The Union Difference

Union workers are employed in every phase of the East Span's construction. And for good reason. The training provided by unions to their workers ensures the high level of job performance, safety and product quality required on a project of this cost and size.

For example, after undergoing a five-week basic training course, a heavy equipment apprentice must work 6,400 hours before reaching journeyman status, a commitment that takes roughly four years under normal economic circumstances. Mechanics and crane operators reach journey level after 8,400 hours of on-the-job training as an apprentice, which takes about five years to complete.

After graduating from a six-week skill-building program, apprentices in the laborers union must work 3,000 hours in the industry and take additional training classes before they can be certified as journeymen.

Ironworker apprentices are required to receive at least 204 hours of classroom and shop instruction during every year of training - and most ironworker apprenticeships last three or four years depending on the local union requirements.

The skills and knowledge provided by such training helps ensure that jobs will be done right and on time, providing significant benefits for contractors and taxpayers.