More than 100 career tech students getting a look into what their future could hold. United Association Local 776 opened their doors for some hands-on experiences as a glimpse into what they do. The union has provided highly skilled and trained plumbers, pipefitters, and service technicians to west central Ohio since 1937. The open house was highlighting National Apprenticeship Week, and the students were taking it all in.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Apprentices from around the state put what they learned to the test this week in Lima.

According to UAW Local 1219 officials, around 90 temp works at the Lima Ford plant have been laid off, along with temps at several other Ford plants across the country. 

United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Local 776 held an open house at their facility in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Guests were able to try their hand at virtual welding, and see what professional journeymen do in their field. There was also a demonstration trailer to show the various skill sets needed to be a plumber. The union has apprenticeships available for HVAC, plumbing, and pipefitting that combines classwork with real work experience, to help fill needed positions in our area.

The union officials say that Vance has voiced his objection to bills that have already passed that would create millions of dollars of infrastructure improvements in Ohio and also the growth of the electric vehicle industry. That is why they are throwing their support behind Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tim Ryan. Especially since, he was one of the co-sponsors of the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act" or PRO Act, which has already passed the U.S. House but is still looking for Senate approval.

The union had a wage reopener in their contract for 2022. the contract includes clerical staff, kitchen workers, and vehicle maintenance. Commissioners say the negotiations went smoothly and they were pleased to come to the agreement.

Teamsters Union 908 celebrated that passage of an act that saves their pensions.  The Butch Lewis Act essentially saves workers pensions from taking cuts due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.