Labor Unions, Local Firms Team Up For Job Fair & Cookout

A unique job fair is set for Sunday, with opportunities to have a burger and casual conversations with leaders of labor unions and some of the area’s largest employers.

The Neighborhood Trades Party is set for 3pm to 6pm Sunday at Blair Park, 1406 S. Broadway Ave. in Urbana.

The event, organized by Urbana community leader DeShawn Williams, includes Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 149, Carpenters Local 243, as well as the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 18 trade unions from across the area. Specific companies that employ those union members will also be in attendance, including A&R Mechanical Contractors, P.J. Hoerr, Broeren Russo Builders, Davis Electric, Remco Electric, United Mechanical, Davis-Houk Mechanical and Henson Robinson Company.

From plumbers to electricians, carpenters to laborers, unions provided guaranteed wages, with many starting at $22 an hour, building to a total hourly package over $77 after five years of on-the-job training. That’s in addition to industry-leading benefits, including free healthcare and early retirement plans.

“We hope people will come by to not only learn about careers with these companies, but also learn more about labor unions and get to know our members in a fun, casual environment,” said Matt Kelly, Business Manager with Local 149. “Some will have immediate needs, others will have apprenticeship opportunities – it’s just a matter of learning how your skills, experience and interests will be a good match.”