"The Brotherhood of the Beam": Paul Wende on Unions, Fence Wars, and the Future of the Trades
Update: 2025-07-28
Description
On this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin is joined by Paul Wende, Business Manager of Chicago’s Local 63 Ironworkers Union, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the real state of the trades.
From navigating outdated perceptions of unions to expanding fence work across the country, Paul brings sharp insight, heart, and a healthy dose of grit.
Together, they unpack:
- The surprising truth behind union “mob” myths
- Why fence work is the most underestimated trade in construction
- How contractors and unions can (finally) work as partners
- What "right to work" really means—and why it matters
- And how Local 63 is reshaping the path from high school to high-paying union careers
Whether you’re boots-on-the-ground or behind a desk, this episode pulls back the curtain on the politics, power, and people shaping the construction world.
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Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.
Produced by Pineapple Audio Production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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