Iron Workers District Council of the Pacific Northwest

08/22/2026

Ironworkers believe in 2nd chances

From August 10–14, 11 individuals at Fairbanks Correctional Center (FCC), including four women and seven men, took part in a week of hands-on welding instruction provided by Alaska Ironworkers, designed to build practical skills and provide opportunities for industry-recognized achievement. 🔥

During the course, participants learned the fundamentals of Shielded Metal Arc Welding and oxy-acetylene cutting. Instruction began with classroom training covering welding safety, terminology, tools, equipment and foundational knowledge before moving into hands-on practice and evaluation.

By the end of the week, all 11 participants successfully completed the course and received a Certificate of Achievement. 🎓

Programs like this provide individuals in our custody with an opportunity to learn practical, job-related skills while working toward credentials that can support employment and a successful return to their communities.

Congratulations to all 11 participants on completing the program and investing in their future! And a big thank you to the staff at FCC for facilitating the program!

08/20/2026

Local 14 and our employers build good stuff........

08/18/2026

Another step closer............

Today, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program issued a request for qualifications for the Columbia River Bridge Replacement project. This RFQ is for improvements included in the first funded phase of construction and launches the process to identify a contractor to build a safer, more efficient and earthquake-resilient bridge over the Columbia River.

What improvements will be constructed with this contract?

✅ Two new single-level, fixed-span bridges connecting Interstate 5 in Oregon and Washington, along with new connections at Hayden Island and SR14

✅ The new crossing will include three through lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction, plus safety shoulders with space for bus-on-shoulder service

✅ A separated, light rail-compatible deck on the southbound structure and a separated shared-use path on the northbound structure

✅ Removal of the existing Interstate Bridge spans

Learn more about RFQ process: https://interstatebridge.org/CRBR_RFQ

08/17/2026

100's of jobs in the Northwest are on the line ........
Federal Judge Orders Pentagon to Resume Wind Energy Project Reviews
A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Defense (DOD) must lift its blockade on onshore wind energy projects and resume national security reviews that have been halted for months.
Background on the Freeze
Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the Pentagon stopped conducting the routine national security reviews required for wind turbines over 200 feet tall. These reviews are needed to determine whether projects could interfere with radar, flight paths, or military training, and are a prerequisite for securing financing, insurance, and state/local permits rv-times.com. The freeze began in April 2026, citing concerns about radar interference from wind turbines, particularly in the context of evolving drone threats rv-times.com.
Legal Action
Renewable energy companies, trade groups, and about 20 states led by Democratic governors sued the DOD, arguing the halt violated statutory deadlines and unlawfully delayed or blocked projects Industrial Info Resources. The plaintiffs said the freeze had stalled at least 106–155 projects across 21 states, potentially costing affected states up to $47 billion in lost investment

08/13/2026

Apparently more work on the way:

The Port of Seattle Commission authorized initial funding today for the next significant modernization project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — the S Concourse Evolution (SCE) — with major construction scheduled to start in 2027. As part of the $5.5 billion Upgrade SEA capital imp...

08/12/2026

Good times in Montana..Local 732 Pin Ceremony and picnic accompanied by a lot of smoke from forest fires......

08/10/2026

From Vicki O'Leary, Director of Diversity/General Organizer. IW International. Her closing remarks in an article found in the August edition of The Ironworker magazine.

08/07/2026

Breaking News:

The war on windmills is no joke. Oregon building trades unions are preparing to support the lawsuit.

08/05/2026

We are all onboard for our Eastern Washington families.......

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in the Spokane region. ❤️

To those who have been evacuated, lost their homes, or are facing uncertainty, please know you're in our thoughts. We're also incredibly grateful to the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers working tirelessly to protect lives and communities.

If you'd like to support Ironworkers and their families impacted by the wildfires, Ironworkers USA Credit Union is accepting donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund.

Donate here: https://ironworkerscu.org/wildfire-donations Or call us at 877-769-4766 to make a donation over the phone.

Thank you for standing with your community and your fellow Ironworkers. Together, we are stronger. 💪

07/28/2026

Built by our union from both sides of the border

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is officially open to motorists today after months of controversy over financial aspects of the project.