That it was the right time is proved by the fact that the union has lived and thrived.  It survived an infancy of hard and bitter times; it struggled through a turbulent adolescence wherein the waywardness of some officers later required stricter internal discipline; finally it grew into robust manhood.

The union developed into maturity to what it is today: a vital and constructive component of the American Labor Movement and of our two nations as a whole.  The International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers, AFL-CIO is a source of pride to our membership and it presents a challenge to our stewardship now and in the future.

This history is dedicated, with gratitude, to our founders and to those who guided our union from its inception.  We are in their debt - they made our opportunity and challenge possible.

With the commitment and strength of our membership, we will meet that challenge head on and maintain our rightful place in the "Life of North America".

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I would like to thank General Vice President Raymond J. Robertson who wrote the history of the Iron Workers Union with the assistance of numerous individuals that did research and provided valuable information which enabled this book to be completed.

Jake West
General President
IABSO&RIW

When General President Jake West asked me to write the one hundred year history of the Iron Workers Union, I knew it would be a tremendous undertaking.  I would like to single out a few of the people who provided research and other help to me as we brought this book through the long process of publication.  I would like to thank Martin Byrne, Editor of the Ironworker Magazine and Executive Assistant to General President Jake West.  Also, General Organizers Mike White and George Cross who did a lot of the digging that formed the framework of the book.  Brother Cross was particularly helpful in providing information on our Shopmen.  A special thanks to William "Red" Collins, retired member and officer of Pittsburgh Locals No. 818 and 3, who unearthed a great deal of early history and some historic photographs of our founding convention in Pittsburgh.

I would also like to thank William Adelman, an American labor historian and Professor emeritus at the University of Illinois for the many hours he worked doing research.  In addition we owe thanks to James J. Clarke, who did some of the basic historical research for the book.  And, last but not least, I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to many of our local unions and some of the "old timers" who provided historical information that made this book possible.  Because of the assistance these individuals gave, I was confident that the book would be finished in time for the 39th International Convention celebrating the Centennial of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, AFL-CIO.

Raymond J. Robertson
General Vice President
IABSO&RIW
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