In 1948, Brothers Merrill Baker and Steve Senio were employed as Ironworkers at the Imperial Oil Refinery Project in Edmonton, Alberta. The rate of pay at that time was $1.37 per hour.

A jurisdictional dispute arose with the carpenters when Brother Baker was sawing a timber. He was somewhat irritated by this and mentioned to Brother Senio that they should form a union of their own.

Brother Senio followed this up by going to the Labour Relations Board. One thing led to another and in 1948 they were granted a charter by the Canadian Labour Congress. The Ironworkers now belonged to Local 312 of the C.L.C.

During a regular meeting in January, 1949, a motion was made and passed that the local apply for membership in the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. This was followed up by a request to the International and General Organizer, George Holland, of Spokane, Washington and Business Agent, Ernie Cook, of Vancouver, B.C. came to Edmonton to meet with the Ironworkers. Subsequently, the application was made and the charter was issued effective July 6, 1949.

Thanks to the initiative of these men, the members of Local 720 now enjoy a decent standard of living along with a pension plan and other union benefits.

Brother Merill Baker, membership #427427, was a member until his death at the age of 91 on Febuary 2, 1994. Brother Steve Senio, membership #427256, served as the Business Agent for Local 720 from 1949 to 1970. Steve is currently 90 years old and is still a member of our local.