Manning the Local 1943 booth are, from left, Organizing Committee member Andrew Hounshell, Benefits/Recording Secretary Ed DeVault and Committeeman Shawn Coffey.
A 163-year-old Ohio tradition, the Butler County Fair has also proven to be a great opportunity for Middletown, OH Local 1943 to increase its visibility and generate possible organizing leads. Local 1943 operated a booth at the fair this July, just as they have for the past six years.
Local 1943 members are employed at AK Steel, Pilot Chemical and RMB Trucking in southwest Ohio.
“Many of our members live in this county, and of course our employer is located here as well as our Local Lodge,” said Committeeman Shawn Coffey. “It provides us with a good opportunity to meet other working families, and for our members to see their Local active in the community.”
Visitors to the fair were able to stop by the booth and talk to members, obtain booklets explaining the benefits of union membership, learn more about the IAM and even fill out an “A” card. In 2013 the Butler County Fair drew more than 78,000 visitors to the week-long event.
