Local 2300’s Skilled Trades Committee introduces another method of convincing management we deserve better.

by Eric Evans, Chairman of Skilled Trades Committee The UAW Local 2300 Skilled Trades Committee is made up of Journeymen. A journeyman is a member who has more than eight years experience in recognized trade skills in your trade. Our task includes formulating demands for local contracts regarding language on skilled trade issues. This part of the UAW is new to the local within the past two years. The effort to get the committee up and running included myself as Skilled Trades Committee Chairman and Terry Sharpe, President.

Eric Evans, Chair of the Skilled Trades Committee

Members in 624 locals of the UAW's skilled trades department helped paved the way for this certification of trades at TCAT and Cornell.

The Committee will guide a new member of the trades through the skilled trade card process. This will certify that you have eight years experience in that trade. The Committee also helps later with negotiating.

Through negotiating we insures proper training through the guidelines between the NYS Department of Labor and the UAW Skilled Trades Department as well the employer. This places the worker with a standard. The Department of Labor, the UAW, TCAT and Cornell will recognize the member as holding a skilled trades position.

A worker needs to see a Skilled Trades Committee representative to complete an application form. The form shows the worker meets the requirements for the International Skilled Trades Department.

The representative will help the member in filing the letters and various proofs of work experience in their trade before sending off the materials to the regional office. The form is first reviewed by the Local Committee.

Within about three months, you’ll receive a card from the International. You will then be a card-carrying Journeyman and you will be a part of the negotiations. The Committee will work with your employer and the Department of Labor.

A committee representative helps distribute materials and members going through the application process as well as the approval process. They also work with the International as well as the DOL to make sure the training needs of apprentice workers are met in a timely manner.

To either be a part of the Skilled Trades Committee or to fill out an application for the skilled trades certification process, contact the Local 2300 Union Office at 110 N. Geneva St. or call (607) 272-4108.