Darrell Hawk, Pile Drivers, Divers, Bridge, Dock and Wharf Builders Local 2404
Describe your current job.
I’m the financial secretary/business manager for Pile Drivers, Divers Local 2404. My other duties include training the director and chair of our Pension/Health and Welfare Committee.
What are your areas of responsibility?
Contract negotiations, managing staff and being the first point of contact with provincial training authorities – basically, I’m in charge of the organization.
How did you get to where you are now?
I started as an apprentice in 1980. Then I moved up through the ranks to foreman, GF at times, became involved in the union in 1996, ran for my current position in 2002 and have been elected every three years since.
What do you love about your job?
The challenge and unpredictability – you never really know what will come up each day.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Dealing with members and contractors. There are always a few large issues ongoing that require meetings and consultations with key stakeholders.
What are the challenges you experience in your job?
Becoming overwhelmed with the different aspects of the job.
What are your future goals?
To leave this union in a better place than when I arrived. We need to help our contractors to be as competitive as possible by supplying well-trained tradespeople who have the right attitude and work ethic to succeed in a very competitive construction market.
What are your predictions for the future of deep foundation construction in Canada?
Technological innovation will contribute to smaller manning requirements (crews) to install foundations. Methods have changed substantially from the days of driving a creosote wood pile into the ground. 
