Labor Leader Louis J. Ackerman

1932 – 2010

Louis Joseph Ackerman, the retired business manager of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 21, passed away on July 11.

Mr. Ackerman joined the White Plains Plumbers Local 299 in 1958 as an apprentice. During his long career, he was not content merely working for a living but sought ways to further the best interest of his union and fellow workers. Local 21 serves Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Ulster counties.

“Lou was a union man through and through, and he was a very active and important member in virtually all aspects of organized labor,” said Edward Doyle, president of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Westchester & Putnam Counties, Inc. “Lou was always well respected by both the unions and the contractors with whom he worked and negotiated. In his own quiet way, he was a very effective mediator. Personally, I owe him a big debt of gratitude for encouraging me to participate in the Building Trades and becoming its president. He will be sorely missed.”

Through the years, Mr. Ackerman’s commitment to his union and to the overall movement of organized labor led to election as President of Local 299. Subsequently, he became a business agent and business manager. He was instrumental in coordinating the multiple mergers over the years that led to the formation of Local 21 as it exists today.

Mr. Ackerman also served as president of the New York State Pipe Trades Association for several years and was on many committees and advisory boards related to the industry. In his last decade prior to retiring, he was regional vice president for the New York and New England states for the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters while serving as Business Manager of Local 21.

Mr. Ackerman is survived by his wife Mavis of 49 years. The Ackermans have three children and six grandchildren.

This is part of the July 1, 2010 online edition of Construction News.

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