Metal Trades Department President Ron Ault welcomes newly-appointed Metal Trades Representative John Barry to his first day on the job January 3rd as the Metal Trades Representative, replacing Jim Seidl, who retired effective December 31st. Barry comes to the Department from the International Union of Operating Engineers where he was responsible for national level collective bargaining, organizing and training. In that capacity, he developed training curriculum for IUOE local union staff. He also served as assistant director for the IUOE’s Stationary Affairs Department for the past eight years. John is a 28-year member of IUOE’s Washington, D.C. Local 99 where completed his apprenticeship to become a licensed stationary engineer, moving through the ranks to become a chief engineer. John was an apprenticeship instructor for Local 99 for three years and served on the local’s executive board and as business manager.
John holds an undergraduate degree from the National Labor College and earned a Masters Degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Jim Seidl who retired December 31st. Seidl joined the Metal Trades staff in 2005 after more than 40 years in various capacities with the International Association of Machinists—including a stint as Director of the IAM’s Government Employees’ Department.