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IUOE Local 181: Empowering Operating Engineers to Build Our Future.

IUOE Local 181 is a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting skilled Operating Engineers across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Our mission is to foster fair labor practices, strong wages, and comprehensive benefits while maintaining the highest safety standards on every job site. Through robust training programs and community outreach, we unite our membership to advance local infrastructure projects. Together, we build a better future for everyone, forging a lasting legacy of collaboration, pride, and craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Skilled Trades in Kentucky & Southern Indiana

  • Our Roots & Mission

    Founded in 1903, IUOE Local 181 represents workers across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. We champion fair wages, safe conditions, and continuous development—strengthening communities.

  • Professional Expertise

    Our teams handle highways, bridges, pipelines, and more with precision and a strong safety mindset. From large-scale to local projects, we ensure quality work every time, backed by unwavering dedication.

  • Training & Development

    We provide apprenticeships and ongoing education, keeping our workforce ahead of industry trends. Through classroom and hands-on learning, members sharpen the skills needed to excel on any job site.

  • Community Involvement

    We partner with local groups, support development, and encourage volunteerism. By investing in neighborhoods and building connections, IUOE Local 181 strengthens the regions that we serve.

    Group of Members

  • Why Choose Local 181

    Join a close-knit union that prioritizes fair contracts, career growth, and member well-being. Our collective bargaining power and supportive network ensure stability, respect, and success on every job.

    Excavator
Man Overseeing Construction

Explore the Districts We Serve with Our Interactive Map

Discover the range of IUOE Local 181’s construction and infrastructure initiatives through our interactive map. From major roadways and industrial complexes to local developments, this visual tool highlights where our dedicated members are hard at work building safer, stronger communities. Click the markers for details on each project and witness our commitment to quality craftsmanship and union values.

Link Belt

You Dream It, We Build It

Operating Engineer Looking Upwards

IUOE 181 Latest News

Operating Engineers Strongly Oppose the Senate Republican’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Operating Engineers Strongly Oppose the Senate Republican’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Read more: Operating Engineers Strongly Oppose the Senate Republican’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Mobile Crane Written Exam Prep Class Schedule

Read more: Mobile Crane Written Exam Prep Class Schedule

CDL Theory Instruction Class: July 28 – August 1, 2025

We will be having a CDL Theory Instruction Class -- July 28 – August 1, 2025.

Read more: CDL Theory Instruction Class: July 28 – August 1, 2025

Members Only Car & Truck Show

Read more: Members Only Car & Truck Show

MSHA New Miner Class

April 15 – 17, 2025 the Lynnville training site will be having a MSHA New Miner Class.

Read more: MSHA New Miner Class

CDL Theory Instruction Class April

We will be having a CDL Theory Instruction Class April 7 – 11, 2025.

Read more: CDL Theory Instruction Class April

Excavator

Become A Local 181 Apprentice & Start An Exciting New Career

The IUOE Local 181 Apprenticeship Program is the first step toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Designed for those eager to learn, our program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience to prepare apprentices for real-world job sites. As a Local 181 apprentice, you'll earn while you learn, gaining the technical skills and certifications needed to work on major infrastructure projects. With union representation, you’ll receive competitive wages, excellent benefits, long-term job security, and access to continuous training for career growth.

  • Commitment to Safety & Professionalism

    Best practices, equipment handling, safety & more.

  • Competitive Pay & Union Benefits

    Earn while you train with wages, benefits & security.

  • Career Advancement Opportunities

    Access to certifications, leadership roles & more.
  • Become An Apprentice

Cutting Edge Equipment at IUOE Local 181

At IUOE Local 181, our commitment to excellence starts with the state-of-the-art tools and machinery that empower our workforce. We provide our members with comprehensive training on all machinery and tools used on the job.
View Full Equipment Gallery

  • Heavy Machinery

    Modern cranes, excavators, loaders & more.

  • Safety Gear

    Advanced gear ensures maximum on-site safety.

  • Precision Tools

    Cutting-edge tools boost accuracy and speed.

  • Regular Upgrades

    Routine upgrades keep equipment up-to-date.
IUOE Group 1 Operating Engineers March
IUOE Group 2 IUOE Parade March

The Storied Past of IUOE Local 181

Step back in time with IUOE Local 181’s rich legacy, spanning decades of milestones and transformative moments. Our interactive timeline showcases key events, landmark achievements, and the evolution of our union, giving you a window into the journey that built our success. Learn about the challenges overcome, the victories celebrated, and the enduring spirit of our members. Visit our History page to explore detailed stories and see how our heritage continues to shape the path ahead.
Explore The Timeline
Old Construction Equipment

Get the Latest News, Events, and Member Stories

Stay updated with IUOE Local 181’s latest news, community events, and member stories by following our Facebook page. Join our online community to see behind-the-scenes moments, engage in discussions, and share in the achievements of our union. Connect today and be part of our ongoing legacy of solidarity and progress.
Follow Us On Facebook
Social Collage
Men with a bulldozer

Member Stories: Real Voices, Lasting Impact

  • Ben Willis

    “Thanks for the opportunity IUOE Local 181, I’m super grateful for all the guys and gals that have took me under their wing, and made me feel at home since day one!”

  • Craig Whittaker

    “This career has opened up so many great opportunities for me and has provided—and continues to provide—a strong financial foundation for me and my family.”

Client Reviews: Trusted Voices, Quality Work

Deig Bros. Construction

"Operating Engineers Local 181 is an exceptional organization. Their professional business managers and agents provide our company with qualified union operators. These operators have been properly trained in various pieces of equipment and have earned certifications and the needed skills for their craft. Operators Local 181 and Deig Bros. Construction take pride in providing the tristate with safe, high quality construction projects."

Lutgring Bros., Inc.

"The operators provided by Local 181 have been trained and have the proper certifications for whatever the job or customer may require. In addition, a substance abuse testing program is in place to assure our customers that safety and quality are our top priorities. Operating Engineers Local 181 and Lutgring Bros., Inc. have high standards for providing the tri-state with safe, productive, and cost-effective projects. I have valued the relationship with Local 181 for years and look forward to our partnership for many years to come."

JBI Construction

“When we call for an operator out of the Local 181, they’re sending us somebody very qualified to do the job who can step in and start producing from day one. They’ve helped our company grow, and myself when I started. One of the great things about having union people: We hire somebody that is qualified to do the job. We bid jobs knowing the quality of people we can get from the union hall, and that lets us bid more competitively. We’re very comfortable with the people that we’re working with, which makes everybody more productive.”

Little Creek Construction

“When we were looking for the best option to provide benefits to employees, the union was the way to go, to take care of the company and the employees. As a small company, if I want to bid on a bigger project, I know I can call the union hall and they’ll send as many operators as I need. You can get as big or as small as you want to be with a union contractor. I keep in communication with union reps about upcoming projects so we don’t let a good job slip past.”

Fisher Contracting

“When we call the union hall, we get somebody who has experience in the area and we know what we’re getting. All the salary and benefit negotiation is taken care of. The union has helped us branch out into multiple locations by helping us source labor when we go into new areas. We always have the union to help us be confident that we will have a supply of workers who know the area. Working with IUOE 181 has always been a positive experience.”

Abel Construction Company

“The extensive training that the union provides their workers is second to none. They are trained prior to coming on job sites; therefore it sets a good precedent for our customers to understand that we have a knowledgeable workforce. The trained and competent employees that the unions provide us relieve stress on the project managers and myself to help progress the job. When we call the union, chances are, the agents we’re talking to have run the equipment in the field, so they understand our needs.”
Operating Engineer