Joseph J. Hunt, General President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers announced his retirement today, effective February 1, 2011. The Iron Workers General Executive Board immediately elected Walter Wise to succeed Hunt in filling out his term.

Hunt's tenure as General President was framed by the need to restore luster to an organization that had been marred by scandal. It is recognized in the construction industry today that the restoration is complete and that the Iron Workers are considered one of the most transparent and progressive unions in America.

"I hope the mark I leave is that of unparalleled labor-management cooperation. We established the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) shortly after I assumed the GP spot. Today I feel we are closer to our contractors than ever before in our history. And that has yielded positive results."

Walt Wise, the current General Secretary, expects the union to resume the growth that has been stunted by the economic downturn. "The economy is showing signs of rebounding and as it rebounds we intend to grow. I have issued a challenge to our leadership to double our market share in the next 10 years. It's an ambitious, but attainable goal."

"I'm in good health, the good name of the union has been restored and the leadership is in good hands. The time is right," Hunt stated.