Category Archives: News

Central Region Update – May 2023

Work across the central region has been plentiful this past Spring within the Automotive and Power-gen industries. Millwrights are in high demand across the eleven state-footprint, recruitment is a high priority, and we need members to accommodate all upcoming projects. Bottom-up organizing is an excellent way of recruiting within our organization. If you know of any mechanically inclined individuals who want a lifelong career, put them in touch with your local business representative, and let’s get them to work.

Technical school partnership helps grow membership in Tennessee

On May 17, Local 1554 business agents William Condon and Jesse Beilig spoke with Lincoln Technical Institution graduates about career opportunities available in the millwright trade. Current students from the welding, diesel, and automotive programs were also in attendance with these graduates.

May Member Spotlight – Jeremy Kastberg

Growing up, we tend to look up to our parents and grandparents, as positive influences, and mentors. We often strive to follow in their footsteps, as we walk through normal, everyday life. That was no different for Local 1192’s Jeremy Kastberg. He is a fourth-generation millwright, who for the last 8 years, has been devoted to building a prosperous career in the industry that has given so much to his family for many decades. Being a millwright is a tough career, filled with many rigorous challenges, but Kastberg is no stranger to hard work. Before joining the millwright trade, he served 10-years in the United States Army National Guard.

Western Region Director Update – April 2023

The SSMRC’s motto is “Safe, Productive, Professional”. Safety is always first in everything that we do, and we should not only adhere to that standard, but we should educate others on our jobs and speak out when there are issues that need to be addressed. No millwright wants to be injured on a job and no employer wants someone on their job to be hurt. As union members you should not fear retaliation from pointing out safety concerns or taking the time to ensure the task is safe for everyone involved. We expect that from every member. From the brand-new apprentice to the seasoned journeyperson. You will always have the support of SSMRC representatives and leadership if there are ever safety issues.

Eastern Region Director Update – April 2023

Most Locals have nominations and elections that are coming up for their local union. I encourage you to nominate and vote for someone who will represent your local in those positions to a higher standard. If running for a position in your local union, I ask that you read the constitution and fully understand the duties of the position that you are campaigning for. If elected, I encourage you to perform your duties that are assigned by the constitution and to take these positions seriously.

Central Region Director Update – April 2023

First, I would like to thank you all for doing the quality job that you do. Work throughout the Central Region have been plentiful for our members and contractors alike.

Nuclear Update – April 2023

After listening to comments and concerns with the current dispatch methods utilized by the SSMRC Nuclear Office, we have decided to work toward improving the system for our members.

SSMRC director promotes our workforce to auto-industry leaders in Tennessee

SSMRC Central Region Director Jeff Smith promoted our recruitment and training capabilities April 13 when he met with leaders of the Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association and Ford’s BlueOval City project under construction near Memphis. The meeting took place during TAMA’s Spring Conference.

April Member Spotlight – Levi Gleason

Being a millwright comes with a lot of hard work. Working conditions are not always pretty and are sometimes tough, but that doesn’t stop the dedicated individuals, who have made the decision to pursue a career in the millwright trade from getting the job done. Local 1554’s Levi Gleason is no stranger to hard work and dedication.

SSMRC Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee prioritizing recruitment

Recruitment is a vital part of growing and strengthening the union, and the SSMRC Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee has made recruitment a top priority for its 2023-2024 goal cycle. Through collaborations with local business agents and training directors, several SIB members have been able to attend conferences and job fairs to reach out to young adults and working men and women.

Nashville-area training center ready for equipment installation

Construction of a 25,000-square-foot training center in La Vergne, Tennessee, near Nashville, is complete. The next step is installing training equipment, and a grand opening is slated for May. The new building consists of 20,000 square feet of training space and 5,000 square feet of office and administrative areas.

Q1 – Nuclear Update

It has been a busy spring season for the nuclear industry. Nearly all seventeen projects for the spring of 2023 season have started or will be starting soon. These projects are expected to end at the middle or end of May.

The spring season produced a lot of work for our members, requesting manpower of around 800 millwrights.

Q1 – Eastern Region Director Update

I am pleased to report on the first quarter of 2023 for the Eastern Region of the SSMRC. As we have forecasted, the employment opportunities have been endless. Our district is on track to shatter our previous years’ hours worked, which is great news for our brotherhood. We are alive and well and growing exponentially. There has never been such a great time to be a union millwright in the South.

Local 1554 welcomes Jesse Beilig as its newest business agent

Local 1554 has welcomed a familiar face as the newest business agent for Local 1554 out of Nashville.

In January, Jesse Beilig assumed the business agent role covering middle and West Tennessee, replacing former Local 1554 business agent, Steve Williams, who has since taken a position as the Nuclear Representative for the SSMRC.

Get to know Jacob Wooten, the newest SSMRC administrative assistant

Jacob Wooten joined the SSMRC team in late February and serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Birmingham office.

Wooten is a native of Birmingham, AL with a diverse educational and work background. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in both Applied Math and Music. After graduation, he worked in the financial industry, where he quickly advanced moving from a teller position to a role as an accounting and finance specialist.