AboutLocal 97
Our MISSION
Safety First, Quality Always
Ironworkers Local 97 is a part of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers. Our area of coverage includes British Columbia and the Yukon. Our mandate is to raise wages and working conditions for ironworkers and to ensure they receive the training they need to be safe, productive, and professional at work.
Our Values
Solidarity &
Unity
At the heart of Ironworkers Local 97 lies the unbreakable bond of solidarity. We stand as one, supporting each other through thick and thin. This unity is our strength, enabling us to overcome challenges, advocate for fair labour practices, and ensure that every voice is heard and respected.
Safety &
Well-being
Safety isn’t just a policy; it’s a fundamental right and a cornerstone of Local 97. We’re committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and well-being for our members, both on and off the job.
Integrity & Professionalism
We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty, transparency, and accountability in our actions. Our dedication to professionalism is reflected in the quality of our work, the respect we earn from the industry, and our unwavering commitment to excellence in the ironworking trade.
Our team
Paul Beacom
President/Business Agent
Doug Parton
Financial Secretary – Treasurer & Business Manager
K.C Newman
Vice-President
Chris Agostinho
Dispatcher / Business Agent
Danielle Shaw
Trade Improvement Coordinator
Kenner Anderson
Recording Secretary
Jason Plunkett
Executive Committee
Corey McFarlane
Executive Committee
Ryan Polutnik
Executive Committee
Alex Pinkerton
Executive Committee
Shannon Sinclair
Executive Committee
Women in the Trade
The Backbone of Local 97
The women of Local 97 are second to none.
Many have rewarding careers in one of the toughest jobs out there. With our apprenticeship program, you earn as you learn, gaining valuable skills with grants specifically designed to support women pursuing a career in ironworking.
We guarantee equal pay for everyone. With competitive wages, a solid pension, and benefits, we’re committed to not only helping you build a rewarding career, but also maintain a respectful workplace where every achievement is recognized and celebrated.
Indigenous Commitment
A CenTury of Excellence
Ironworking has been an integral part of Indigenous traditions in Canada for over a century. The craft’s roots trace back to the Mohawk peoples of central and eastern Canada, notably when in 1886, the Canadian Pacific Railway construction of a bridge over the St. Lawrence River provided Kahnawake Mohawks the opportunity to showcase their natural aptitude for ironwork. This marked the beginning of their renowned participation in the craft, as their exceptional balance and agility were recognized, leading to their employment as ironworkers. This sparked a legacy, with many other communities emulating the Kahnawake Mohawks.
Indigenous ironworkers have also played pivotal roles in constructing iconic structures across North America, including in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Vancouver. The tradition continues today, with Indigenous communities across Canada, from British Columbia to Manitoba, maintaining a significant presence in the ironworking industry, a testament to their enduring heritage and contribution to the craft at Local 97 and beyond.
Our History
A Proud Heritage
Local 97’s history goes back to the spring of 1906. Steel was an exciting new building material, and it allowed British Columbia to enter an extended boom period that transformed our province into what it is today.
In the early days, wood was everywhere. When steel arrived on the scene, it enabled ironworkers to build much larger structures, bridges, and trestles. That’s when the need for a dedicated local union became apparent as steel became the material of choice for a wide range of projects, from hospitals and office towers to pulp and paper mills. Originally under the jurisdiction of Seattle’s Local 86, the distance and legal differences between the U.S. and Canada led to the founding of Ironworkers Local 97 on May 11, 1906.
Throughout the challenges of two World Wars and the Great Depression, Ironworkers Local 97 steadfastly championed fair wages and safety, playing a pivotal role in British Columbia’s industrial and post-war construction booms.
This era was marked by significant projects, including the construction of critical infrastructure like the Ocean Falls Mill, Woodfibre, the Granville Street Bridge, the Cleveland Dam, a new airport, and the post office on Georgia Street, leading up to the building of Empire Stadium for the 1953 British Empire Games. The union’s significance grew as Vancouver’s West End evolved into high-density housing, and the rise of pulp mills across the province—alongside major projects on the Columbia and Peace Rivers and the ambitious Kemano Project for the Alcan Aluminum Smelter—demonstrated the diversity and scope of Local 97’s contributions to British Columbia’s development.
Today, Local 97 stands as a testament to over a century of progress, resilience, and advocacy for the rights and safety of ironworkers. Our members have played a crucial role in shaping British Columbia’s infrastructure, contributing to the province’s development and prosperity. As Local 97 looks to the future, we carry forward a legacy of strength, unity, and commitment to excellence in the ironworking trade.
