International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 represents heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and surveyors in the construction industry across Ohio and northern Kentucky, focusing on building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that supports economic growth in the region.^[1][2] It functions as a local chapter of the International Union of Operating Engineers, which was established in 1896 to organize workers in steam engine operation and has evolved to include modern heavy machinery in construction and maintenance work.^[3] The union provides collective bargaining services to secure fair wages, health benefits, and pension plans for its members while advocating for safety standards and training opportunities in the construction sector.^[4][5] Members benefit from apprenticeship programs that offer free education and on-the-job experience to enter the field without prior expertise, emphasizing skill development and workplace safety.^[6][7] The union participates in political endorsements and contributions to influence policies on infrastructure investment and labor rights, often supporting candidates who prioritize job creation in Ohio.^[8][9]

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18

Abbreviation	IUOE Local 18
Founded	1939
Location	Ohio, United States
Members	15,000 (2018)
Key people	Michael Bertolone (Business Manager)
Affiliations	International Union of Operating Engineers

History

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 was created in 1939 through the merger of six smaller unions in Ohio to strengthen collective representation for operating engineers in the state.^[10][11] In the 1980s, the union experienced internal challenges involving member dissent and leadership methods, leading to court-mandated changes in job referral systems to address discrimination claims.^[12][13] In the 2010s, the union was involved in large-scale infrastructure initiatives and legal challenges related to work assignments with other labor groups.^[14][15] The organization has since focused on enhancing training and safety partnerships to adapt to evolving construction technologies and standards in Ohio.^[16]

Organization and membership

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 has approximately 15,000 members who work as heavy equipment operators and mechanics in Ohio's construction sector.^[17][18] Michael Bertolone serves as the business manager, guiding the union's operations and serving on state boards for workforce transformation in Ohio.^[19] The union operates from headquarters in Cleveland and maintains training centers across Ohio to deliver services to its membership base.^[20][21]

Apprenticeship and training

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 offers apprenticeship programs that provide free training in heavy equipment operation for individuals entering the construction industry in Ohio.^[22][23] These programs include classroom instruction and practical experience to meet safety regulations and prepare participants for journeyperson status in the field.^[24][25]

Collective bargaining and contracts

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 negotiates collective bargaining agreements with contractors and public entities to establish wages, benefits, and conditions for construction work in Ohio.^[26][27] These agreements include contributions to health and training funds for roles in sanitary operations and heavy machinery in public works.^[28][29]

Jurisdictional and internal disputes

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 has been involved in jurisdictional disputes with other unions over work assignments for equipment like forklifts, leading to federal labor board rulings against its strike tactics.^[30][31] Federal courts have determined that the union's actions in certain cases violated the National Labor Relations Act by coercing employers to reassign work.^[32][33] Internal conflicts have included lawsuits alleging discrimination in job referrals for dissident members, resulting in court-ordered reforms to union processes.^[34][35] Additional legal actions have addressed unfair labor practices in hiring and work distribution, with federal courts upholding decisions against the union.^[36][37]

Political activities

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 endorses political candidates in Ohio who advocate for strong infrastructure spending and resist right-to-work laws, often supporting Republicans based on their policy records.^[38][39] Its political action committee makes contributions to federal campaigns to influence legislation on labor and construction issues in the state.^[40][41] The union has backed politicians like Mike DeWine and Vivek Ramaswamy for governor and Rob Portman and Jon Husted for Senate, emphasizing their support for job growth in Ohio.^{[42][43][44][45]}