Ironworkers Local 16, which represents about 1,000 Baltimore-area workers and retirees, has been merged with two other Washington-area locals following years of declining membership and work, and difficulty funding its pension.

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers' executive board voted in December to revoke the local chapter's charter, effective Jan. 1.

Local 16's 290 active members were reassigned to Local 5. Local 201, which represents parts of Maryland and Virginia, also was consolidated under Local 5.

The merger is part of a broader consolidation effort by the union, as leaders search for ways to strengthen small, local chapters that are struggling. A total of 13 local chapters were consolidated to five, according to the international association.

“It's not my proudest day to consolidate these strained unions,” said General President Eric M. Dean. “But we've got to band together to try to strengthen what's left.”

Thomas Brune, business manager for Local 16, said the union has struggled to compete for construction jobs against nonunion companies.

As the number of workers and the hours they worked declined, the union's pension has suffered. The union estimates that the fund will run out of money in 2032 unless it takes action.

Merging local chapters could help shore up the pension, but the process won't be easy and is far from a sure thing, Brune and Dean said.

sarah.gantz@baltsun.com