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January 30, 2012

Pontoon builders say project gives them a job, and a future

  • Starting wage for an ironworker apprentice is $24 an hour building the 520 bridge pontoons, with a raise every six months as they complete work hours and training.
    • By STEVEN FRIEDERICH
    The Daily World

    ABERDEEN — Just a few months back, Josh Sumner was commuting from Aberdeen to Tukwila for a job building custom storage sheds. Then, his hours were cut and the economics shifted so that his commute would cost more than his wages.

    That's when he heard about tryouts in Aberdeen to be a part of the Ironworkers Local 86 building the giant floating pontoons for the 520 Bridge. Out of 24 people who tried out for a job last summer, Sumner was one of only six who had the strength and stamina to do the work.


     
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