IAM District 6 Business Representative Rene Dinneweth was inducted in the Quad City Federation of Labor Hall of Fame recently at the 19th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet held in Rock Island, IL.
Rene’s union career spans four decades. Some of his positions with the union include Steward, Grievance Committeeman and Chairman of the Negotiating Committee for twenty years when we worked with American Filter Company. He was also Vice President and President of IAMAW 2045 (Local Lodge 2045 eventually merged into 1191); District 102 Delegate; Illinois and Iowa State Council of Machinists Delegates. He has also been a delegate to the IAMAW National Convention for 25 years. He served as District 102 Business Representative from 1986 – 2004; Most recently he has served as District 6 Business Representative since 2004 until the present day. He is currently 1st Vice President for Illinois State Council; Quad City Federation of Labor Delegate, Auditor and Member of the Executive Board.
Rene Dinneweth graduated from United Township High School in 1963. Right after high school, he went to work for Wilkin Pipe Co. until he joined the U.S. Army in 1966. Rene served honorably in Vietnam and left the army in 1968. When he returned to civilian life, Rene used his GI Bill benefits to go to Blackhawk College where he earned a degree in Labor Studies. He continued with labor education classes throughout his career with the IAMAW, taking classes as recently as September 2010.
In addition to his union involvement, Rene has been active in the community, serving on the United Way Campaign for twenty years while at American Air Filter. He is a also a member of both the American Legion and the VFW.
