The Iron Workers International Union has announced the signing of one of the largest regional non-union reinforcing contractors, Lykins Reinforcing Inc.

Iron Workers Local 372 of Cincinnati, Ohio will team with owner Ricky Lykins' Louisville, Kentucky sub-contracting firm with a resulting 85% union share of reinforcing market in the Louisville area.

The win nearly doubles the local's membership.

The two-year campaign brings in nearly one-hundred and twenty-five new Iron Worker members. Lykins Reinforcing Inc. currently works in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.

General President Joseph Hunt commented "I believe the agreement with Lykins Reinforcing sends a clear message to the construction community that this organization is willing to do whatever it takes to make being union a good business decision."

Iron Worker Executive Director of Organizing Bernie Evers commented "this victory is a testimony to the strategy of using a worker-oriented or "bottom-up" organizing campaign that builds allies among community, religious and student organizations, end-users and political allies."

Evers gave a special tip of the hat and word of thanks to the hard work of Iron Worker organizers Taz Noon and Tommy Grable.

"Most of all," he said, "We could not have reached this agreement without the leadership of George Kratzer," President of the Iron Workers Southern Ohio and Vicinity District Council as well as General Vice-President of the Iron Workers International Union.

Kratzer himself commented that "Bernie's organizing strategy and his commitment on the conference calls was to make everyone accountable. He made all the difference in seeing us through to the goal of getting Mr. Lykins' signature on the contract."

"From this agreement," Evers added, "we continue with existing organizing campaigns as well as use the momentum as a springboard for new ones."

Worker issues during the campaign included health care, general working conditions and safety training. The agreement provides for improved wages, health insurance, pensions, a grievance procedure and a training program.