2017 Year in Review: Robert Bartels, Steamfitters Local 638

Name & Title: Robert Bartels, Business-Agent-at-Large

Company Name: Steamfitters Local 638

Address: 27-08 40th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2017?

2017 saw a decade high number of New York City residential construction permits. As more builders seek a cheaper route, in 2017 Steamfitters Local 638 with the Mechanical Contractors Association collectively adjusted its residential labor costs to attract more developers to exclusively use a union workforce.  When a builder in New York chooses union labor they do so because of the expertise of the workers who apprentice for five years to gain the best professional and safety training skills. Much credit is due to the union members and leaders who elected to accept this change to enhance our industry.