a little bit brighter. If you can, budget a bonus for each of your staff members to take home a little bit extra. Make sure you’re doing it fairly with either the same amount for everyone or based on a percentage of their pay. This can be added directly to their paycheck, or handed out in the form of separate checks or gift cards. 

If an added bonus simply isn’t in your budget, another possible option is to let staff leave a few hours early or take a paid day off so they can spend some more worry-free time with their family. Plus, studies show that breaks like these tend to make workers more motivated and productive when they come back to work the next day.

Feed Them

Never underestimate the value of free food, whether it’s morning coffee, a jobsite lunch, or, if it’s in your budget, a special dinner out with their families. If providing a meal is something you do regularly throughout the year, try to step it up a notch during the holiday season. That doesn’t necessarily mean steak and lobster, but do pay attention to your crew’s preferences and try to provide something they’ll enjoy. 

The cost of groceries has gone up across the country, so another option is to provide grocery gift cards or holiday fare (like a turkey, a ham, or pies) to each crew member for them to take home and share with their loved ones. This allows them to bring your appreciation home with them, and keep some of their hard earned money in their pocket.

Treat Them to a Good Time

Regardless of the industry, “team building” makes most workers roll their eyes and start looking for the closest exit. However, team building doesn’t have to be boring ice breakers or full of pseudo-inspirational buzzwords. Take your team paintballing, on a brewery tour, to a sports event, to axe throwing, or to an escape room. The opportunities are endless! Activities like these are a pivotal way to foster team bonding and create positivity in your company culture. 

Let Them Unwind

Holiday parties can be a blast, and a great way for employees to relax and let loose together. They do take a lot of planning and money, though, so make sure you give yourself plenty of lead time to make it happen in a cost-effective way. 

Also consider your crew’s preferences. Will you invite significant others and children? Are there any specific dietary needs? What time of week or even month would make the most sense?

If you want the party atmosphere, but don’t have the time, energy, or budget for a big holiday party, a simpler option is to sponsor a happy hour or round of after-work drinks for your team. Just make sure it’s held somewhere that non-alcoholic options are available for those that don’t drink, and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Offering up Uber or Lyft credits ahead of time is a great way to make sure folks know they can enjoy themselves and still get home safe.

Science has shown that showing gratitude is a win for employees and companies alike, and there’s no better time to show your staff how much you care than the holiday season. And if you are looking for qualified staff and equipment operators to help finish your projects, look no further. Contact Steadfast today to find out how we can easily and quickly connect you to the right people to get your job done! 

6 Ways to Beat the Heat

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With temperatures reaching all time highs across the country, many construction teams are trying to keep their workers cool while still moving their projects forward. 

OSHA’s current guidance of rest, hydrate, and shade is only the start to keeping your team safe. Below are 6 simple tips for keeping them cool and protected during the summer months: 

1. Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses like heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can come on fast, so it’s important to know their signs. Common signs of heat illness include: 

  • Thirst and/or dehydration
  • Fatigue 
  • Excess sweating, or the inability to sweat normally
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nervous system dysfunction
  • Cramping or muscle spasms
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fast or shallow breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Mental confusion

Train your workers to keep a lookout for these signs in themselves and others, and empower them to take action when they notice something’s not right. Always keep a first aid kit and extra water at every job site. 

2. Have Hydration Stations

Hydration is key! Not drinking enough water when carrying out heavy manual labor is one of the quickest ways to dehydrate. 

Make sure your crew members are drinking water or other hydrating fluids like sports drinks, coconut water, or juices every 15-20 minutes, and avoid large amounts of coffee, sodas, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration. Encourage your team to bring their own beverage containers to fill with water, and have water bottles or a water station on site. 

3. Be the Best Dressed

Make sure your staff are outfitted in proper clothing for their working conditions. Light-colored, loose fitting, and lightweight garments will help keep workers from overheating. 

Moisture wicking clothing is a great option, as this material draws the sweat off the body, keeping you both cool and dry. Natural fibers like cotton will also absorb moisture and are breathable. If it’s in your budget, providing a few company T-shirts to each crew member is a great way to ensure they have the proper attire while showing them you appreciate them being part of your team. 

4. Wear Sunscreen

Similar to wearing the proper clothing, sunscreen will help your team prevent burns, which are painful and make it harder for the body to regulate temperature. Provide a sweat-proof, broad-spectrum sunscreen on your job sites and encourage your staff to reapply frequently.

5. Start Early and Pay Attention

Temperatures usually peak between 3 and 5pm, so if possible, shift your workday to avoid these hours. Also keep an eye on the heat index, which combines relative humidity with air temperature to find the apparent temperature (aka, what it actually feels like outside). You can download OSHA’s Health Safety Mobile App here and it will tell you the apparent temperature, the risk to workers, and suggested measures to protect your team.  

6. Stay Cool

If the air temperature is near or above body temperature (98.6° F), the blood circulated to the surface of your skin is unable to shed heat. 

The body will begin to sweat, but if the humidity is too high and the sweat is unable to evaporate, it can’t leave your body and cool it down. This can lead to overheating. 

To combat this and keep your internal temperature at a safe level, make sure your crews are taking frequent breaks in the shade or in an air conditioned building, trailer, or vehicle. If you can’t provide an air conditioned space, set up portable, circulating fans. Also provide cool water, both for hydration and for staff to wet rags, which they can place on pulse points like the neck, wrists, elbows, and tops of the feet and quickly bring down their internal body temperatures. Cooling vests and neck coolers are also great ways to keep cool and avoid heat related injuries. 

Worker safety should always be top priority, and knowing how to avoid heat-related illness is one of the best ways to keep them going strong. If you need more help over the summer or beyond, Steadfast Entities, LLC is here to help with all of your staffing needs. Contact us today!

Worker Retention

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The average person spends 90,000 hours at work, or approximately ⅓ of their lifetime, and most leaders want that time to be pleasant for our employees. 

While competitive wages and benefits are the first step in employee retention, with today’s labor shortages and changing society, it’s more important than ever to keep staff satisfied. Happier workers tend to take fewer sick days, make better teammates, and are more productive. Plus, finding, hiring, and training new employees takes valuable time and money, especially during busy seasons. 

While no employer can guarantee perfect weather, zero setbacks, and completely united crews all the time, there are several things leaders can do to make workers happier and, ultimately, keep them longer. 

1. Safety First

Safety of your employees should always be your top priority. It may be tempting to relax safety procedures and cut corners, but doing this subtly tells workers that you don’t care about their health and wellbeing. Make sure they have all of the protective equipment they need and they know how to use it. 

2. Maintain Equipment

Nothing decreases morale like having poorly-maintained equipment. Investing in quality, up-to-date tools, materials, and equipment will keep your staff safer and more comfortable, improve work speed, and give your employees the literal tools they need to take pride in their work. This also includes using new technology (drones, AI, and productivity management software, for example) that can help your team become more efficient and learn new things.

3. Cultivate the Culture

Whether you call it culture, feeling, or atmosphere, the general vibe around the workplace needs to remain positive. This doesn’t mean you have to be hyper upbeat or micro-manage; it just means making sure your values and mission are reflected in their work and attitude. Everyone, from general laborers up to the CEO, should feel respected and heard. Make sure your management is supportive, professional, and invested in creating a team atmosphere.. 

4. Be Flexible

For most employees, work isn’t their whole life. Ask staff what they want, truly listen to their responses, and promote a healthy work/life balance. This might look like working 4/10s instead of 5/8s (which has been shown to boost productivity, and gives staff an extra day to recharge), or providing more time off during the holidays for staff to spend with their families and friends. If you do have staff working nights, weekends, and/or holidays, compensate them well! 

5. Appreciate Your Crew

This one might be obvious, but a little bit of appreciation goes a long way to keeping staff. Get to know your staff, and find out what they like. Simple shout-outs, the occasional worksite meal, and holiday bonuses are fairly inexpensive ways to let your people know you appreciate them. Your workers should never feel like they’re just a number or disposable. Once they do, they’ll start thinking of their employer as replaceable, too. 

6. Provide a Path for Growth  

Careers keep people, dead-end jobs do not. Make sure your staff have a clear path for advancement. Develop in-house training programs and offer opportunities to learn new equipment and technologies. Whenever possible, promote internally and show existing staff that they can move into leadership positions if they stay with your company.

Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, prides itself on providing quality staffing and equipment to developers, project managers and general contractors across the country. We’re proud to employ expert operating engineers who are safe, productive, and efficient, and to offer modern, up-to-date equipment that uses industry leading technology. Let us help you complete your project today! Click here for staffing support or check out our equipment rentals here.

Why OSHA?

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What is OSHA?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, was introduced “to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance”. 

While OSHA sometimes gets a bad reputation for their numerous requirements and steep fines for noncompliance, they have decreased the number of workplace illnesses, injuries, and fatalities by over 80% since their inception in the early 1970s. 

Costly Violations

OSHA creates enforcement policies and targeted inspection programs, and responds to fatalities, catastrophes, and complaints. If they find a company is not in compliance with their safety standards, they can face serious financial penalties ranging from $14,502 to $145,027 per violation. For 2021,  the most common violations from around the country were: 

  1. Fall Protection (5,271 violations)
  2. Respiratory Protection (2,521 violations)
  3. Ladders (2,018 violations)
  4. Scaffolding (1,943 violations)
  5. Hazard Communication (1,939 violations)
  6. Lockout/Tagout (1,670 violations)
  7. Fall Protection Training Requirements (1,660 violations)
  8. Eye and Face Protection (1,451 violations)
  9. Powered Industrial Trucks (1,404 violations)
  10. Machine Guarding (1,105 violations)

Protecting Workers

OSHA reviews worker safety in many types of industries, including construction, general industry, maritime, agriculture, and the federal sector. The largest OSHA fine in history was issued to BP Products North America, Inc. in 2005 in the amount of $87 million, after an explosion at a Texas refinery killed 15 people and injured another 170. 

Unfortunately, unsafe working environments can still be a problem today.

  • In 2021, a water utilities construction company in Boston was fined almost $1.3 million after two workers were struck by a dump truck and pushed into a nine foot trench, causing their deaths.
  • An aluminum parts manufacturer had a history of repeated safety violations, and was fined $1.2 million after a worker was hit and killed by a machine’s barrier door.
  • And a grain facility in Wisconsin was fined over $676,000 after the engulfment death of a corn silo manager. These tragic accidents highlight the continued importance of OSHA in maintaining safe work environments for employees. 

At Steadfast Entities, LLC, we make safety a priority. We are signatory with The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542, who employs a rigorous training program for all equipment operators.

Once assigned to a Steadfast project, they are further trained on our specialized equipment.  By combining modern, reliable equipment with well trained, top-tier employees, we ensure a satisfying customer experience and safe, happy workers.

Contact us about your project today: jhworthy@steadfastentities.com

Top 10 Best States for Construction Jobs

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Does the New Year have you itching for a change? 

As the pandemic slows and people return to work, construction jobs are now more available than ever across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of construction industry jobs is expected to grow by 7% into 2030, and that the increase in federal funding from the Infrastructure Bill will provide stability for many types of construction companies throughout the coming years. 

Maybe you’re looking for better opportunities, to make some money in the booming housing market, or to start fresh somewhere different. If you’re in the construction field or just starting in the industry, and looking for a change in locale, here are the top 10 best states for construction.

Top 10 states with the most construction job openings: 

  • California: 672,280
  • Texas: 608,110
  • Florida: 413,800
  • New York: 311,430
  • Pennsylvania: 213,630
  • Illinois: 181,550
  • Ohio: 178,900
  • North Carolina: 178,710
  • Virginia: 165,410
  • Washington: 161,780

While having plenty of opportunity is important, so are wages. Many of the states with the most jobs available (Texas, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia in particular) all have an average wage below the national average of $25.93. 

Top 10 states with the best wages per hour:

  • Hawaii: $35.08
  • Illinois: $33.86
  • Massachusetts: $32.65
  • New York: $32.49
  • Alaska: $32.33
  • Washington: $32.23
  • New Jersey: $31.51
  • California: $30.78
  • Connecticut: $30.15
  • Minnesota: $30.09

Enjoying the warm, sandy beaches of Hawaii after a long day of work might sound relaxing, but  once again it’s important to consider other factors, like the high costs of living. Taking this into consideration, let’s look at what states have the most growth potential, measured by population growth from 2020-2021. 

Top 10 states with the most growth potential:

  • Texas: +310,288
  • Florida: +211,196
  • Arizona: +98,330
  • North Carolina: +93,985
  • Georgia: +73,766
  • South Carolina: +59,976
  • Utah: +56,291
  • Tennessee: +55,099
  • Idaho: +53,151
  • Nevada: +29,920

Top 10 states with the largest populations (in billions): 

  • California: 39.512
  • Texas: 28.996
  • Florida: 21.478
  • New York: 19.454
  • Pennsylvania: 12.802
  • Illinois: 12.672
  • Ohio: 11.689
  • Georgia: 10.617
  • North Carolina: 10.488
  • Michigan: 9.987

When combining all of these factors, professionals found the following 10 states to be the absolute best for those looking to work in the construction industry, with great potential, growth, and wage numbers. 

Top 10 best states for construction work:

  • California
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Washington
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina

No matter where you live, now is a great time to be in construction. We’re happy to be a part of this ever-growing industry and to be recognized for our dedication to quality workmanship and customer service. 

If you’re one of the many project managers looking for staff in the new year, reach out today to see what we can do for you. Let’s ease those staffing woes and provide you with the people you need, when you need them.

 

Read more employment data and the full article at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

Diversity in Construction

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The construction industry often struggles with diversity. 

It’s most clear when it comes to gender: as of 2021, women comprise only about 8% of the total construction workforce, despite making up 47% of all employed people worldwide. Of that 8%, only about 1% work on jobsites, with the majority of women being placed in office and sales positions. 

Similarly, there is a huge disparity when it comes to race: 58.7% of those working in construction are white, followed by 24.5% Hispanic or Latino and 10.7% Black or African American. 

Why does it matter?

Research has shown that having a wider mix of people on your staff improves morale and productivity, and keeps workers on your team longer. The good news is that diversity is always improving and there are things you or your job leaders can do to help. With the ever-increasing housing market, it’s expected that the industry will need another 430,000 workers in the coming year. Widening your search to include underrepresented individuals can help fill those labor gaps. This also tends to improve performance, as a larger hiring pool means opening yourself up to finding more talent and a wider range of skills (studies have shown inclusive firms have 1.32 times higher productivity than less diverse firms). 

An increase in talent can also lead to improved problem-solving, as a wide range of experiences and perspectives mean more innovation when facing challenges on the jobsite. More innovation leads to quicker solutions, which means your company can outperform your less diverse competition. It’s also going to get you noticed, as high performance and a positive work environment are two of the best ways (along with decent pay and benefits) to attract and retain quality craftspeople to your team – critically important with today’s labor shortages. 

How do I diversify my workforce? 

First, check in with yourself. Make sure that you are offering the same opportunities for leadership and promotion to everyone. For example, are the women on your team offered the same leadership opportunities as the men, or are they limited to only administrative positions? These changes often start with company management reevaluating their current policies, and making sure they are free from unconscious biases and discrimination. This could mean changing promotion criteria and providing diversity training to both management and employees. 

When hiring new employees, aim for a blind review that omits the applicant’s name so you can be more impartial. Have multiple people on your hiring team, and whenever possible include people from diverse backgrounds. 

Building new partnerships is also key to bringing in new and varied talent. Starting a partnership with a local high school, community college, or nonprofit to teach youth and young adults construction skills can not only get your name out into the community, but can also jump start the training of your next batch of employees with little effort on your part. This also ensures the diversity of your workforce is representative of your community. 

Diversity and inclusion is the way of the future. Put your organization in a position to succeed by hiring and promoting a diverse range of staff. With this mindset, you can resolve labor shortages while ensuring your staff feel safe, satisfied, and empowered in the new year. 

Data Source: Zippia

Doing More with Less: Facing the Labor & Supply Shortage

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As projects and funding increase, labor and supplies still remain at an all-time low. Expectations have also returned to pre-pandemic levels, but construction leaders are still struggling with limited resources and project delays. 

To manage this tight situation we’re facing, construction leaders must better manage their assets to deliver on projects despite fewer workers and more expensive or unavailable materials. 

Here are some ways you can do more with less:

Technology

Harnessing the right construction technology could be your saving grace. The right software can help you bid and build better project teams, track data to improve workflow, cut down on costs, and improve teamwork and resource allocation across projects. 

When staffing options are limited, technology can also increase the candidate pool and improve safety conditions. One great example of this is using remote controlled excavators. 

Watch this recorded webinar to learn more about how you can best use technology. 

Renting

When choosing the right equipment or staffing the right operators, going with a rental service like Steadfast ensures you’re perfectly matched with what you need. 

Don’t buy equipment that sits in a warehouse, unproductive, after the project scope changes or you can’t afford a repair. By renting, you’ll get help identifying the right equipment and operator on the front side, and then be able to use them efficiently only where they’re needed.

Renting saves time, money, and energy, allowing you to do more with less. 

Relationships 

There’s a reason that word of mouth is king in the construction industry: personal connections and project teams are the backbone of this field. Especially in these difficult times of labor and supply shortages, establishing strong relationships with other vendors, clients, and your employees could be the answer to your long-term success. 

Communicate effectively, offer a reasonable level of transparency, and show that you care. Explore new opportunities for staffing, follow through on vendor promises, and maintain integrity in your work. These efforts will translate to strong community ties that will support you through difficult times. 

Whatever your struggle, the construction industry is here for you! Explore construction articles online or email us at info@steadfastentities.com for more information about our rental and staffing services. 

Construction Unions

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Unions truly make the world go round. Their legacy of advocacy has built our construction industry to what it is now and had long-lasting impacts on the way we view labor in America. 

The History of the IUOE

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has a similarly rich history. 

“Working conditions for construction and stationary workers in the late 1800s were, at best, appalling,” the IUOE website says. Wages were very low, hours were long, and benefits nonexistent. On December 7th, 1896, eleven innovative individuals formed what is now known as the IUOE. They all shared the unique ability to operate dangerous steam boilers, putting them in a position of greater leverage with companies. 

Through the Great Depression and two World Wars, this organization continuously advocated for and advanced the rights and needs of workers. Their hard work helped develop iconic buildings and places. 

“San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, Chicago’s Sears Tower, Toronto’s CN Tower and Sky Dome, New York’s Empire State Building and Holland Tunnel, the Statue of Liberty, Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge, the Alaskan Pipeline and Hoover Dam—all are monuments to the skills of the members of IUOE.”

What the Union Does

Unions are fundamental to supporting workers through collective bargaining, legislative action, and extensive training programs. Over the years, unions have directly or indirectly brought about:

  • The Department of Labor
  • Labor Day
  • The end of child labor
  • Railway Labor Act 
  • Guaranteed union wages
  • 8 hour work day
  • 40 hour work week
  • The National Labor Relations Act
  • Minimum wage
  • Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Fair Employment Practice Commission (FEPC)
  • Equal Pay Act
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • And much more!

Explore more about the history, legacy, and current activities of the operating engineers’ union by visiting the IUOE website here. 

Do you need operating engineers?

Steadfast is signatory with IUOE Local 542, which is a blend of heavy equipment operators in building and construction, along with C&D Branch division members who are employed at quarries, landfills, equipment dealers, shipyards, breweries, manufacturing, airports, bridges, and public works. Local 542 employs a rigorous training program for all journey and apprentice operators and our partnership ensures a satisfied customer. Contact us today: 1-855-449-0777.