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5 Major Facts About Iron Workers Union Local 263: The North Texas Powerhouse Driving Construction In 2025

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Iron Workers Union Local 263 continues to be a central and dynamic force in the massive construction boom sweeping across North Texas and West Texas, offering highly-skilled labor for the region's most ambitious structural and reinforcing iron work projects. As of December 23, 2025, the union is positioning itself for a new era of growth and influence, solidified by a major new partnership and a renewed focus on its state-of-the-art Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs.

This article provides an in-depth look at the union's current status, its expansive jurisdiction, the key leadership driving its success, and the pathways for aspiring ironworkers to join a trade that promises high wages, robust benefits, and a lifetime career. The latest developments, particularly a significant partnership announced in May 2025, highlight Local 263’s commitment to sustainable growth and industry excellence.

The Leadership and Jurisdictional Reach of Iron Workers Local 263

Iron Workers Local 263, headquartered in Arlington, Texas, commands a vast and critical jurisdiction that spans 143 counties across North and West Texas, encompassing the major metropolitan areas of Dallas, Fort Worth, and beyond. This expansive coverage makes it one of the most influential building trades unions in the state, responsible for providing the skilled labor that erects the region's iconic skyscrapers, stadiums, and infrastructure projects. The union is comprised of thousands of dedicated members, including both Structural Iron Workers and Reinforcing Iron Workers, who specialize in everything from connecting steel beams to tying rebar for concrete structures.

The strategic direction and day-to-day operations of this powerhouse local are managed by a dedicated team of elected officials and business agents. Their collective experience ensures that members' rights are protected, collective bargaining agreements are enforced, and the highest standards of safety and craftsmanship are maintained across all job sites. The current leadership team includes:

  • Mark Fritts: Business Manager / Financial Secretary-Treasurer (FST)
  • Carlos Gonzales: Business Agent
  • Jorge Pacheco: Business Agent
  • Antonio Luquis: President
  • Mike Trevino: Vice President
  • Julio Ruiz: Organizer / Dispatcher (often the first point of contact for immediate job needs)

This leadership structure is vital for managing the immediate need for skilled Journeymen Structural Iron Workers, which is a recurring theme in the rapidly expanding Dallas-Fort Worth construction market. The union's stability and historical presence—celebrating a century of service—provide a strong foundation for its members in a volatile industry.

Fresh Development: The Game-Changing ASTTU Partnership (May 2025)

In a major announcement made on May 22, 2025, Iron Workers Local 263 solidified a significant partnership with the Alliance for Sustainable Trade, Training, and Utilization (ASTTU). This development is a clear signal of the union's forward-thinking strategy and its commitment to shaping the future of the construction industry in North Texas. This partnership is expected to have a profound impact on several key areas:

Driving Sustainable and Responsible Construction

The collaboration with ASTTU is focused on promoting sustainable trade practices. For Local 263, this means emphasizing green construction techniques and ensuring that members are trained in the latest methods for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building. This not only benefits the environment but also future-proofs the skills of Local 263 ironworkers.

Enhanced Training and Utilization

A core component of the partnership involves enhancing the training curriculum at the Local 263 JATC. By aligning with ASTTU’s goals, the union is ensuring its apprenticeship and journeyman upgrade courses remain on the cutting edge. This includes specialized training in modern welding techniques, rigging, metal fabrication, and the safe erection of complex steel structures. The goal is to maximize the utilization of highly-skilled union labor on all major projects throughout the 143-county jurisdiction.

A Commitment to Community and Future Growth

This partnership reinforces Local 263's role as a community pillar, extending its influence beyond the job site. It helps connect the union with major contractors and developers who are committed to using high-quality, union-trained labor, thereby securing long-term work opportunities and maintaining the integrity of the collective bargaining process for its members.

The Path to Becoming a Journeyman: Apprenticeship and Benefits

The road to becoming a highly-paid, skilled ironworker is paved through the Dallas and West Texas Ironworkers Local 263 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). This program is widely recognized as the premier training pathway in the region, blending rigorous classroom instruction with essential on-the-job training (OJT) under the guidance of experienced journeymen. The JATC operates out of its main facility in Arlington, TX, with additional training resources, such as the El Paso Training Facility, serving the western portion of its jurisdiction.

Apprenticeship Program Structure and Duration

The Iron Workers apprenticeship program typically lasts three to four years, depending on the specific curriculum and the apprentice’s pace. During this time, apprentices are employed by signatory contractors, earning wages while they learn. The training covers all facets of the trade, including:

  • Structural Steel Erection (bolting, connecting)
  • Reinforcing Iron Work (rebar tying, pre-cast concrete)
  • Welding (certified structural welding)
  • Rigging and Crane Signaling
  • Safety and OSHA Compliance

Upon successful completion of the program, an apprentice graduates to the status of a Journeyman Iron Worker, a title that signifies mastery of the craft and opens the door to the union's full wage and benefits package.

Wages, Benefits, and Financial Security

One of the most compelling reasons to join Local 263 is the comprehensive financial security offered through collective bargaining. While specific wage rates are negotiated and frequently updated, union ironworkers consistently earn significantly more than their non-union counterparts. Furthermore, the union's benefit package is a major draw, providing security that is critical for a demanding career:

  • Robust Health Coverage: Members and their families receive dependable health coverage, often managed through a dedicated benefits fund like Zenith America.
  • Pension Plan: A defined-benefit pension plan ensures a secure retirement, a rare and valuable benefit in the modern construction industry.
  • Training and Scholarship Opportunities: The JATC provides ongoing Journeyman upgrade training, and the union promotes scholarship opportunities, such as the annual AFL-CIO Scholarship, for members and their children.

The combination of high-demand skills, top-tier wages, and a comprehensive benefits package makes a career with Iron Workers Local 263 an attractive and stable choice for anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding trade.

Spotlight on Local 263’s Impact: Key Projects in the DFW Metroplex

The skill and dedication of Iron Workers Local 263 members are literally built into the landscape of North Texas. Their work is visible in some of the most significant and complex construction projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. These projects serve as a testament to the union's capabilities and its essential role in regional development. Notable projects where Local 263 ironworkers have made their mark include:

  • Medal of Honor Museum: A significant cultural project requiring precision and complex structural work.
  • Roanoke Deloitte Campus: Large-scale commercial construction showcasing the ability to handle massive corporate projects.
  • Mansfield Soccer Stadium (Flores): Sports and entertainment venues are a specialty, demanding expertise in large-span structural steel erection.
  • QTs Irving and New Tech TSTC: Demonstrating versatility across commercial and educational facilities.

By securing these high-profile jobs, Local 263 ensures steady work for its members and maintains a strong presence in the competitive Texas construction market. The union’s commitment to safety, quality, and timely project completion is why signatory contractors consistently choose Local 263 for their most challenging work.

5 Major Facts About Iron Workers Union Local 263: The North Texas Powerhouse Driving Construction in 2025
iron workers union local 263
iron workers union local 263

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