Pittsburgh Union Roofers Local 37
Job Description
Union Roofers install and remove roofs on buildings and other structures to make them waterproof and weatherproof. They may also waterproof or damp-proof walls and other building surfaces.
Union Roofers may also use materials such as: composition shingles, tile, slate, EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer Membrane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride systems), butyl rubber, PIB (polyisobutylene), CPE (chlorosulfonated polyethylene), ECB (ethylene-copolymerbitumen and anthracite dusts), modified bitumens. Union Roofers prepare some roofing materials by cutting roofing paper, shingles, or sheet to size and by punching, perforating, or shaping shingles, sheets, slate, or flashing. They align roofing material with the edge of the roof and overlap successive layers, fastening them with asphalt cement or nails.
To install composition roofs, the Union Roofer places overlapping strips of asphalt or impregnated felt on the roof, and applies coats of coal tar pitch or asphalt, to the surface.
To waterproof, the Union Roofer removes rough projections and roughs glazed surfaces, using hammer and chisel and applies waterproofing solution.
Tools used by Union Roofers include hammers, roofing knives, pincers, and caulking guns. Modern equipment has lessened the physical exertion formerly required.
Working Conditions
Work is done outdoors in all kinds of weather except when conditions are very severe. The Union Roofer does a great deal of climbing, kneeling, standing, and walking in high places. They must be alert to the danger of falling.
Interest & Temperment
A Union Roofer should have no fear of height, a good sense of balance, and a better-than-average sense of safety for himself and his co-workers. They should enjoy working with their hands and accept working outdoors, sometimes under unpleasant working conditions.
Rewards
A Union Roofer, who completes apprenticeship, earns top wages as a full journeyman. Benefits include health insurance, pension, and annuity funds. As an apprentice you will be able to earn a good living while you learn the skills needed to become a fully qualified journeyman. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program you will have the skills to ensure a lifelong career, and the ability to work in locations anywhere in the United States.
Union History
The International Slate and Tile Roofers Union of America was chartered by the American Federation of Labor on June 5, 1903. The International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers received their AFL charter on November 6, 1906.
From these beginnings, the two unions functioned independently but cooperatively for 13 years. In 1919, the organizations met in Pittsburgh and merged to form the United Slate, Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproofer Workers Association. The merged union grew from 1,600 members to more than 7,000 by World War II.
Construction blossomed after the war, with membership doubling by 1950. Steady growth marked the 1950s. By 1978, the union had 28,000 members. It was during that year the union adopted its new name, the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, approved extensive revisions to the constitution and began a much-praised health and safety program.
Our work continues today with an emphasis on training, safety, and cooperation. Our goal is to provide the safest and best trained Union Roofers in the industry for our signatory contractors.