This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes John Gardiner, President and Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 1, for a conversation celebrating Chicago’s Irish labor tradition and the men and women who have helped build the city’s iconic skyline. One of 13 children raised in a proud Irish family with roots in Counties Clare, Cavan, and Antrim, John reflects on a lifetime of hard work that began at age 13 and led him onto the iron at 19. He shares the history of Ironworkers Local 1, explaining how the union grew from a mutual aid society formed to care for families after fatal accidents into one of the nation’s premier building trades organizations. Mike and John discuss the dangers and brotherhood of ironworking, the importance of safety, and the pride that comes with helping shape Chicago’s skyline. They also explore the union’s apprenticeship program, which is training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and why exposing young people to careers in the trades has never been more important. The conversation also touches on family, faith, and service, as John talks about following in his father’s footsteps, working alongside his son Joey, and carrying forward the values that have defined generations of Chicago Irish families. Along the way, Mike and John discuss organized labor’s role in strengthening communities, supporting working families, and ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to build rewarding careers without necessarily taking the traditional four-year college path.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

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