Local 602 History
The History of Local 602
Steamfitters Local 602 was formed in 1913, through the merger of several
earlier locals, and became a part of the United Association of Plumbers,
Gas Fitters, Steamfitters and Steamfitters' Helpers of the United States
and Canada, which had been founded in 1889.
In the
early 1900's, the labor movement was in its infancy, and as in many new
ventures, there were problems and conflicts. The construction industry
in the Washington area was growing, and it took some time for local
labor relations process to mature and stabilize.
Nonetheless, it did happen, and the members of Local 602 began to enjoy
increasing wages, labor peace and recognition as the decades passed.
Progress was not always straight line, however. There was a recession in
1921-22, following World War I, but this was succeeded by a construction
boom in the mid-1920's. The stock market crash of 1929 began the period
of the Great Depression of the 1930's, when jobs were scarce in all
industries. But Local 602 was in a relatively good position even then.
The recovery programs initiated by the Federal Government in the 1930's
resulted in the construction of many government buildings, which meant
work and wages for the members of Local 602.
World War
II followed, which brought much private construction to a standstill,
but the '40's were still boom years, as major military installations
were built in the Washington area. Following the war, the civilian
economy took over and projects for utilities, schools, housing, shopping
centers and commercial/industrial buildings kept the construction
industry strong.
In 1949,
a new idea was put into place: the first Medical Fund, programs which
grew into the comprehensive coverage programs union members have today.
In 1955, the Pension Fund was activated, and two years later,
Apprenticeship and Pension Fund contractor contributions were negotiated
with the Mechanical Contractors D.C. Association. In 2001, the
Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) was established as the men and women of
Local 602 continued to gain more and more benefits from their
membership.
In the
1970's developments brought significant changes to the construction
industry. The oil crisis, inflation, high interest rates and soaring
land values greatly increased the cost of construction, and spawned
increased competitiveness and demands for efficiency by the owners of
building projects.
At the
same time, changes in technology have brought about dramatic expansion
within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. These changes
put a premium of quality service of existing systems, and so Local 602
has negotiated collective bargaining agreements that are pertinent to
craftsmen and women in the service business and different from other
segments of the mechanical trades. This move has led to a significant
broadening of the steamfitters' craft.
Today,
Local 602 has some 3,300 active journeyman members along with 471
apprentices. These men and women represent the very pinnacle of the
trade. Superbly trained, highly motivated and well rewarded for the
heavy responsibility they bear and the demanding, highly technical work
they perform.