Local 6 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers represents union ironworkers in a large portion of Western New York. Headquartered in West Seneca, New York, Local 6 has jurisdiction over iron work in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, as well as parts of Chautauqua, Allegany, Wyoming and Steuben Counties. Chartered in 1901, Local 6 was one of the original locals of the international union. The ironworkers’ union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Ironworkers are involved in various types of construction, including bridge construction; fabrication of concrete reinforcing rods; and, erecting structural steel for buildings. Local 6 ironworkers worked at nearly every industrial site and participated in major construction projects throughout Western New York. Local 6 Ironworkers were involved in building and industrial site projects at Bethlehem Steel, Marine Midland Center, Republic Steel, Ashland Oil, Main Place Tower, and many local hospitals, power plants and public buildings.

Up until the late 1970s, asbestos-containing materials were commonly incorporated into numerous building materials. Even though Local 6 Ironworkers rarely worked with asbestos-containing materials, they were routinely exposed to asbestos that was applied and removed by tradesmen, including fireproofers, carpenters, boilermakers, electricians, laborers and insulators. Most tradesmen were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to asbestos and performed their work without masks or protective gear. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related diseases.

Tradesmen who worked on construction projects and at industrial sites throughout New York State utilized a variety of asbestos-containing materials. Fireproofers sprayed asbestos fireproof insulation onto structural steel. Insulators applied and removed asbestos-containing pipe covering from hot water and steam pipes. Plasterers and drywall finishers mixed, applied and sanded asbestos-containing joint compound during building construction. Local 6 Ironworkers may have been present when other trades used asbestos-containing materials. When asbestos-containing materials were abraded, applied or removed, asbestos dust and fibers became airborne.

Inhaling dust and particles from the application of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. If you or a loved one worked as a Local 6 Ironworker and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact us regarding your legal rights.

Local 6 Ironworkers worked at the following facilities in New York State:

  • Automotive Manufacturers
  • Chemical Plants
  • Foundries
  • Hospitals
  • Industrial Manufacturing Facilities
  • Oil Refineries
  • Power Plants
  • Public Buildings
  • Steel Plants