The work of a carpenter most commonly involves construction of buildings, woodworking, and generally working with one’s hands. But in Mansfield, a group of carpenters are using their hands for work far beyond their day jobs.
These carpenters belong to the Carpenter Local Union No. 735, located on Poplar Street in Mansfield. Comprised of approximately 350 carpenters from areas such as Richland, Ashland, Knox and Morrow counties, these workers are actively involved in giving back to their communities.
“We encourage our members to get out and be active in our communities because the unions aren’t what people thought they were,” said Jon Parman, president of the local union. “We’re just a bunch of guys and gals trying to make a decent living and retire with dignity, and give back to our community. We are much more fortunate than some people, so we try to give back.”
According to Parman, labor leader Peter J. McGuire first formed the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in 1881, with the Mansfield local chapter beginning in 1901. Mansfield’s union charter was one of the last charters signed by McGuire before he left the union in 1902, but not before fighting to establish the eight-hour workday and the recognition of Labor Day as a national holiday. Mansfield’s local chapter is part of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, of which Parman serves as a representative.
Parman said the Carpenters Union has participated in community improvement projects all over the county and state, from tearing down the Rehab Telethon to renovating the Madison Early Childhood Center to sponsoring a number of youth athletic programs. The union has also built numerous handicap ramps around the community, park equipment for Lucas and the gazebo in downtown Mansfield.
“Most of this isn’t actual carpenters work we’re doing, and I think that’s why we have such a huge group of volunteers,” said Parman. “You’re building stuff all day long, you don’t want to build stuff on the weekends too, so you’re doing something fun. Not everybody needs something built, but everybody needs help somehow.”
Money going towards sponsoring sports teams and local causes comes directly from the carpenters themselves in the form of monthly dues, where a portion of the funds go to community projects. Parman said by supporting the community from their own pockets, the union hopes the community will in turn support them by using union signatory contractors.
“You support those who support you,” said Parman. “The community has been good to us, without a doubt. They’re putting food on our tables, so we have to give back to our community.”
Carpenter and union member Mike Cole helps give back to the community by participating in Toy Time with his family at Christmas. He joined the Carpenters Union after a negative experience with a contractor while working in Columbus.
“I knew about the union and I wanted to change my life for the better because I didn’t like how they were operating,” said Cole. “So I got in down in Columbus and it’s been a great life ever since.”
Cole said the satisfaction of giving back to his community is what keeps him involved in the union.
“I enjoy seeing people’s faces when we do good things for them and they’re really happy about what we do, and it’s a lot of pleasure when we do a nice thing for somebody who’s not as fortunate,” said Cole.
“We’ve got a good bunch of people trying to do something positive for the community,” added Parman. “And feel-good has a hell of a value to it.”
“We’re just a bunch of guys and gals trying to make a decent living and retire with dignity, and give back to our community. We are much more fortunate than some people, so we try to give back.”
