Born a first-generation American with French-Polish heritage, I defied the odds by pursuing an apprenticeship in plumbing despite lacking any prior experience or familial connections in the trade.
My journey began when I joined Local 130 Union in February 1991, marking the start of a remarkable career in the plumbing industry.
In 1993, I showcased my skills by clinching victory in the 3rd Year Apprentice Plumber Competition, earning recognition within the union. Five years later, at the age of 31, I was appointed as a night school instructor by the Local 130 JAC due to my demonstrated leadership abilities.
Over the course of 15 years in plumbing, I worked collaboratively with fellow union members, earning their respect and establishing myself as a trusted leader in the field. I briefly diverted my focus to commercial diving, graduating at the top of my class at the DIT School of Commercial Diving in Seattle, WA.
Returning to my roots in plumbing in 2005, I assumed the role of a full-time day school instructor. Tasked with revitalizing Local 130’s training program, I brought a fresh perspective and revamped the curriculum, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.
Throughout my career, I have mentored and guided aspiring plumbers, nurturing talent and fostering success. As a proud Instructor, I have coached four Local 130 International plumbing division winners and numerous UA District 4 and Illinois State Apprentice Champions, earning a reputation for excellence and dedication.
My unwavering commitment to honor, integrity, intelligence, and strong work ethic has garnered respect from various union trades across Illinois, District 4, and the UA. Currently serving as the Instructor in Charge of the Chicago Training Center, I have supported over 3,700 apprentices and journeymen, offering guidance and expertise since 1998.
In addition, I lead the Cote Plumbing Division for the State of Illinois, overseeing operations and upholding the highest standards of quality and professionalism in the industry.
Joe brings over 20 years of Union Officer experience to the team! He has served on the Finance Committee, was an appointed and elected Business Agent, and previously held the title of Assistant Business Manager. He has served as a Trustee on the Pension, DC, Welfare, and Training Funds. He has taught as an Instructor and held the title of Training Director. He has served on numerous sub-committees of the various fringe benefit funds, from selecting fund advisors to handling audits and collections. He was part of the design team for our state-of-the-art Chicago Training Center and recently helped launch the social media campaign to recruit new apprentices.
As a Business Agent, he has served on and brought cases before the Joint Arbitration Board, and has handled grievances with our contractors, the State of Illinois, and other municipal employers. He has protected our trade jurisdiction from other trades at the Building Trades and through arbitration. He is a delegate to the Will and Grundy Counties Building Trades Council and Vice President of the Kankakee and Iroquois Counties Building Trades Council.
He is politically active and has served on numerous boards including the Will County Workforce Investment Board, the Joliet Plan Commission, the Joliet Police and Fire Board, and currently serves on the Will County Public Building Commission and has been appointed by the Governor to the Joliet Regional Port District.
Charlie brings 30 years of Union Officer experience. He got his start by being elected to the Examining Board. He has also served as a J.A.C. Trustee for 14 years. In 2002, Charlie became a full-time Organizer with the Illinois Pipe Trades Association. In 2006, he was Elected as a Business Agent, and has served as an appointed Business Agent since 2013. He has 7 years as an Elected Welfare Trustee and has spent the last 7 years as a Pension Trustee. Charlie has represented the members during negotiations for several Collective Bargaining Agreements. He has served on the Political Action Committee for almost 25 years. Charlie is currently a Trustee for the North Central Illinois Labor Council and is the former President of the Elgin Trades Council. He is currently the Vice President of the Fox Valley Building & Construction Trades Council. Charlie is a proud 35-year, 3rd generation member, and an even prouder 2nd generation Business Agent. He also has two brothers who are Local 130 members.
Tina is a dedicated member of Plumbers Local 130, starting as an apprentice in 2000 and currently a journeyperson in good standing.
Tina is an active member, participating, contributing, and attending all union events; Union Meetings, Political Action Saturdays (and some Sundays), Rebuilding Together (Christmas in April), Smokers, and Golf outings.
She has significantly contributed to Plumbers Local 130 representing the members of Plumbers Local 130 by being elected as a delegate for the United Association(UA) National Convention in 2016, being appointed to the UA Political Engagement Committee in 2020, representing the UA on the National Board for the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) from 2014 - 2022, served as a member and board member of the American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) IL chapter, current board member of the LCLAA Chicago Metro Chapter, and a current member of the publication committee for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Most recently, Tina has been appointed to the Advisory Committee for Apprenticeship (ACA).
Through active participation in these organizations, Local130 events, and meetings, Tina remains committed to giving back to the local and most importantly the membership. Firmly rooted in this belief, she currently serves as the Director of the Tradeswomen Building Infrastructure Initiative, working with the US DOL and Illinois DOL on building a workforce equity plan, addressing the worker shortage, and stimulating economic growth across all communities and amongst Union membership.
Ed Tremore is a dedicated member of Local 130 and a first generation plumber. From the onset of his career, he has embraced the essence of this union and never looked back. He has never wavered in his commitment to perfecting his craft and has shown true dedication to his fellow brothers and sisters.
Ed competed in the in-house apprentice
Ed Tremore is a dedicated member of Local 130 and a first generation plumber. From the onset of his career, he has embraced the essence of this union and never looked back. He has never wavered in his commitment to perfecting his craft and has shown true dedication to his fellow brothers and sisters.
Ed competed in the in-house apprentice contest. From there, he moved on to the state of Illinois contest, followed by the District 4 contest and ultimately the UA Apprentice Contest. After competing, he was asked to assist in night school classes at the Chicago Training Center. Not long after, he was instructing his own classes.
Personal accolades do not give him a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. To Ed, it is about giving back. His commitment to teaching is a reflection of his gratitude and dedication to his career. Ed is fully committed to the well being of the union and to ensuring its continuity for generations to come.
Jay Cronk has been a member of good standing plumber for over 27 years. Starting his journey
in 1996, he has worked on residential, service, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and city
projects for the past 27 years. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many talented
union sisters and brothers, sharing knowledge and building stro
Jay Cronk has been a member of good standing plumber for over 27 years. Starting his journey
in 1996, he has worked on residential, service, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and city
projects for the past 27 years. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many talented
union sisters and brothers, sharing knowledge and building strong bonds of UNITY.
Due to his strong pride and dedication to Plumbers Local 130, Jay’s two sons have decided to
follow in his footsteps and began their apprenticeships in 2021. Jay also has a daughter in high
school who is considering joining the ranks with her siblings once she graduates.
Jay believes in a strong work ethic and enjoys teaching and mentoring the apprentices who will
someday become our future leaders of this Union. He will continue this commitment once elected.
Tony has been a member in good standing for 32 years, having been initiated in 1992. He began his journey in the plumbing industry at 19 as a first-generation plumber. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work with many different people on residential and industrial plumbing projects.
Tony has been active with the u
Tony has been a member in good standing for 32 years, having been initiated in 1992. He began his journey in the plumbing industry at 19 as a first-generation plumber. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work with many different people on residential and industrial plumbing projects.
Tony has been active with the union since becoming a Journeyman and was elected to the
Finance Committee in 1998 for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 422. He served two terms on the
Finance Committee before becoming Training Director in 2004. As the Training Director Tony
oversaw the training of all apprentices at the local level and successfully sent two apprentices to
the national contest in Ann Arbor. He was then appointed Vice President of the local and
elected during the next election cycle, serving for two terms until merging with Local 130. As
Vice President of the local, he chaired the Executive Board, making monthly reports to the
members that were read and voted upon by all members at every union meeting.
In 2010, Tony became the Instructor in Charge of Plumbers Local 130 Joliet JAC facility. He
was responsible for training apprentices and overseeing the continued education of journeymen.
At this time, he was also elected to the Finance Committee of Plumbers Local 130, serving one
term.
Mike is a fourth-generation Union man, with a family history spanning from coal miners to
millwrights, and now plumbing. Mike began his career in this trade with Keystone Mechanical in
August of 1994. He completed his apprenticeship with, Keystone, becoming a journeyman in the
fall of 1999. Mike brings with him 30 years of dedicated and hard-working experience with
Plumbers Local 130.
Since becoming a journeyman, Mike has expanded his knowledge of the plumbing industry by
working in a variety of shops, gaining experience in the residential, commercial, and industrial
sectors of the trade.
Over the last 30 years, Mike has observed the efforts of officers in caring for the collective
interests of our members. Mike looks forward to bringing that VOICE of the membership
forward, ensuring that the MEMBERS of Plumbers Local 130 are always well represented.
John is a dedicated union plumber of Local 130 with ten years of experience, he is honored and
humbled to be running for Plumbers Local 130 Finance Committee. Throughout his career, he
has witnessed firsthand the importance of financial stewardship within our union. John is ready
to step up and contribute his skills to ensure the financial health and prosperity of Plumbers
Local 130 and its members.
John’s journey in the plumbing trade began 2014, serving his apprenticeship under the tutelage
of skilled mentors who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and solidarity. Over the
years, he has honed his craft, tackling a myriad of projects ranging from residential to
commercial, always with a commitment to quality and safety.
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