Local 983 Gives Free Training to Members In Plant Tender Jobs

District Council 37 Local 983 is offering a free training program for its High Pressure Plant Tenders at union headquarters offering the skills needed to climb the promotion ladder to the Stationary Engineer title.

Local 983, which represents about 200 High Pressure Plant Tenders spread across almost every city agency, is using the National Association of Power Engineers to provide instructors and materials for the classes on refrigerant handling, which would typically cost members about $200 if taken privately.

‘Just the Beginning Step’

The local’s vice president representing the title, Anthony George, said that the classes, which had been requested by members, would help “align workers to our direct line of promotion, Stationary Engineer.” Obtaining the refrigerant handler certification “is just the beginning” step of many to gaining the promotion, he said.

“After we’ve completed the preliminary course, we’ll focus on classes for our members’ promotional opportunities and civil service testing,” he explained.

Local 983 executive board member Kevin Sexton said the skills provided in the training were becoming increasingly essential because of the changing nature of the High Pressure Plant Tender title. “Before 1998 our title was exclusively boilers, and now the job description includes HVAC and refrigeration,” he said.

Mr. George praised Local 983 President Mark Rosenthal for allowing his members the chance to gain this valuable experience. “Mark’s very generous with me and my title. Everything I ask for, he gives,” he said.

Former NAPE national president Richard Carter said the program’s training was “state-of-the-art and crucial for 21st-century applications.”