At first, it sounded like a typical construction job for Ken Gilbey, Joe Malinao, and Craig McEntyre - three skilled iron workers who are used to placing, welding, and bracing steel structures high above the ground. Their goal: erecting a six-story structure in downtown Detroit.

But the trio and their co-workers in the construction trades soon discovered that this would be no ordinary job. The 63-foot-high stainless-steel arch they were asked to build would be a lifelong tribute to each of them and to the hundreds of thousands of other union members in southeast Michigan.

The graceful, curving arch is the centerpiece of the Michigan Labor Legacy Landmark, designated as a gift to the people of Detroit from all of labor, a place where visitors can study and contemplate the contributions of working people past and present. It rises from the green space in front of Hart Plaza on Jefferson just west of Woodward, a site passed daily by thousands of pedestrians and vehicles.

Ironworkers, Operating Engineers, Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Stone Masons, and other union members all helped construct the arch, marking a new chapter in this area's rich labor history.

Many of them were moved by the idea of building a monument to honor labor.

As the arch rose in sections day by day in early May, for example, union workers would cross Jefferson to view the structure from all different angles. Because the arch is open at the top, it was critical that the two sides line up both horizontally and vertically. On the last day of construction, most eyes would have judged the job okay, but to the workers it needed more fine-tuning.

"I'm a perfectionist," said Gilbey, "and I want to make sure it's just right." He and his colleagues spent an extra four-and-a-half hours unbolting, moving, and refastening the two bases ever so slightly until they tops lined up to their satisfaction.

It was no easy job. The steel in the arches weighs 30 tons, even before cement was poured into the hollow interior to stabilize it. Meanwhile, members of Electrical Workers Local 58 ran connectors from the bases to each top, where an arcing light between the two sides will light up the night sky, symbolizing labor's energy.

At the base of the arch, which was designed by David Barr, are 14 granite boulders bearing bronze sculptures by artist Sergio De Giusti depicting construction trades members, assembly line workers, and others who contribute to the city's day-to-day life. Other sculptures recall labor's heritage and project labor's vision for a better future.

"There's a lot of engineering that went into this," Barr said as the sections in the arch were being placed. "But while everything might look good on paper, there's a lot of anxiety about whether everything will line up. But it's good to know that every step of the way we're working with skilled pros."
A podium provides a platform for speakers and musicians, and surrounding benches offer a place for visitors to sit and rest after viewing the sculptures and reading the 40 quotations on labor and social-justice themes. There are also a dozen plaques that recall labor's milestones, from ending child labor to providing paid pensions and health care.

Patrick Devlin, secretary-treasurer of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council, has been a member of the project's fund-raising committee and an enthusiastic backer of the project.

Final touches, including landscaping improvements, should be finished by early June, according to the officers of the non-profit Michigan Labor Legacy Project inc. - UAW Vice-President Gerald Bantom, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO President Donald Boggs, and UAW Region 1 Director Ken Terry. They are planning a major dedication ceremony later this summer, where the construction trades workers who helped build the project will be recognized.

The Landmark was conceived more than two years ago as a gift from the labor movement to the people of Detroit on the occasion of the city's 300th birthday. A nationwide competition drew registrations from more than 120 artists and sculptors, and a jury of five persons representing the labor, arts, and academic community chose the winning design.

Barr and De Giusti won the competition with their collaborative proposal that they call "Transcending." Both have labor roots: Barr was one of the founders of the faculty union at Macomb Community College and served on its bargaining team, and De Giusti's father was a cement worker who emigrated from Italy.

More than a thousand rank-and-file union members contributed $100 or more to help build the arch. Unions and local organizations and businesses also weighed in with major donations to help raise a total of $1.4 million.

Each donor will have a listing or plaque on the wall of honor at the Legacy Landmark site. Contributions are still welcome and space has been reserved for future donors. Donations can be sent to: Michigan Labor Legacy Project, Walter P. Reuther Library, 5401 Cass, Detroit MI 48202. Donations are tax deductible and can be charged to VISA or MasterCard.

IRON WORKERS Delbert Mitchell and Mike Fujii of Local 25 and Aristeo weld sections of the Labor Legacy Ring.