This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the Roofers and Waterproofers (Roofers).
Name of Union: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Mission: The union is committed to improving wages, working conditions, pensions, health care, safety, training and overall benefits for its members.
Current Leadership of Union: James A. Hadel serves as international president, and Mitch Terhaar serves as international secretary-treasurer. The organization also has 10 international vice presidents: Douglas Ziegler (First), Paul F. Bickford (Second), Daniel P. O’Donnell (Third), Robert Peterson (Fourth), Brent R. Beasley (Fifth), Joseph Pozzi (Sixth), Gary W. Menzel (Seventh), Michael Kujawa (Eighth), Shawn McCullough (Ninth) and Mark Conroy (Tenth).
Number of Members: 22,000
Members Work As: Applying all types of roofing and waterproofing systems, including but not limited to all low-sloped roofing systems (vegetative and solar photovoltaic roofs), structural waterproofing, steep-sloped roofing systems and air barrier applications.
Industries Represented: The construction industry across the United States.
History: On June 5, 1903, the American Federation of Labor chartered the International Slate and Tile Roofers Union of America, and on Nov. 6, 1906, AFL chartered the International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers. In 1919, the two unions met in Pittsburgh and merged to become the United Slate, Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers Association. By World War II, the combined union had grown to more than 7,000 members. The postwar construction boom led to membership doubling by 1950, with membership peaking in 1978. That year, the union adopted its current name, the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. The union continues to focus on training, safety and cooperation in an effort to provide the safest and best-trained roofers and waterproofers in the industry.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The Journeyman Waterproofer and Roofer magazine, Women in Roofing, political action, community outreach, apprenticeships, health and safety, Research and Education Trust, and jobs.