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File #: 23-1029    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
File created: 10/16/2023 In control: Miscellaneous & New Business
On agenda: 10/19/2023 Final action: 10/19/2023
Title: RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 120th anniversary of Local 63 Ironworkers

RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 2023

 

Title

RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 120th anniversary of Local 63 Ironworkers

Body

 

WHEREAS, following the Great Chicago Fire in October of 1871, it was mandated that buildings in downtown Chicago could no longer be constructed using wood.  Instead, steel would be the only permissible building material.  This decision created a need for skilled laborers in the steel industry; and

 

WHEREAS, originally founded in 1890 as the Architectural Iron Workers Union (Union), the Architectural and Ornamental Ironworkers Union of Chicago (Local 63) was created to address this need; and

 

WHEREAS, in the first year, Union membership grew exponentially.  However, after the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the need for ironworkers decreased and membership suffered.  Therefore, in 1900 the Union joined United Metal Workers International and became Local 14; and

 

WHEREAS, imagining the strength that an even larger organization could garner, in October of 1903 the Union once again merged, this time with the International Association of Bridge and Structural Ironworkers (now known as the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers), becoming Local 63; and

 

WHEREAS, known simply as Local 63 Ironworkers, the organization represents more than 1,000 skilled tradespeople employed in the Chicagoland area; and

 

WHEREAS, Local 63 Ironworkers has endured numerous challenges over the years, including the Great Steel Strike and the Great Depression. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago extends its appreciation to the members of Local 63 Ironworkers for their dedication and commitment to building a better world; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the 120th anniversary of Local 63 Ironworkers; and 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

 

Dated: October 19, 2023