Erectors
& Riggers
Association
(314) 647-3008
Fax: (314) 647-3010
www.erectors-stl.com
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The idea of forming the trade association that today is known at the Erectors and Riggers Association of Greater St. Louis first began to coalesce during the labor strike of 1967. Driven by the desire to see that the interests of the steel erectors from the St. Louis area were properly represented in the contract negotiations being carried out by the Association of General Contractors, (known as the AGC), a small group of the most influential erectors and contractors in the area began to meet together on an informal basis to express their concerns and examine their options. This group was spearheaded by Clyde Quick of Quick Erectors. Other founding members included John Gerst, Clarence McDonald, Homer Stokes, Bill Smith, Wayne Ortmann and Phil Crowley. With the recent passing of Bill Smith, the only remaining founders from that original group Wayne Ortmann and Phil Crowley. This loose association sustained itself through member dues, meeting for lunch on a monthly basis for discussions of topics of concern to all erectors such as; job site conditions, temporary power for erection work and on going negotiations between union and management. In November of 1969 this informal arrangement was incorporated with Mr. James Hespen, Attorney, performing the legal arrangements for the Erectors and Riggers Association. A set of by-laws was prepared. In these bylaws the purposes and objectives of the association were clearly stated. They stipulated that in no way would the Association foster any restraint of trade, fix prices or frame bids. Their purpose was and would remain the cooperation between fabricators, general contracts, associations of subcontractors and with organizations representing the building trades in all lawful matters of interest to the building construction industry. Membership in the Association was available to any firm, corporation of person primarily engaged in the erection of steel, structural, miscellaneous or ornamental iron, ornamental or architectural metals, reinforcing steel or in the rigging, hoisting and placing of heavy materials, equipment or machinery or composite materials and fiberglass components. The funding for the Erectors and Riggers moved from self-funding through dues, to funding collected through the company's contributions to the CTAF fund of Iron Worker's Local #396 as was determined through negotiations between the Union, the AGC and the Association. From its inception in 1967 and incorporation in 1969, the Erectors and Riggers Association has grown in numbers and diversity. Past Presidents of the Association have included Clyde Quick, Wayne Ortmann, Bill Smith, Edith James, Charles Perkins and the current President, Ken Faust. The primary purpose remains the same although the breadth and reach of the Association has expanded. In addition to the monthly meetings to discuss business concerns, and annual events to foster camaraderie dialogue between the members, the Erectors and Riggers Association of St. Louis is involved at the National level with other trade associations such as NAMOA and III. Money collected for the Erectors and Riggers has been used to sponsor training programs for apprentices and advanced training for journeymen and instructors. They have provided funds to equipment and materials at the training school for the purpose of better preparing the St. Louis Ironworkers of the future. The Association has helped develop the guidelines for the St. Louis Construction Industry and is an ever present force for all labor and management negotiations. We highly recommend that you refer to our list of member contractors for all of your steel erection needs in St. Louis and the Bi-State Area as well as at a National level with many of our erectors working throughout the country. Thank you for visiting our web site and learning more about the Erectors and Riggers Association of Greater St. Louis, Inc. |