Paving the way to your future. GET STARTED OPCMIA Local 18 Local 18, is non-for-profit labor organization that is part of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association. For over 150 years, the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) has represented and trained plasterers and cement masons for the purpose of protecting and promoting the quality of our industry and the livelihood of our members. ​ Members of Local 18 can be found working on major projects throughout Central / Western Illinois and even parts of Missouri & Iowa. Our members work on all kinds of projects -- from the roads you drive on every day to buildings you find yourself in on a regular basis. Local 18 members are the dedicated, highly trained and skilled group of workers that keep our communities growing. LEARN MORE MEMBERS CLICK HERE CONTRACTORS CLICK HERE JOIN LOCAL 18 CLICK HERE CEMENT MASONS > The Cement Masons work primarily on industrial, commercial and highway projects. Concrete and its related products are used as an effective durable product to safely support your offices, schools, homes, restaurants, churches as well as any of the structures that you may inhabit on a daily basis. The Cement Masons utilize the strength and versatility of concrete for the foundation of your roadways, power plants, airport runways and dams. They also perform work on driveways, sidewalks, walls and ceilings, curbs, gutters and slabs on grade. Additionally, the Cement Masons do specialty work such as self-leveling gypsum and epoxy floors. LEARN MORE PLASTERERS > Plasterer work has been around for centuries and is as durable and long-lasting as the ancient pyramids and can also serve as a delicate and decorative ornamental cornice in a museum. During the early years, gypsum and hair (normally horse hair) was introduced to add strength and endurance to plaster. Research shows that many of the modern tools in the present day are not far from the design, shape and intention of those early tools for plastering techniques. Today’s Plaster and its related products are more refined and resilient than ever and are used as a building material for interior and exterior applications. LEARN MORE UNION BENEFITS We belong to our members and together we work for the greater good of all. Training Earn More Medical Insurance Pride Retirement JOIN NOW LATEST NEWS Reaching out to the Surrounding high schools with the PERFECT program. 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Local 18 Apprenticeship program 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Swearing in the new members 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Apprentice and their Mentors 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Apprentice receiving graduation certificates. 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 2020 Apprenticeship Graduation 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 SEE MORE We love to see our members enjoying the great outdoors! Send your OPCMIA Outdoor pictures for a chance to be featured on the OPCMIA National Website! SUBMIT A PHOTO The Steel Edge Women of the OPCMIA are among the best, toughest and most skilled craftspeople out there. Share your story for a chance to be featured! SHARE YOUR STORY

About How To Apply Class Schedule Photos & News Apprenticeship About Local 18 Apprenticeships > The Cement Mason and Plasterer trades provide many opportunities for advancement and with the proper effort on the part of the Apprentice, they can be the most rewarding careers. These are both time-honored professions and on top of that ESSENTIAL! Many challenges lie ahead of you both on the jobsite and in your related instruction classes. The pride and excitement you will experience, and the tangible rewards you will reap will greatly outweigh the difficulties inherent in meeting those challenges. What does a Cement Mason do? Cement masons pour concrete for a wide variety of construction projects including buildings, bridges, roads, pools and residential. You will have the opportunity to provide artistic finishes such as colors, stains, texture stamping and polishing to projects while using a wide variety of tools and machinery. What does a Plasterer do? A Plasterer Hand applies plaster with a trowel to interior and exterior ceiling and wall surfaces. Using their own hands, Plasterers can create anything they can visualize! About the Cement Mason Apprenticeship It is a three year program You EARN AS YOU LEARN with on the job training You attend 144 hours of classroom training annually You start earning over $17.00 an hour About the Plasterer Apprenticeship It is a four year program You EARN AS YOU LEARN with on the job training You attend 144 hours of classroom training annually About HOW TO APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIP > You can apply in person at any of our 4 offices on the first Monday of every month (excluding holidays) 7:00 am - 9:00 am. See our office locations here. ​ TO APPLY BRING: 1. Copy of ORIGINAL Certificate of Birth. Must be 18 years of age or older. 2. High School Diploma or GED certificate. 3. Photo I.D. 4. If applicable a copy of DD214 for proof of military service 5. A $20.00 application fee is required to cover cost of application. CASH ONLY ​ The Local 18 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund (JATF) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on this basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies or other school administered programs. There is no test or ranking for this program. We are "Intent to Hire". Once the applicant has met the requirements above, the applicant will be given a list of signatory contractors for the area in which they live along with a letter of introduction. The applicant at that time may visit the contractors listed to solicit their first job. When a contractor agrees to take the applicant as an apprentice a letter on company letterhead must be sent to the Local 18 JATF office stating such. When letter is received applicant will be instructed to take a drug screening paid for by Local 18 JATF. If drug screen is negative the applicant will then be registered as a Cement Mason Apprentice with Local 18 JATF and USDOL. The local 18 JATF apprenticeship program is three years in duration. The apprentice will start at the first year level and must complete a minimum 144 classroom hours annually and additionally work a minimum of 1200 hours in the field annually to be promoted to next level. How To Apply APPRENTICESHIP CLASS SCHEDULE > Below you can find the most up to date information on our apprenticeship classes as well as the schedule. Click the box to expand for more details. ​ OPCMIA LOCAL 18 Jan 1, 2020 2023 Class Schedule The following is the class schedule for the Local 18 Cement Mason Apprenticeship. I hope this is self-explanatory, but if you have any... If you live 90 miles or more away from the training center you will be provided with hotel room if you choose to stay. If you owe a fine bring the payment with you or you will not be allowed in class. Class Schedule PHOTOS & NEWS Oct 20, 2021 1 min Local 18 Apprenticeship program The Apprenticeship program includes Hands on training. 239 views 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 Oct 19, 2021 1 min Apprentice and their Mentors We would like to thank all of the mentors who took the time to help teach our apprentices skills and knowledge in our trade to secure the... 109 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Oct 19, 2021 1 min 2020 Apprenticeship Graduation We had a great time at the graduation dinner. 85 views 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 SEE MORE Photos & News

History Executive Board Staff Latest News About Local 18 OUR HISTORY > The Local 18 is part of The Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA). The OPCMIA is a labor union that represents plasterers and cement masons in the construction industry in North America. ​ As the oldest Building and Construction Trades Union in the United States, the organization traces its roots back to 1864, during the American Civil War, when an organization known variously as the National Plasterer’s Union or the National Plasterers Organization began to unify the various local craft unions that represented workers in the trade. ​ The new union endorsed the Eight hour day movement while pledging to avoid “unnecessary strikes” and instituted apprentice training and regulations. The union amended its constitution in 1887 to include Canadian workers. Reflecting the fact that its members did more than finish cement, the union changed its name in 1951 to the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association. Today, the OPCMIA continues to live by the principles upon which it was founded and which will continue to be its strength in the future. As it has been for over a century, the OPCMIA continues to be proud, strong and united. Download A More Complete History More Historical Photos & Info History Nick S OPCMIA History - Organized 1864 Play Video Executive Board EXECUTIVE BOARD > Business Manager/Financial Sec. Area 539 Business Agent Mark Winkler (309) 208-1459 Email: mwinklerlocal18@yahoo.com President Area 152 Business Agent Scott Nimmo (309) 208-1460 Email: cementmasons18@frontier.com Vice President Area 12 & 206 Business Agent Bill Stieglitz (309) 208-1129 Email: bstieglitzlocal18@yahoo.com Recording Secretary Plasterer Business Agent Curtis Harn (309) 409-5012 Email: charnlocal18@yahoo.com Sergeant at Arms Area 544 Business Agent Jim Mitchell (309) 737-0383 Email: jmitchell18544@yahoo.com STAFF > Plasterer Apprentice Coordinator/ Instructor Area 544 Field Rep Josh Arnold (309) 738-8280 Email: jarnoldlocal18@yahoo.com Cement Mason Apprentice Coordinator/ Instructor Eric Steele (309) 542-6017 Email: esteelejatf18@yahoo.com Office Manager Julia Smith (309) 497-2870 Email: localunion18@att.net Staff LATEST NEWS Local 18 Members Make Huge Cross for Calvary Church 76 Local 18 Helps w/ Angel of Hope Statue in Washington Park 41 General President Stepano’s Keynote Address 13 SEE MORE Latest News

Contractors CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY BECOME A PARTNER EMPLOYER FAQ CBA BUILDING CBA HEAVY HIGHWAY MONTHLY REPORT FORMS WAGE ADDENDUMS ALL DOCUMENTS The Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association of the United States and Canada is a labor union that represents plasterers and cement masons in the construction industry in North America. Also known as the OPCMIA, the organization represents the members of one of the world's oldest and most noble crafts. The Union's 56,000 members are the proud carriers of a tradition that predates the Pharaohs pyramids. As early as man was building shelter for himself, there was plastering - first with mud or clay and later with a lime mixture much like that used today. Apprentice Coordinator for the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association Local 18, Dave Arnold, who teaches plaster techniques, says, "There have been technical improvements, but our trade is still best done by hand with a trowel," adding, "we pass it down through generations of knowledge and experience." ​ Customers who demand the highest quality and value insist on the members of Local 18 to deliver costs savings and artistic appeal, which they have proudly demonstrated through past performance. The members of Local 18 can always be counted on to "do it right the first time." Perishable materials depend on expert installation. Less waste and higher productivity provide cost savings. Apprentice Instructor for OPCMIA Local 18, Mark Hitzner, who teaches concrete finishing and applications, says, "It's important for our apprentices to learn the skills required to be professional," adding, "that's why the number one thing we stress to our apprentices is pride and professionalism in the quality of their work." Craftsmanship springs forth from the combination of effective training for apprentices and upgrade instruction for experienced members who seek continuing education throughout their career. Prosperity emerges from the ability of the members to deliver value and both a profit for contractors and satisfaction for customers and clients. Responsibility rests with the commitment of all members of OPCMIA Local 18 to safety, reliability and productivity. Safety relies on the commitment by each and every member of Local 18 to think safety and work safely. The members of Local 18 provide the contractors, customers and clients a wide range of options to add value to a project. Both Plaster and Concrete provide long lasting durability with Portland Cement Plaster (stucco) one of the most common building materials in the world. Plaster also provides the option of extreme artistic addition. "If you can visualize it, we can recreate it with plaster or concrete!" Arnold says. Concrete also has moved into the forefront of decorative work. Designers, developers, contractors and even customers now call for different looks from concrete. Local 18 teaches various techniques and the members can polish, stamp, stain or stencil concrete into a variety of finishes ranging from brick pavers to cobblestones. Apprentices in Plaster spend four years and Concrete three years in structured, rigorous Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training certified programs, which include a combination of hundreds of hours of classroom theory such as blueprint reading, codes, etc. and hundreds of hours of hands-on practical applications. The members of OPCMIA Local 18 who specialize in Concrete provide expert installation in numerous applications such as: Curb and Gutter, Decorative, Flat Work, Heavy and Highway, Industrial and Residential. The members of OPCMIA Local 18 who specialize in Plaster provide expert installation in numerous applications such as: EIFS, Fire Proofing, Free Form and Themed, Historical Restoration, Portland Cement Plaster (stucco) and both Specialty and Colored finishes. "We market our members as professionals," Arnold says. "We look for those who have a passion and the soft skills necessary to succeed. When an employer seeks quality-driven employees, the members of Local 18 deliver," adding, "we are the best option for contractors and customers who want professional installation." The bottom line looks blacker and better when contractors and customers insist on the members of OPCMIA Local 18 for all their trowel trade needs. For further information contact us . Become A Partner Become A Partner > Thank you for your interest in becoming an employer partner! Simply fill out the form below and one of our representatives will be in touch. Company Name Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Country arrow&v First name Last name Phone Email Message SUBMIT FORM Thank you for your interest in becoming a partner with the Local 18! One of our representatives will be in touch soon.

Resources Events Calendar Member Recognition Fees & Dues In Remembrance Update Contact Info Local 18 Members Events Calendar Resources > Welcome to our member resource area. Here you can find information about your membership, see what is happening on our event calendar, update your information and more. Please feel free to contact us with any questions! Fees & Dues Area Maps Benefit Funds Update Contact Info Member Recognition In Remembrance Code of Conduct Extra Benefits Events Calendar > Resources Member Recognition MEMBER RECOGNITION Swearing in the new members 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Apprentice receiving graduation certificates. 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Michael Dicks Receives his 30 Year Gold Card 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 SEE MORE FEES & DUES > Below is pulled directly from our membership agreement. Sec. {A) When there is a joint agreement in force between the Union and a contractor, or association of contractors or any other party, it shall be the duty of every member to strictly abide by and live up to such agreement which becomes part of the By-Laws. Members are to be kept informed of such agreements and for violations of any provisions contained therein shall be subject to such penalty as the Union may impose after a fair and impartial rial. Sec. (B) Any member who is suspended for any cause shall forfeit all claims to the benefits and privileges of this Union during such suspension. Sec. (C) Members who owe more than two months dues shall not be considered in good standing, and shall be required to pay a ($20.00) twenty dollar reinstatement fine on the first day of the third month and a ($10.00) ten dollar fine for each month thereafter in which they are arrears. Sec. (D) When a member is three months in arrears and ,or eight months, he shall be notified by the Financial Secretary of the provisions of Section (C),(D) and (E).The Local Unions monthly dues are due on the first of each month. Sec. (E) Members who have not paid dues for a period of more than nine (9) months. On the first day of the tenth month they will automatically be dropped from the local and the International Association. ​ For questions or more information please contact us . Fees & Dues IN REMEMBRANCE Ruffini, Charles Post not marked as liked Bromley, Richard Post not marked as liked Laster, Joseph Post not marked as liked SEE MORE In Remembrance UPDATE CONTACT INFO > If you have moved, changed your number or anything a long those lines please fill out the form below so we can update your contact information. It is important that we always have the most up to date information so that you do not miss out on news, opportunities, events, etc. First name Last name Street Address City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Phone Email Member Number SUBMIT FORM Your info has been submitted! Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Update Contact Info

Why Join? Benefits How to Join Join Local 18 Joining OPCMIA Local 18 means you are part of something much bigger. Together, our members fight for the greater good of all and help each other secure a better way of life for each member and their family. The Local 18 belongs to its members and everyone has a say in how our organization operates. The leaders are elected right from within our ranks, so they have a deep understanding about our trade and the issues that matter to us. ​ As a union member you will have the protection of a union contract with basic rights including: Improved job conditions. The right to a fair hearing. The ability to speak out for yourself and your fellow workers on work-related issues. We collectively bargain our own contracts. Our representatives are committed to negotiating better wages, benefits and conditions for their members. Through bargaining, we negotiate benefits such as: Health and welfare to protect you and your family when you’re sick or injured. Dental and vision care benefits. Pension benefits to help you live the quality of life you deserve upon retirement. Normal working hours, shift work, travel pay and overtime, etc. We bargain for safer job conditions and enhanced health and safety programs that can help you prevent on-the-job injuries and better equip you for today’s market. WHY JOIN? > Why Join? OPCMIA International OPCMIA Value Driven - Pride Play Video BENEFITS > Training Union members don’t earn the good money and all these benefits just because we are members of a union. We recognize that if we want the best we must be the best. The OPCMIA offers training for every level. Job Corps training is available to those with no experience and needing a helping hand up before beginning a formal apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs combine classroom and earn as you learn hands-on training covering every aspect of our trades. And journeyman upgrading programs keep our members safe and sharp with the latest developments in the industry. ​ ​ Earn More It is a proven fact that members of a trade union make more money over a life time than their counter-parts who are not in a union. The ability to bargain with management as a group allows our union to negotiate better wages important fringe benefits like retirement plans and medical insurance for your family. ​ ​ Medical Insurance How much does it cost for an emergency room visit? How about having a baby? Or God forbid, fighting cancer? No matter how much you earn, no one short of Donald Trump can afford to pay for their own healthcare. Union members have group health insurance plans that provide protection for you and your family when you need it most. ​ ​ Pride Union plasterers and cement masons are an important part of the construction industry. Through this fraternal organization, we insure that every member gets the best deal possible for their labor and we can collectively offer management a well trained workforce. We bring VALUE to the jobsite. ​ ​ Retirement Construction is physically demanding work. Union members have money set aside for them into a pension plan for every hour they work. Do you really want to work all your life and end up relying on social security to see you through your “golden years”? ​ ​ EXTRA BENEFITS Benefits HOW TO JOIN > Thank you for your interest in joining the Local 18! Simply fill out the form below and one of our representatives will be in touch. First name Last name Phone Email Message SUBMIT FORM Thank you for reaching out! One of our representatives will be in touch soon. How to Join

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