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Learn about heavy equipment classes for high school students
Welcome to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 website. My name is Jason George and I am the elected Business Manager/Financial Secretary for the Union. Local 49 was formed in 1927, and we have a proud tradition of fighting for the rights of workers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. We represent heavy equipment operators/mechanics and stationary engineers that work in the following industries:
During the last few decades in which organized labor has been under attack across the nation, Local 49 has managed to grow, and we are now more than 14,500 active members strong. We are one of the largest trade unions in our region. We are also part of the 400,000 member strong International Union of Operating Engineers with Local Unions covering the United States and Canada.
Local 49 negotiates and enforces large private construction agreements that cover thousands of workers and hundreds of employers. We are proud to partner with one person firms, as well as some of the largest construction companies in America.
Local 49 also negotiates and enforces hundreds of stand alone private and public agreements representing shops as small as 2 people, and as large as 700. We represent workers under nationwide agreements in pipeline construction and maintenance as well. We are a large Local with a diverse membership that touches every aspect of infrastructure in our region.
Local 49 also provides world class benefits to our members. In conjunction with our employer partners we manage one of the largest privately funded health care plans in the region providing health care for more than 38,000 people that includes our members, their spouses, and dependents. We also partner with our employers to provide the best heavy equipment training in the industry, spending millions of dollars per year on direct training, all privately funded. Our Local and our employer partners, are the largest contributor to the 2nd largest Pension fund in America, the IUOE Central Pension Fund. Our Pension Fund is 95% funded and currently has zero withdrawal liability.
Our members are the most highly skilled workers in all industries they work in. Local 49 has earned respect in these industries among workers, within the business community, and within the political and regulatory arena. We are active, we are mobilized, and we stand together.
Local 49 has a long history and our members are very proud of their Union. Local 49 members are respected across the nation for their work ethic and skill. Our members build and maintain the infrastructure of this region and nation, and it is truly an honor to work for them.
For more member information and updates, click the button to access MemberLink.
Do you want to earn wages and benefits that afford you a good lifestyle without racking up student loan debt?
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Do you have skills as a heavy equipment operator but aren’t getting paid what you deserve or lack benefits?
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Do you want your job to have meaning, and to help build our country?
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If you answered yes to any of these questions – becoming a member of our Union is the future you are looking for.
Join the Operating Engineers Pathway for a hands-on experience operating heavy equipment! Learn about the industry, take advantage of networking opportunities, tour the Central Lakes College campus and get a…
READ MORETonight, Local 49 members voted to ratify an agreement with the city of St Paul. Our members will earn a 9% increase in base pay during the three-year agreement, with…
READ MOREIn an act of solidarity, members of Local 49 showed up on the picket line today to present a $5,000 check for the strike fund of school food service workers…
READ MOREOn Monday night, March 20, the Tri-Council and city of St. Paul reached a tentative agreement, and no strike is being called at this time. Members of the Tri- Council…
READ MORELocal 49 Business Manager Jason George is encouraging Minnesota senators to support the proposed bonding bill, which was passed with bipartisan support in the Minnesota House. He released the following…
READ MOREMarch 15, 2023 Contact: Jonathan Young IUOE Local 49 Communications Director C: 612-463-9117 Email: jyoung@local49.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jason George, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local…
READ MORELearn more about our non-partisan approach to politics, and what IUOE Local 49 is doing to create jobs and protect our collective bargaining rights.
LEARN MOREAt Local 49’s Training Center we are committed to the best possible educational opportunities for members of IUOE Local 49
VISIT PAGEThe Operating Engineers Local 49 Health and Welfare Fund is a self funded multi-employer health plan with approximately 38,000 participants. The Fund is overseen by a board of trustees made up of both Labor and Management.
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