First Place International Competition Winners Instructors’ Training Program Marks Twentieth Year Year Name Local No. Location of Competition In June, 1985 the National Ironworkers and Employers Apprenticeship Training and Journeyman Upgrading Fund 1994 Eric Costa 397 Pittsburgh, PA (NIEATJUF) held its First Annual Ironworker Instructors’ 1996 Robert F. Montgomery 397 Vancouver Training Program at the University of California, Berkeley. 1998 Gregory Jarrell 397 Anchorage, AL Barely 100 Ironworker instructors attended the program. 2000 Michael Goodman 808 Miami, FL General President Juel D. Drake said at that time, “the 2002 Matt Flowers 416 Las Vegas, NV future of this great organization depends of the success of 2004 Wesley Campeau 700 San Francisco, CA the National Fund and its goal, which is to standardize training and provide employers with the highest skilled General Vice President workforce possible.” The purpose of the program is to: Hugh Williamson Passes Assure that every instructor is fully qualified in teaching techniques; help keep instructors current with technological Retired First General Vice changes as they occur in the industry; and provide a forum President Hugh Williamson for instructor colleagues to exchange ideas and standardize passed away on August 4, training for Ironworkers from coast to coast. 2004. Brother Williamson was initiated into Local At the 20th Annual Ironworker Instructors’ Training 135, Galveston, Texas Program held in July 2004 at the University of San in 1942. He transferred Diego, over 500 instructors, observers, guests, employ- into Local 84, Houston, ers, teachers, and special presenters participated in the Texas in 1944. From 1948 program. Forty-eight courses were offered in Professional until 1955 he served as Development, Special Development, Computer Technology, Business Manager of Local Safety, National Labor College courses, Structural, 84. Brother Williamson Ornamental, Welding, Reinforcing and Post Tensioning. negotiated the first fringe New courses in Powder Actuated Fasteners, Anchors and benefit contributions with the Measuring Systems were taught with instructors from Associated General Contractors in Hilti Incorporated. A new course “Working with Learners the State of Texas. with Special Needs” was introduced. Also new and revised for 2004 was the Lincoln Electric course in Seismic Hugh Williamson served as President of the Iron Requirements for Structural Steel Welding. Re-structured Workers District Council of the State of Texas from 1956 courses in Metal Buildings, Reinforcing, Post Tensioning until his retirement in 1986. At the time of his retirement, Certification, Ornamental and Welding allowed participants Hugh Williamson was First General Vice President. Graduates from the National Labor College last name first name mid name graduated state local Lehmann James R 6/30/01 Phoenix, AZ 75 29 Lovrek David Barry Patrick 1/28/96 Portland, OR 55 McDonald Michael T. T 6/26/04 Milwaukee, WI 8 229 Norman John M Blaze Joseph D., II 7/30/95 Toledo, OH 24 Peterson Thomas T 1/29/00 Salt Lake City, UT 27 24 Pierce Richard A Booth George J 6/29/02 San Diego, CA 11 Powers Ray 6/30/01 Salt Lake City, UT 27 495 Robertson Raymond T. Calkins J. Douglas 6/24/00 Denver, CO 75 Rowe Richard J 6/30/01 Spokane, WA 14 606 Ruel John E Calkins Mark S 6/29/02 Denver, CO 229 Ryan James Wayne 6/30/01 Hammond, IN 395 416 Shuff Robert Carolan Kenneth A. 6/29/02 Newark, NJ 495 Sweatt Ronald E 6/30/01 Spokane, WA 14 63 Sweeney Richard William Drake Stephen C. 6/24/00 Albuquerque, NM 24 Targett Thomas W 6/30/01 Chicago, IL 63 340 Thomas Jerome E Facista George 6/30/01 Phoenix, AZ 11 Tweet Elwood 6/29/02 Chicago, IL 63 378 Zampa Richard Forrester Kim 6/24/00 Wichita, KS 7/31/85 Chicago,IL 1 Gavett Jack 6/30/01 San Diego, CA 6/28/03 New York City, NY 580 Greenhagen Charles Richard 6/29/02 Los Angeles, CA 6/30/01 Los Angeles, CA 433 Groskie Matthew 7/27/97 Albuquerque. NM 6/29/02 San Diego, CA 229 Gschwind Russell J. 6/28/03 Chicago, IL 6/28/03 Camden, NJ 399 Hall Alden N 6/29/02 Denver, CO 6/28/03 Portland, ME 496 Hawley Bruce Alan 6/30/01 Battle Creek, MI 12/16/05 San Diego, CA 229 Hickey Joseph F. 6/29/02 Newark, NJ 6/30/01 San Diego, CA 229 Inocencio Angelo 6/30/01 Oakland, CA 6/30/01 Oakland, CA 378 290
Apprenticeship and Training Department and National Fund Mission Statement The mission of the Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Department is to ensure that our union Ironworkers have the skills, knowledge and training necessary to be safe on the jobsite, competitive in the workplace and satisfied in their careers. We accomplish that mission by providing training and training materials, leadership, and accreditation in order to uphold union values and the principles of service and professionalism. ~~{ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF NORTHERN NEW ,JERSEY IRONWORKERS ti) ~ r--- - -FUND SERVICES AND TRAINING FACILITif 291
to gain skills and knowledge so they can efficiently provide Secretary Michael Fitzpatrick, Dave Lauriski, Assistant Ironworkers with the information to teach those classes to Secretary of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration apprentices and journeymen. (MSHA), General Vice President Walter Wise, General Organizer Eric Dean, National Fund Trustee Victor In the outdoor area, Applied Bolting, Bar Splice Cornellier, Mark Breslin, author of Organize or Die, Kathy Products, Erico Inc. ESAB Welding and Cutting, EZE Bend, Spittel, Director, USD Summer Conference Program, Dr. GMC-NLC, Harris Calorific, Hilti, Klein Tools, Lincoln Jerry Wircenski, Director, Applied Technology, Training Electric, Max USA Corp., Miller Electric, Smith Equipment and Development, University of North Texas, and Dr. Rick Company and Strongwell, Bristol Division, conducted hands- Sullivan, Director of Learning and Performance Support, on training and demonstrated state-of-the-art equipment. Johns Hopkins University. The trustees of the National Fund: Dave McEuen At the opening assembly, an alliance was signed (President, California Erectors, Bay Area, Inc.), Victor by General President Hunt on behalf of Iron Workers Cornellier (President, TSI/Exterior Wall Systems, Inc.), Bill International and by Assistant Secretary of Labor for Livingston (President, Quality ReSteel), General President MSHA, Dave Lauriski. The Alliance signed recognizes the Joseph Hunt, General Secretary Michael Fitzpatrick and value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster General Vice President Walter Wise, praised manage- safer and healthier working conditions for ironworkers and ment, professional and technical instructors as well as the mine workers at the nation’s mining operations. MSHA and National Fund staff for their outstanding contributions in the Iron Workers International, through the Iron Workers conducting the 20th annual program. Training Program, began working together in 2000. Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training In 2000, the National Fund entered into an agreement Department Michael White addressed the opening session with the National Labor College of the George Meany held on Sunday evening, July 18. He commended the par- Center for Labor Studies. Ironworkers could now take class- ticipants, saying, “…today we have better apprenticeship es for college credit while attending the annual seminar at and training programs because of all of you out there. Your U.S.D. Several Ironworkers have taken advantage of this participation, dedication, knowledge, and involvement in and have gone on to achieve Bachelors Degrees from The our apprenticeship and training programs throughout the National Labor College. United States and Canada are outstanding.” The House of Labor Divided in 2005 General President Joseph Hunt praised the work of the Apprenticeship and National Fund department of the In 1881, a group of disgruntled trade unionists led by International in their efforts to support quality programs a cigar maker named Samuel Gompers split away from leading to a skilled workforce for our industry. In describing the Knights of Labor to form a rival organization called the instructor training program, President Hunt said, “This the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, or program provides everything needed to turn our apprentic- F.O.T.L.U. This organization would change its name to the es into highly skilled professional craftsman.” He went on American Federation of Labor, or A.F.L., in 1886. After to say, ”Training is what sets us apart from our unskilled the Haymarket Affair of 1886 the A.F.L. would become the competition.” President Hunt stressed that the Annual dominant Labor organization in America while the Knights Instructor Program is the setting in which our Ironworker of Labor would be relinquished to the history books. instructors gain the knowledge required to conduct informa- tive and effective training classes. In 1905, a group of industrial unionists led by Big Bill Haywood of the Western Federation of Miners would Also addressing the opening session were General 292
Iron Workers Apprentice and Training Class graduates, December 2002. splinter away from the A.F.L. They would form a and Joiners General President, Doug McCarron, rival organization, the Industrial Workers of the would have his differences with the new AFL-CIO World (I.W.W.), or Wobblies. This group set out to President John Sweeney. The 500,000 member organize the unskilled workers that they felt the Carpenters Union would disaffiliate in March 2001. A.F.L. had ignored. Their radical and militant activ- ities led to a government crackdown and by 1919 Before becoming AFL-CIO President, John they were pretty much out of business. Sweeney was the head of the Service Employees International Union, or S.E.I.U. His successor at the Industrial unionists still felt the A.F.L. wasn’t S.E.I.U., Andy Stern, felt that the AFL-CIO wasn’t doing enough to organize unskilled workers and in committing enough of its resources to organizing 1935 several International Unions again split with and started the “Change to Win” coalition. the A.F.L. and formed a rival union, the Committee of Industrial Organizations (later the Congress of Stern and his “Change to Win” allies felt that Industrial Organizations), or C.I.O. The C.I.O. was unions were becoming irrelevant in a society where very successful in organizing workers in American only one of ten workers belonged to a union. At and Canadian factories. Hundreds of thousands of the time of the 2005 AFL-CIO convention held workers in steel, auto, aviation, glass, rubber, cloth- in Chicago, five International Unions made-up ing and just about every other manufacturing indus- the “Change to Win” coalition; the S.E.I.U, the try in the U.S.A. and Canada belonged to the C.I.O. Teamsters, the United Food and Commercial Workers (U.F.C.W.), Laborers and UNITE-HERE. In 1955 the A.F.L. and C.I.O. would merge, form the The Carpenters were sympathetic to their cause but AFL-CIO and cease hostilities. However, Labor wouldn’t did not officially affiliate at the time of the convention. stay united for long. Over the next several years indi- vidual unions would leave the AFL-CIO over a vari- By the end of the convention, the S.E.I.U., the ety of issues. The UAW, one of the larger Industrial Teamsters and the UFCW had withdrawn from unions, would leave over the AFL-CIO’s support of the the AFL-CIO taking 20% of the AFL-CIO’s annual Viet Nam War. Jimmy Hoffa’s Teamsters would defect operating budget with them. Other unions may join and, periodically, other unions would also leave. the “Change to Win” coalition in the future. Only time will tell. By 1987, AFL-CIO President, Lane Kirkland, had brought all of the major unions back into the “House If history has taught us anything, it is that the of Labor.” Organized workers were united once again, labor movement has and probably always will have for a while. International Brotherhood of Carpenters debates and differences of opinion about what is best for American and Canadian workers. 293
Jay Hurley Appointed Toney General Treasurer in 2001 upon the retire- Ninth General Vice ment of James E. Cole. Dennis served in that office President until his retirement in 2005. General Organizer Ironworkers, family and friends from all over John F. “Jay” Hurley the country attended his retirement celebration in was named Ninth April of 2005. Good friend, Senator Hillary Rodham General Vice President Clinton (D-N.Y.) surprised Dennis and all the guests by General President when she showed up to wish Dennis the best and a Joseph Hunt on May long and happy retirement. 16, 2005. Jay Hurley became an appren- Executive Assistant tice in Local 7, Boston, to the General Mass. in 1975. In 1988 President he was elected Recording Marty Byrne Secretary of his Local Union Passes and in 1991 he became President. Retired Executive In 1993 he was elected Business Agent and in Assistant to the 1997 he became the Local 7 Business Manager. General President General President Joseph Hunt appointed Jay Martin “Marty” T. General Organizer in 2001. In 2002, he was elect- Byrne passed away ed President of the New England States District September 7, 2005. His Council. career and contributions to our International, and General Treasurer the entire labor movement, were Dennis Toney varied and exceptionally distinguished. After leav- Retires ing a boxing career as a welterweight contender with a record of 27-0, Marty became an apprentice General Treasurer ironworker in Local Union 37 (Providence, R.I.). He Dennis Toney retired attained journeyman status in 1960 and served his on February 28, 2005. local as a joint apprenticeship committee member, After serving in the apprentice instructor, and member of the Rhode U.S. Army, Brother Island State Apprenticeship Council. He was elected Toney became a proud to the Executive Board and the office of president. member of Shopmen’s He also served as business agent for twelve years. Local Union 493, Des Moines, Iowa in 1963. He He was elected President of the AFL-CIO Central quickly moved up the ranks Labor Council for ten years before coming to serving as Shop Steward, Washington D.C., when he was appointed General Executive Board Member, Vice Organizer by General President John H. Lyons President, President and as a Business Agent for in 1980. For the 22 years prior to his retirement, nine years. Marty’s office administered various programs for the International Association including the Building In 1979, General President John H. Lyons, Jr., and Construction Trades Department project labor appointed him District Representative assigning agreements, Chairman of the National Heavy and him to service the shopmen’s unions in the Western Highway Committee, General President’s Agreement New York and Vicinity District Council. In 1985, Committee, Union Privilege programs, Dollars General President Juel Drake appointed him Against Diabetes (DADS Day), and editor of the General Organizer and assigned him to International award-winning magazine “The Ironworker.” Marty Headquarters where he assisted General Vice was appointed Executive Assistant to the General President A.S. Goodwin in the Shop Department. President in 1986, and served at that position under three general presidents. In 1988 General President Drake appointed Dennis Executive Director of the Shop Department. General President Joseph Hunt appointed Brother 294
General Vice President to the District Council of Iron Workers of the State Walter Wise Appointed of California & Vicinity. Dick was elected Financial General Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer/Business Agent in 1968 and served in that position until 1980 when he became Financial Upon the retirement of Secretary-Treasurer/Business Manager. General Treasurer Dennis Toney, General President In September 1985, then General President Juel D. Joseph Hunt appointed Drake appointed Dick as General Organizer and he was Walter Wise General assigned to service the area of the District Council of Treasurer. Brother Iron Workers of the State of California & Vicinity. Dick Wise had been serv- served as President of the District Council for more ing the Iron Workers than sixteen years. On May 22, 1989, then General as Sixth General Vice President Jake West appointed Dick Eighth General President and President Vice President. of the Mid-Atlantic States District Council. Those of us who have served with Brother Zampa need no elaboration of his qualities that have marked Walter Wise has been a him as a rock of integrity and of his steadfast devotion member of Local 697, Roanoke, to the trade union cause. We couldn’t let this occasion Virginia since 1975. pass without paying tribute to our good friend and col- league, Dick Zampa, for the outstanding contributions General President Jake West appointed Walt he has made to the trade union movement. We, his General Organizer in 1997 and in 1998 he was fellow officers and members, wish to commend him by appointed President of the Mid-Atlantic States expressing herein our respect and deep appreciation District Council. for his services, dedication, faith and responsibility in carrying out the duties of his office in an efficient and First General Vice President effective manner. Dick Zampa Retires Brother Zampa and his lovely wife Anne, have six First General Vice children and thirteen grandchildren. We wish them a President Richard Zampa long, healthy and happy retirement together. retired on January 31, 2006, after fifty years of GENERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL service to the Iron work- ing Industry. Because David Kolbe of his fifty years of ded- Named ication and exemplary IPAL Director leadership, General President Hunt and the Mr. Kolbe was entire General Executive appointed as Political Council presented brother and Legislative Zampa with this very spe- Representative for the cial testimonial. International Union TESTIMONIAL TO RICHARD effective February 1, ‘DICK’ ZAMPA 2006. Dave has a back- FIRST GENERAL VICE-PRESIDENT ground with a combina- INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, tion of ironworking and STRUCTURAL , ORNAMENTAL, AND REINFORCING legislative skills making IRON WORKERS him eminently qualified to make ironworker issues heard on We salute Richard Zampa who has been a member Capitol Hill. Dave worked in the field with his tools of this great organization for fifty years. Brother Zampa for 15 years until he was seriously injured at work was initiated into membership in Local Union No. 378 requiring him to convalesce for a full year. His time Oakland, California, in June 1956 as an apprentice, com- off gave him an opportunity to become more politi- pleting the program and becoming a Journeyman in May cally involved with obvious success. He was elected 1958. He was elected to the Executive Board of Local Damascus Township, Ohio Trustee in 1984, Henry Union No. 378 in 1964 and elected President of that County, Ohio Commissioner 1989-1992 and served on Local in 1966. At the same time, he became a Delegate various charitable boards including the United Way and the Red Cross. The Governor of Ohio recognized 295
How A Bill Moves Through Congress A Typical Example HOUSE SENATE H.R. 000 S.000 Introduced Introduced Referred to Referred to Full Committee Full Committee Subcommittee Subcommittee Hearings Markup Hearings Markup Full Committee Full Committee Reports S.0000 Reports S.0000 to House to House H.R. 0000 Amended CONFERENCE S.0000 Amended Passed Passed Conference Report Conference Report Agreed to Agreed to WHITE HOUSE Act Signed Into Public Law 296
his community spirit by appointing him to the Ohio 4, 2002. He has served his State Community Services Council in 2005 and he still District Council as Financial serves in that capacity today. Dave gained his lobby- Secretary-Treasurer/ ing experience by serving as political director for the Recording Secretary Ohio AFL-CIO for the last thirteen years. His knowl- from 1998-2001, Second edge and experience make him an excellent choice to Vice President from represent our International on legislative issues at the 2001-2002, First Vice national level. President from 2002 and became President of the Joe Standley Appointed Ninth California and Vicinity General Vice President District Council in 2006. After the swearing in cer- Joe Standley, Local 75 (Phoenix, Ariz.) has steadily emony General President worked his way up the ranks of our organization since Hunt said, “I am looking becoming business agent of Local 75 in 1982. By 1985, forward to working with you in he moved up to FST/BM and maintained that position your new capacity as General Vice President of this until General President Joseph Hunt appointed him International Association and I know you will be an General Organizer for the International on February asset to the General Executive Council.” 297
Heading Into Our Next Decade Observations by General President Joe Hunt T his book describes the major events in years through The National Apprenticeship Ironworker history over the past 110 years of our great organization. But and Training Fund. All training manuals, the written word can never adequate ly convey the true cost in blood, sweat and journeymen upgrading and train-the-trainer courage of the members who struggled so hard to give us the International Union that courses have been updated and standardized we enjoy today. The only people who truly grasp the sacrifices made by our founders are to help ensure that our apprentices and jour the Ironworkers working shoulder-to-shoulder on the job today. These Ironworkers share the neymen receive the cutting-edge training that same hardships and dangers as our forefathers. allows us to continue to supply the best trained We truly stand on the shoulders of those that came before, us, and they deserve our Ironworkers in North America. admiration and respect. The best way to honor the memory of our predecessors is to Another step forward is the addition of do everything we can to ensure the future of the Iron Workers Union. To achieve this Regional Local Union 846 into the ranks of the goal, several new and innovative programs have been launched to expand market share, Iron Workers Union. Local 846, which covers increase membership and enhance employment opportunities for our workforce. These programs, an unprecedented 19-state region, was cre along with the hard work and determination of our membership, will be the foundation of the ated to reverse the decline in union member next 110 years for union Ironworkers. ship and the loss of rebar market share in the I believe that one of the most important programs launched in recent years, and the Southern and Western states. The greater reach cornerstone of our future, is the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative of Regional Local 846 will provide area members Trust or IMPACT. The primary mission of this multifaceted program is to expand job with more portability and organizing capabilities Opportunities for union Ironworkers and their signatory contractors. IMPACT continues to to meet its unique challenges. develop progressive, innovative labor-man agement programs for Ironworker District Technology also is playing a significant Councils, Local Unions, Shop Locals, Signatory Contractor Associations and Union Contractors. new role in the way we organize. The ever These labor-management programs dramatical ly improve the product we offer construction increasing informational resources available on users. IMPACT also supplies the funding for all our training programs. the Internet are being utilized by organizers to Training programs, a key ingredient that research construction companies and gather differentiates union Ironworkers, also have been gaining momentum over the past 10 data valuable to organizing campaigns. To meet the challenges of the future, I have appointed a forward-thinking committee, The Strategic Planning Committee. This panel will set long-term goals to substantially increase union market share, union density and union bargaining power. Increasing membership in our Union and maintaining rigorous training standards are the two most effective ways to protect Ironworkers’ jurisdiction, employment opportunities and wages and benefits. Your international officers and I will con tinue to work hard on both of those fronts to guarantee that The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, AFL-CIO grows stronger every year, and that our members receive the benefits and protections that they so + richly deserve for the next 110 years and beyond. 298
•• One Hundred and Ten Years of Excellence Two One Flags Union • • 299
Ironworker Honoring WOMEN Those Who Serve BUILD North America
Chapter Thirteen A Time of Transition Setbacks — Advancements — Perseverance C hange is inevitable. Political parties come to what may possibly be the greatest ideological divide in a power, only to be defeated in later elections. presidential race that we have seen in this country since The social upheaval of one generation is often 1932. Whatever the outcome of that contest, we can looked upon by a later generation as no surely rely upon one thing. The Iron Workers will perse- longer relevant. The challenges we face as a vere. It will continue in its mission to represent the nation often look much different on the surface than thousands of men and women who labor under its they did fifty or a hundred years ago. Yet, the under- banner. It will fight tirelessly to maintain the hard won lying principles to which so many of us subscribe remain benefits of the past, and to expand coverage of all those not only unchanged, but often strengthened. who practice this noble trade, going into the future. Those ironworkers who were members of “the The Iron Workers will also continue to invest in the greatest generation,” which ushered us through the education of its members. At times, that education may great depression, battled fascism in Europe and went on be geared toward making new apprentices and seasoned to enjoy the golden age of American labor in the 1950s journeymen better skilled technologically, so that as an and 60s, could never have conceived that their sons and organization, it can remain competitive in a rapidly daughters would have been embroiled in a bitter changing workplace. At other moments, education might struggle with communist forces in southeast Asia, or be about having its members become more politically suffer the effects of the simultaneous inflation and astute, so that they are better able to support their unemployment of the 1970s. And neither generation was allies and defeat their foes. Last, and certainly not least, prepared for the events of 9/11, the subsequent military that education must always include a faithful and accu- operations in the Middle East, the recent, reprehensible rate description of the history of the Iron Workers. For financial machinations on Wall Street that left our when members possess that knowledge, they are proud economy teetering on the brink, or the virulence of the of who they are, grateful for the opportunities that have current right to work movement. been afforded to them and well prepared to encounter those obstacles which are every bit as inevitable as the Today, we enjoy the benefits of a world wide web and change inherent to any time of transition. the advantages of staying globally connected with family and friends through various aspects of social media. Yet, Iron Workers Inducted Into the we are more vigilant than ever about our privacy, which Illinois Labor History Society’s Union seems to be more at risk than any other time in history. Hall of Honor Technological advances in robotics, energy production, and other disciplines straddling the cutting edge have On December 10, 2006, the International Association been a boon to mankind, while at the same time of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron bringing with them other potential pitfalls through Workers was inducted into the Illinois Labor History which the American worker must navigate. Phrases like Society’s Union Hall of Honor. The year 2006 was signif- climate change and global warming have embedded icant, as it marked the 110th anniversary of the Iron themselves in our daily conversations. Despite vast Workers International. In addition to the union, two improvements, workplace safety remains an issue. individual ironworkers were also inducted: George W. Geary, “the Father of the Iron Workers Union” and Ironworkers, as well as all Americans, stand now at charter member of Local 1 (Chicago, Ill.), and Iron another crossroad in our history. As this latest edition of the record of the many struggles and victories of the ironworkers union goes to press, we are all witnesses to 301
Workers' Historian Richard to accept the status quo is a union that is doomed to Rowe from Local 63 failure.” He then charged the delegates with the task of (Chicago, Ill.). adopting a blueprint for the union to follow to grow its The Illinois Labor membership, its contractors and its market share, and History Society is an orga- warned them to prepare for action, instructing them to nization dedicated to “buckle up,” because “it is time to move this union full preserving the heritage of speed ahead …. We organize or we die.” the American working class Delegates to the Iron Workers 41st Convention in and their struggle for Washington, D.C., re-elected General President Joseph J. dignity through their Hunt, General Secretary Michael Fitzpatrick and General unions. More than 60 indi- Treasurer Walter Wise by acclamation, along with eight of viduals and organizations the union’s nine General Vice Presidents. In the only have been inducted into contested election, voters returned incumbent third their Union Hall of Honor General Vice President Edward C. McHugh over chal- since its inception. Past lenger Doug Calkins, of Local 24 in Denver, Colo. Speaking recipients have included on behalf of the entire General Executive Council, General President Emeritus Joseph Hunt addressing the Illinois Labor History Society labor leaders Eugene Debs, President Hunt thanked the convention for their decision. Mother Jones, Joe Hill, A. Delegates also unanimously approved a resolution Philip Randolph, Peter J. McGuire, as well as authors increasing assessments to the International Organizing Studs Terkel and Upton Sinclair. Fund by $2, bringing total funding to $4 per member per Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis month. Among the many resolutions passed at the Gannon introduced keynote speaker, Iron Worker convention, were: General President Joseph Hunt. President Hunt’s call RESOLUTION NO. 8 submitted by Local Union No. for a unified and strong labor movement was well 201 — Citizenship received by the more than 200 labor leaders in atten- BE IT RESOLVED that the International Association dance. Illinois Labor History Society President of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Emeritus Leslie O’Rear formally inducted the Iron Workers shall support, by all appropriate means, U.S. Workers into their Union Hall of Honor. President immigration reform legislation which provides a Hunt accepted the award on behalf of all ironworkers pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers. and stated “... the plaque will hang proudly in a promi- BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Iron Worker nent place at headquarters.” International support such legislation which permits its George W. Geary founded the Bridge Builders Mutual local unions to sponsor those of its members who are Association in the late 1880s, which went on to become seeking citizenship or permanent residency. the Bridge and Construction Men’s Union of Chicago. As RESOLUTION NO. 9 submitted by Local Union No. such, it sought recognition, the eight-hour day, higher 721 — Membership Cards wages and better working conditions. It was, once again, BE IT RESOLVED that the current membership card George W. Geary who took the lead and called for the be modernized to include a digitized likeness of the card- Iron Workers founding convention to take place in holder, current local information, such as training certif- Pittsburgh, Pa., on February 4, 1896. At that convention, icates, etc., and relevant information determined to be Geary was named the first organizer of the new necessary. Information to be accessible by means of a International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron secured card reader, available to union officers in each Workers. Robert Boskovich, President, Iron Workers outside local union in the United States and Canada; Local 1, accepted the award posthumously for Brother BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the International Geary. The final inductee of the evening was Local 63 Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Business Agent and Iron Workers' Historian Richard Reinforcing Iron Workers be responsible for imple- Rowe. Rowe was inducted in recognition of his research menting this program of union membership card into the history of the Iron Workers Union and as a upgrading by no later than January 1, 2008. teacher of labor history. RESOLUTION NO. 10 submitted by Local Union No. 24 — Iron Workers International Reciprocal Agreement. BE IT RESOLVED that the delegates of this 41st The 41st Convention convention mandate that all outside local unions char- tered by Iron Workers International become signatory to The Iron Workers 41st Convention, with the theme “A the Iron Workers International Reciprocal Agreements Bridge to the Future,” convened on August 14, 2006. for Money Follows the Man; and Elected delegates from all over the United States and Canada gathered in Washington, D.C. to fulfill their obli- BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a letter of autho- gation to act as voice and vote for their respective local rized order from this 41st convention be sent to those unions. General President Joseph J. Hunt, in his keynote locals, not signatory to Money Follows the Man, address, declared ironworkers must “challenge ourselves” requesting their trustees carry out an “object of the to make this “a better, stronger union,” urging delegates International Association,” thereby becoming signatory. to “give this union everything we have.” He warned These three actions showed our union’s commitment to against complacency, asserting: “a union that is willing justice, solidarity and our shared future. 302
The Ironworker Apprenticeship 4. Instruction: Classroom and shop instruction Certification Program should be systematic and reflect program goals. Course syllabi should include knowledge and skill The Apprenticeship and Training Department imple- objectives used to implement the core curriculum. mented the Ironworker Apprenticeship Certification Program (IACP) for local unions in 2006. It is designed to: 5. Equipment: Equipment and tools used should be of the type and quality found in the ironworking • I nvolve the coordinator and instructors in strength- trade and should be the type needed to provide ening their own programs; training to meet the program goals, and knowledge and skill objectives. • Strengthen apprenticeship programs at the local, district and international levels; 6. Facilities: The physical facilities at the training center should be adequate to permit achievement • P rovide the public with a positive image and vali- of the program goals, and knowledge and skill date an apprenticeship program meets or exceeds objectives. high standards; 7. Instructional staff: The instructional staff should • H elp prospective apprentices in making a decision have the required technical and training-skills to become an ironworker; competency, and meet all state and local require- ments for certification. • P rovide external peer review to verify apprentice- ship program quality; 8. Job training: Written policies and procedures should be in place to provide guidance • K eep apprenticeship coordinators and instructors for the job-training component of the apprentice- knowledgeable and in step with current practices; ship program. • Facilitate linkages with colleges and universities; Local 720 Ironworkers Complete Multi- • Facilitate the process for apprentices to receive Billion Dollar Oil Sands Plant Expansion college credit and pursue degrees through Ivy Tech Syncrude Canada, a consortium of Canadian Oil Community College of Indiana. Sands, Imperial Oil, Petro Canada, and Conoco Phillips, The IACP involves three phases: internal evaluation, signed a project labor agreement inclusive of several external evaluation and a recommendation for certifica- well-planned phased expansions. tion. During the internal evaluation, the local union performs a comprehensive examination of all aspects of The largest phase entitled UE-1 (Upgrader Expansion) the apprenticeship program. The process involves generated in excess of 1.5 billion ironworker hours. apprentices, instructors, the coordinator and possibly Syncrude is located in the heart of one of the world’s local contractors, all of whom contribute to the creation largest oil sands deposits, second only to Saudi Arabia. of a report detailing their findings. After the internal evaluation, a site visit is conducted \\ to assess strengths and weaknesses of the program. The evaluation consists of a team comprised of international / representatives and coordinators from certified programs examining data and conducting interviews to determine if the program complies with established criteria. When internal and external evaluations are complete, final recommendations are made. The report is used to deter- mine whether to grant, continue or withdraw certification. The foundation of the IACP includes eight standards. Each of these standards includes a number of items examined by both the internal and external evaluation teams and include the following: 1. P urpose and administration: The apprenticeship program should have clearly stated goals related to the needs of the apprentices and the contractors served, and the JATC/TIC program administration should ensure training activities support and promote these goals. 2. Learning resources: Learning and training materials, consistent with program goals, knowl- edge and skill objectives, and the core curriculum should be available to instructors and apprentices. 3. Apprentice services: Systematic selection and record-keeping procedures should be used. 303
Syncrude produces 261,000 barrels a day and 13 familiar, the ballpark has some exciting new features, percent of Canada’s oil production. Syncrude conveys including dramatic views of the Gateway Arch and their blend of sweet crude via three Edmonton-area downtown St. Louis skyline, unobstructed views into refineries and their pipeline to the East Coast and the ballpark for motorists traveling on Clark Street central Canada. Upon completion, Syncrude daily and a public plaza for fans. The design of the new ball- production is expected to reach 350,000 barrels per day. park epitomized the feeling of downtown St. Louis and the rich history of the Cardinals. It also incorporated The project required more than 1,000 piping and many elements of most successful ball parks in Major equipment modulars. Assembly was completed in League Baseball today, such as the main scoreboard, Edmonton, and the modules were transported 295 positioned behind right-center field and measuring 40 miles or 472 kilometers north of Local 720’s home of feet high by 120 feet wide. This board includes four Edmonton, Alberta, to the project 60 kilometers north large electronic displays that use LED technology. The of Fort McMurray. classic arch openings recall the nearby Cupples Station warehouse, and the rich warm colors resemble the Total tonnage, including modules process buildings, Wainwright building, a nearby architectural landmark coker tower, boiler package and open pit mining crushers and one of America’s first modern skyscrapers. Local totaled 30,000 tons of structural steel. Reinforcing 396 was proud to construct this new ball park, which contractors supplied and placed more than 13,000 tons of quickly became a favorite of the fans. steel including 8,000 piles. The UE-1 expansion project hosts the largest coking unit and boiler packages ever Steve Parker Appointed Director designed and built in North America. of the Department of Reinforcing More than 400 structural ironworkers and rodmen were employed for 12 consecutive months during peak Recognizing his leader- craft loading requirements. Hundreds of travel cards from ship ability, General across the United States and Canada assisted Local 720 President Jake West and their fair contractors leading to a safe, productive appointed Steve Parker completion to the ironworkers’ scope of the project. General Organizer in August 2000 to assist in Ironworkers Build New Busch Stadium servicing the area of the District Council of the Ironworkers from Local 396 (St. Louis, Mo.) played Southeastern States. In a major role in constructing an all-new ball park for July 2004, he was the St. Louis Cardinals — the new Busch Stadium. It appointed Administrator replaced the old Busch Stadium and called for 17,500 for the new regional rein- pieces of structural steel weighing 9,000 tons, 2,020 forcing Local 846. On pieces of structural pre-cast concrete and an addi- August 1, 2006, General tional 56,186 cubic yards of cast-in-place reinforced President Hunt took executive concrete containing 3,925 tons of rebar. action creating the Department of Reinforcing for the purpose of promoting the rebar The new Cardinals ballpark opened in time for industry throughout the United States and Canada. In Opening Day 2006 at a final cost of $365 million. The his appointment letter, General President Hunt gave first game, played on April 4, revealed a seating Brother Parker high praise stating, “Because of your capacity of 43,975, and contained 3,706 club seats and experience, knowledge of the rebar industry and dedica- 61 luxury suites. Even though the name is extremely tion to this International Union, I am appointing you Director of the Department of Reinforcing. I have every confidence you will do your utmost to increase job opportunities for our members in what has become one of the fastest-growing segments of our jurisdiction.” Ironworker Qualified Instructor Certificate Program Formalized In an effort to recognize trained instructors, the National Training Fund implemented a Qualified Ironworker Instructor Certificate program. The objective of the program was to recognize those ironworker instructors who had completed specific professional and technical courses as part of the annual Instructor 304
Training Program. In order to meet the requirements to Probationary Member Program receive the certificate, the instructor must complete at least 200 total hours of technical and professional General President Hunt and the Executive Board training, which requires approximately five years. The instituted a new recruitment program effective as of primary goal of this program was to develop qualified March 2007, called the Probationary Member instructors capable of implementing effective ironworker Program. It is designed to make it easier to bring in apprenticeship training. This instructor certificate new probationary members, while giving ample oppor- program fully complemented the Ironworker tunity to observe their performance and eliminate Apprenticeship Certification Program. anyone who would not be an asset to the Iron Workers. It provides the local union with a tremen- Iron Workers Present Standards dous amount of flexibility in bringing in new members of Excellence and eliminates the use of “permit” hands. In order to qualify as a probationary member, an applicant needs In their unceasing efforts to recapture and increase to be at least 18 years of age, demonstrate an interest market share, the Iron Workers introduced and began in the craft, be able to read and comprehend typical enforcing the “Standards of Excellence” in 2007. construction safety signs, and be able to complete the Though it contains concepts with which most of us are requirements of related training. Once accepted into familiar, it serves to reinforce the pride of every iron- the program, all entrants are required to take the worker and our commitment to be the most skilled, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training Course and most productive and safest craft in the building trades. attend an orientation covering referral rules, fringe It is a commitment to use our training and skills each benefit plans and expectations of the probationary and every day to produce the high quality work worthy member, including obligations to the union. In addi- of our name and consistent with our collective tion, a probationary member can be dropped from the bargaining agreements. Every ironworker will strive to program at any time for not meeting the require- meet the following expectations: ments of the program or his or her employer’s qualifi- cations. Those decisions would be made by the 1. A dhere to my responsibilities under the Collective business manager and the local examining committee. Bargaining Agreement for start and quit times, as well as lunch and break times; After the first six months, all probationary members will be evaluated by the business manager and the local 2. A llow my representatives to handle any disagree- examining committee, and then referred to the local ments or breaches by refusing to engage in union’s apprenticeship committee for placement in the unlawful job disruptions, slowdowns or any activi- apprenticeship program or deemed to be a journeyman. ties that affect our good name; No probationary member will stay in the program for more than a year. Contractors and organizers will both 3 . Respect the customer’s and employer’s rights, prop- be given a voice in the decision making process. This erty, and tools, as I do my own; innovative new technique has proven to be a valuable tool in the selection of future ironworkers. It also elimi- 4. M eet my responsibility to show up every day, nates many of the failings and inherent injustices of the outfitted for work and fit for duty without old “permit system.” engaging in substance abuse; Former General President 5. C ooperate with the customer and employer to Jake West Succumbs meet their statutory, regulatory and contractual to Long Illness responsibilities to maintain a safe, healthy and sanitary workplace; General President Jake West passed away on April 6 . D o my best to work in a manner consistent with 5, 2007, at the age of 78. the quality, productivity and safety of every task that I am assigned; General President West began his career 7 . D o my best to help every coworker return home as an ironworker when safe at the conclusion of every shift. he joined Local 301 (Charleston, W. Va.) in The Iron Workers’ Standards of Excellence were 1948 after serving three designed to increase the pride, productivity and crafts- years with the U.S. manship of every ironworker throughout North Merchant Marines and America and, in so doing, improve workplace condi- with the U.S. Army. In tions; increase work opportunities; and help maintain 1951, General President wages, benefits and our standard of living. In addition, West boomed out and the Standards of Excellence will help our signatory became a member of Local 433 employers complete their projects on time, on budget (Los Angeles, Calif.). and without injuries or accidents. 305
He was elected Business Agent of Local 433 in 1961 Apprenticeship and Training; Market Recovery; and was reelected to that position until he was elected Political Action; Workforce Productivity; and Local Financial Secretary Treasurer/Business Manager in Union and Operations Finances: 1970. He served in that position until his appointment as a General Organizer on February 15, 1971. General 1. T o increase recruitment to address attrition Organizer West worked the geographic area of the State and growth; of California and Vicinity District Council. In 1971, he was elected First Vice President of the District Council, 2. To ensure that the local union apprenticeship prog- and in 1983, he was elected President of the California ram meets or exceeds minimum quality standards; District Council. 3. To provide contractors with certified welders; District Council President West was Chairman of 4. To provide contractors with a skilled workforce; the California Field Ironworkers Local Unions 5. T o reduce barriers to entrance into the apprentice- Negotiating Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees on the California Field Ironworkers Pension, ship program; Welfare, Vacation, Annuity, and Apprenticeship Trust 6. T o increase union density and to secure more work Funds. In 1978, he was selected as National Chairman of the General Presidents’ Onshore-Offshore for our local union and our contractors; Construction Work Group. 7. T o have members vote in local, state/provincial and On September 30, 1983, General President John H. national elections; Lyons appointed General Organizer West as General 8. To provide owners with a drug-free workforce; Vice President of the International Association. In the 9. To provide contractors with skilled foremen; same year, he was appointed to serve on the National 10. To provide contractors with a workforce with posi- Ironworker-Carpenter Joint Committee. tive work attitudes and behavior; From his early years on the West Coast, General 11. T o ensure the local union remains solvent and President West served as a member of the Board of Publishers for the Los Angeles Citizen Labor newspaper financially viable; from 1967 until its discontinuation in 1983. He was also 12. To have the staff in place and trained to success- a member of California Governor Edmund G. Brown’s group of labor advisors, serving on various committees fully operate the local union; and appeal boards during Governor Brown’s incumbency 13. To ensure active and informed participation of between 1975 and 1982. In 1980, General Vice President West was an alternate delegate to the Democratic Party members and contractors in the local union; Convention in New York City. 14. To establish documentation to protect and preserve On June 6, 1985, General President Drake appointed the jurisdiction of the ironworker; and General Vice President Jake West as General Secretary. 15. T o use technology to gain greater operating efficien- On January 28, 1989, the General Executive Council elected General Secretary Jake West to replace Juel D. cies and service to the members and contractors. Drake in the office of General President, where he These goals and the indicators of their success served until his retirement on February 23, 2001. have become a vital part of the Iron Workers and have contributed greatly to our continued effectiveness as During his tenure, President West also proudly an organization. served on the Governing Board of Presidents of the Building and Construction Trades Department, as Vice The Effect of the 2008 Economic Collapse President of the AFL-CIO, Vice President of the Metal on Ironworkers Trades Department, and executive board member of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. The U.S. stock and property markets boomed in the mid-2000s. Hedge funds and Wall Street banks spun President Hunt Announces KPI Plan other people’s savings into risky investments while watchdogs and regulators looked the other way. The General President Joseph Hunt worked with his bubble burst in 2008, plunging the world into the senior staff and District Council Presidents to provide a Great Recession, the worst global economic disaster vision for the future of the Iron Workers. After a number since the 1930s. of strategic planning meetings, that vision was embodied by the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the resul- As is so often the case, the construction industry was tant program was launched in 2007. among the hardest hit. According to the Center for American Progress, by 2010 the U.S. was experiencing KPIs are required indicators, monitored by the an all-out “toolbox recession,” and the unemployment District Council President and Iron Workers rate for experienced workers in construction had International. These KPIs represent key goals in five reached a staggering 24.7 percent. To put that in terms major areas. They are considered the minimum of real people, that translates to more than 2 million measures required for performance by the local union fewer American construction workers participating in and district council. The 15 KPIs announced by the workforce. In fact as early as 2009, 12.4 percent of President Hunt fall within one of five categories: 306
Local 11 (Newark, N.J.) Ironworkers Build a New Home for the New Jersey Devils 307
all unemployed workers had previously been employed President Hunt saw the need to address the general in the construction industry. membership regarding many misconceptions. He did so in the April 2008 issue of The Ironworker. A recurring ques- This trend also held true for union ironworkers. tion he answered was “Why is the Iron Workers allowing Membership in the Iron Workers stood at 140,509 Local 846 contractors to bid in other jurisdictions?” He members in 2008. In 2009, the union lost more than explained that there was no such thing as a Local 846 9,000 members, plus another 6,000 in 2010, bringing the contractor. Any contractor with an International total to just over 123,000 members. It is not an exagger- Agreement had the right to bid anywhere they wished ation to say that when the American economy catches a and bring 40 percent of their key employees with them. cold, those in the construction industry catch the flu. Without that mobility, most contractors would never bid on a project outside their area. President Hunt Addresses Concerns Regarding Locals 846 & 847 Another erroneous assumption Hunt clarified is that Local 846 contractors were undercutting regional On February 21, 2008, the General Executive Council contractors and local unions by bringing in up to 40 split the jurisdiction of Local 846 (Aiken, S.C.), creating percent of their core employees and paying them a new Regional Local 847. The members of Local 846 lower wages. That was absolutely false. When working who resided east of the Mississippi River continued to outside Local 846 jurisdiction, contractors who were be members of Local 846, while those members residing organized through Local 846 are required to pay the west of the Mississippi became members of Local 847. total collectively bargained rate effective in the local unions in which they work. Many audits were Local 86 (Seattle, Wash.) Tacoma Narrows Bridge: Ironworkers Span the Narrows for the Third Time In 70 Years T he completion of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge FEBRUARY 2008 in 2007 marks the third time in 70 years that the Iron Workers have completed a suspension bridge Ironworkers connecting Tacoma to Gig Harbor. The first bridge, Span the nicknamed Galloping Gertie, opened on July 1, 1940, Narrows after two years of construction. Gertie was built to sway with the wind, but on November 7, 1940, just four months after opening, Gertie plunged into the Narrows after a strong windstorm. The second bridge, designed to allow wind to pass through it, opened on October 14, 1950, following 29 months of construction. It still stands today, only 185 feet away from its new sibling. Bridge construction encompasses all aspects of the ironworking craft, from the fabrication of the steel to the tightening of the final connecting bolt. All of the work was accomplished by the skilled hands of the ironworkers performing their craft. With this type of work there is simply no room for error. Local 86 (Seattle, Wash.) members, as well as boomers from other locals, take to these tasks as a true testament of the skills and tradi- tions that make this trade highly-disciplined and unique. 46746_p01_32X.indd 1 4/1/16 2:04 PM 308
conducted to insure these contractors were in compli- California Erectors – Legendary Union ance, and in every case, every member received their Contractor for Three Generations proper wages and benefits. California Erectors, headquar- Bud McEuen, Ironworker The final misconception dealt with contractors tered in Benicia, California is a Member of Local 378 employing Local 846 members who may be “illegal legendary union contractor and Founder of aliens.” President Hunt took the high ground when he employing ironworkers throughout California Erectors explained that, while the Iron Workers does not Northern California. Its President, condone breaking the law, only federal and state Dave McEuen, is a second genera- governments can resolve the immigration issue. What tion ironworker who has continued local unions can do is organize the workers who are the company policy and practice to doing ironwork and end their exploitation. Hunt provide a safe workplace for iron- reminded readers that since its inception, the Iron workers. California Erectors is a Workers has absorbed immigrant workers, both legal 50-year-old, third-generation, AISC- and illegal, and bound only by a common trade. This certified steel erector, specializing shared goal has built a great union that benefits all in large and complex structures ironworkers, and he predicted that the growth of and bridges. It was formed in the Locals 846 and 847 would foster union pride and mid-sixties by Vernon (Bud) promote loyalty to the principles for which our McEuen, a master craftsman, International Union stands.” 309
ironworker and member of Iron Workers Local 378 General Secretary Michael (Oakland, Calif.) along with Gene D. Hubbard, former Fitzpatrick Retires President of Henry E. Robertson Steel Erectors. General Secretary Michael Bud was a legendary ironworker superintendent Fitzpatrick retired effective who had honed his skills erecting structural steel January 31, 2008. across the United States. Together, their goal was to be a premier steel erector on the West Coast. Their busi- Michael Fitzpatrick ness plan was a simple one: hire the best people (union started his ironworker ironworkers), operate with integrity, price the work career when he became competitively, meet or beat each project schedule, an apprentice member provide the best quality of workmanship and most of Local 6 (Buffalo, N.Y.) importantly, provide a safe workplace for their in 1960. After serving employees. California Erectors has received praise for his apprenticeship, performance and safety from several owners and just Brother Fitzpatrick about every major general contractor and construction served as President and manager on the West Coast. then became Business Agent of Local 6 in 1973. Las Vegas Boom He served in that post until 1983, when former General Bursting skywards President Lyons appointed him in the middle of General Organizer. That same year, he was elected America’s gambling President of the Western New York and Vicinity District capital, ironworkers Council and served in this position until late September MAY 2008 2003. In February of 1999, General President West appointed him Eighth General Vice President. On relished phenomenal March 12, 2001, Brother Fitzpatrick was appointed growth constructing General Treasurer by General President Hunt and on glittering towers in Ironwork June 1, 2001, he was appointed General Secretary by In Las Vegas General President Hunt. In August 2001 and August Las Vegas. On one of Is Booming 2006, Brother Fitzpatrick was elected as General Secretary by the delegates to the 40th and 41st the projects, iron- Local 433 Builds the Palazzo International Conventions. workers from Local Brother Fitzpatrick served as Vice President of the 416/433 (Los Angeles, New York State AFL-CIO. He also served on Calif.) built the numerous committees in the state of New York, Palazzo, which is an including the New York State Energy Research and addition to the Las Development Authority and the Buffalo City Vegas Sands Corp. Downtown Development Corporation. In this capacity, Along with the he was able to help secure numerous jobs not only for Venetian and 52-floor ironworkers, but also for other building tradesmen. condominium complex, 48350.indd 1 He has served as the chairman of the finance and 4/1/16 3:49 PM budget committee for the county of Erie. During his tenure, they maintained a balanced budget. He has it would become the largest resort, casino and retail also been involved with the funding of all public center in the world. The Palazzo hotel is a 50-floor works including the library, correctional facilities luxury tower with approximately 3,025 luxury suites. and social services. The hotel lobby features a 60-foot glass dome, multiple two story fountains, imported marble, bronze case During his years of service at International Head- columns and special custom wall finishes. Guests quarters, Brother Fitzpatrick was known for his political arriving from the street enter the domed entry lobby, activism, especially issues affecting our members. while those approaching from the Venetian Casino Resort make the transition through a towering octag- onal structure, itself topped by a glass and decorative iron dome. More than 260 ironworkers were on site building the Palazzo. Schuff Steel was the erection contractor, and Century Steel handled the rebar. The ironworkers are proud of their work on the Palazzo and the neighboring towers. With the construc- tion industry booming in Las Vegas, they had many opportunities to showcase their talent. 310
Walter Wise Appointed Brother McHugh became President of the General Secretary Philadelphia and Vicinity District Council on February 1, 1999, and was appointed Ninth General General Treasurer Walter Vice President on June 4, 2001, by General President Wise was appointed Joseph Hunt. General Secretary of the International Union by Tadas Kicielinski Appointed General President General Vice President Joseph Hunt effective February 6, 2008. General President Joseph Hunt appointed Tadas Brother Wise was Kicielinski Ninth General born in Virginia in 1951. Vice President on After living in California March 10, 2008. for a time, he returned to Virginia where he A member of Local attended Virginia 392 (East St. Louis, Ill.), Polytechnic Institute in Kicielinski has been an Blacksburg and studied engi- ironworker for 39 years. neering. Wise was initiated into the Iron Workers in Brother Kicielinski February 1975 and became a journeyman in 1977. In has served as the Ninth October 1997, he was appointed General Organizer by General Vice President, General President Jake West. In February of 1998, he special assistant to was appointed President of the Mid-Atlantic States General President Joseph District Council. General President Hunt appointed him Hunt and President of the Ninth General Vice President on March 18, 2002, District Council of St. Louis General Treasurer on March 1, 2005, and on February 6, and Vicinity, whose jurisdic- 2008, he was appointed General Secretary of our tion includes Local 396 (St. International Union. Louis, Mo.) and nine other locals in the Midwest. General Secretary Wise has earned the respect of the He served as Midwest Regional Director of IMPACT, ironworkers he has worked with at every phase of his as well as editor of The Ironworker magazine. outstanding career. At Local 392, Kicielinski started out by serving as an Edward McHugh Appointed executive board member, was elected Vice President of General Treasurer the local and finally elected Business Manager. General President Hunt He left the position of Business Manager to become appointed General Vice Executive Director of the Southwestern Illinois Building President Edward C. and Construction Trades Council where he worked dili- McHugh General gently to make project labor agreements (PLA) an Treasurer effective accepted practice throughout the state of Illinois. March 1, 2008. Brother McHugh started his In 2001, he was called to Washington, D.C., to become career as an ironworker Executive Assistant to General President Joseph Hunt. apprentice in Local Union 489 (Scranton, Pa.) Over the years, he has served on numerous boards in September of 1965. He and commissions in both Missouri and Illinois; currently was elevated to jour- he serves as commissioner for METRO (formerly neyman status in 1966 and Bi-State Development Agency) and on the immediately demonstrated Transportation for Illinois Coalition. He is also a his leadership ability by being member of the Metropolitan St. Louis Regional elected to the executive board in Commerce and Growth Association. 1968, as Vice President in 1979, and as President of the local union in 1986. Following in the footsteps of his father, Edward McHugh, Sr., who served as business agent of Local 489, Brother McHugh became Assistant Business Agent in 1986, and was elected Business Agent in 1993. Recog- nizing his leadership, President Jake West appointed him General Organizer on November 11, 1998. 311
Eric Dean Appointed General In July 1995, he was elected President of the District Vice President Council and served in that office until 2008. In October of 2000, President Jake West appointed him Ninth General President Joseph General Vice President. Brother Spiller served on Hunt appointed Eric Dean numerous committees and is highly respected by all the as Ninth General Vice crafts in his area. President effective August 4, 2008. In Memorium James J. Willis 1929–2008 Eric Dean completed his apprenticeship in James J. Willis passed 1984 and became a jour- away December 1, 2008, at neyman ironworker in 79 years of age. Brother Local 63 (Chicago, Ill.). Willis began his distin- As an accomplished guished career as an ironworker, he worked ironworker when he was for various contractors as initiated into Local 6 a journeyman, foreman (Buffalo, N.Y.) as an and project superintendent apprentice ironworker throughout the Chicago area. in May 1945. He From 1989 until 1995, he received his journeyman served as an apprentice instructor and earned the ironworker classification status of certified welding inspector. He became very in June of 1947. involved in his local union serving as Conductor, Trustee, Vice President and Business Agent. Jim Willis’s leadership and dedication to the local Recognizing his leadership skills, General President union was immediately recog- Jake West appointed him General Organizer for the nized, and in 1952 he was International in 1999, assigning him to the elected to the executive committee. At the same time he Department of Ornamental, Architectural, and served as a member of the joint apprenticeship Miscellaneous Metals (DOAMM). In 2005, he was committee. In 1956, he was elected Recording Secretary elected as President of the Chicago and Vicinity and then appointed Financial Secretary/Treasurer. In District Council. 1961, he was elected Business Agent and held that office for six years. General Vice President Robert J. Spiller Retires In July of 1967, he was appointed a General Organizer by General President John H. Lyons and was General Vice President assigned to service the area of Upper and Western New Robert Spiller retired from York State, Northern Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. the International effective May 31, 2008. On August 1, 1983, General President John H. Lyons appointed Willis Executive Director of Maintenance. Two Brother Spiller years later, Willis was appointed General Vice President became an ironworker by General President Juel D. Drake. General President in 1967 when he joined Juel D. Drake recognized Willis’s negotiation skills and Local 3 (Pittsburgh, Pa.) appointed him to serve as a liaison for the Iron Workers as an apprentice. He International on a number of national contractors’ asso- became very active in ciations and as a representative of the International the affairs of the local Union on the National Maintenance Agreements Policy and when the members Committee (NMAPC). In 1988, Willis became the Labor recognized his ability, they Co-Chairman of the NMAPC and served in that position elected him vice president until his retirement on October 13, 2000. in 1981. Jim Willis played a major role in the formation and For many years, Brother success of the NMAPC. His hard work and dedication to Spiller worked as a foreman the Iron Workers throughout his distinguished career and a general foreman for erection companies in the led to a much brighter future for all who work in the Pittsburgh area. In 1984, he was elected President and ironworking industry. served as Assistant Business Agent and, in 1985, became the full-time Financial Secretary-Treasurer. Willis was a man of uncompromising principles, who loved his union second only to his God, his family and Recognizing his talent as a leader, President Jake his country. He was a labor statesman, and a humani- West appointed Brother Spiller a General Organizer in tarian who was dedicated to working people in general 1994 to service the Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and ironworkers in particular. and Northern West Virginia area. 312
Iron Workers Implement New Web-Based Apprenticeship Tracking System In 2009, the Iron Workers International implemented In August, Local 377 ironworkers employed by a new web-based Apprenticeship Tracking System (ATS) Mammoet USA began preparation work for the at no cost to the local unions. It was integrated with the removal of the existing bridge section and replace- Iron Workers membership system and therefore able to ment of the new section. Mammoet installed equip- reflect the latest address, status, last payment informa- ment, which would slide the old span to the north and tion and other pertinent data on a real-time basis, as the new span into final position. The elaborate skid reported by the local union. The goal was to create a system relied on Teflon-to-Teflon skid pads. A total of unified system for one-stop information on each member 68 pieces of skid track and 16 skidshoes were that could be accessed by various authorized parties. installed together with approximately 500 tons of Security protocols would protect each member’s privacy steel structure and 32 jacks for stabilizing both bridge while allowing the Iron Workers to operate more spans. Mammoet and the Iron Workers completed smoothly and efficiently. their work and were ready by the first week of September. On Labor Day weekend, the scheduled Among the many advantages of the new ATS is the bridge closure began Thursday at 8 p.m. Crews imme- ability of any apprenticeship coordinator or their diately started cutting joint sections on the existing support staff to access the ATS from any computer span. On Friday, Mammoet’s ironworkers started their connected to the Internet. In addition, local unions no work. The old bridge section (300 by 75 feet and longer need to back up their tracking system, as all of weighing 2,966 tons) was lifted off its bearings and the data is now stored on Iron Workers servers that skidded 30 meters to the north in exactly two hours. are backed up daily. All of an individual member’s There, it was lowered on supports in the 150-foot-tall training and certification records—from the first day falsework. The next day, the new span (weight 3,168 as an apprentice to the last journeyman upgrading tons) was skidded into place. Saturday, Local 377 iron- course the member takes before retiring—are also worker gangs immediately began the detail work of available in the same database. connecting the road joint plates and welding of the base plates for the new span. Work carried on around During the 25th Annual Ironworker Instructor the clock through Monday night and was successfully Training Program, held in July of 2009 at the University completed in the scheduled time frame for the bridge of San Diego, a ten-hour hands-on ATS course for coordi- to reopen on Tuesday morning at 5 a.m. for the Bay nators and directors was introduced. Participants worked Area commuters. The success of the whole project was with the ATS and received a copy of the newly developed a tribute to the skill, determination and good work user’s guide containing detailed information on all ethic demonstrated by Local 377 ironworkers. aspects of the system’s use, such as how to use the system to enter apprentices, assign apprentices and journeymen Local 1 Builds Trump International Hotel to courses, print course rosters, print certificate informa- and Tower, the Tallest Reinforced Concrete tion, and print transcripts for apprentices and jour- Structure in the Western Hemisphere neymen wanting to work with a college for a degree. The Trump Tower, a hotel/condo complex now gracing Local 377 Ironworkers Make History the skyline of Chicago, may not have come to be if it were not for the advances in concrete construction of the On Labor Day weekend 2009, the ironworkers of last several years. The possibilities for the project and Local 377 (San Francisco, Calif.) accomplished an many like it owe themselves to new materials and new amazing feat of engineering, skill and determination. techniques for material delivery. Concrete pumping to For the first time in history, a double-decker truss span the heights required for the Trump Towers job was not section of bridge was successfully rolled out, and a new possible just a few years before the project was being pre-erected double decker span was rolled in its place in planned. Now the possibilities for future construction a four-day window. The Bay Bridge shut down over Labor Day weekend to allow a complex construction maneuver 150 feet in the air. The closure was part of an 11-year project that was supposed to make the busiest bridge in the Bay Area able to withstand a major earth- quake. Over that long weekend, ironworkers cut a portion of the existing eastern span near Yerba Buena Island and slid it out. They rolled in a new section, rerouting traffic onto a temporary bypass. Crews then demolished the existing tunnel approach and built a connection to the new bridge. The new bypass consists of five double-decker truss span sections, each averaging 3,500 tons of steel, 32,000 bolts, 30,000 studs, and more than 600,000 square feet of deck. 313
much larger footprint than the chosen building site would have allowed. The project had three critical areas of transition occurring at the 15th, 28th, and 50th floors that were to sustain tremendous stress loads as the building column centerlines changed to create the distinct shape of the structure. Just these three floors alone contained 6,850 tons of reinforcing steel. The three-story 29th floor required 3,000 tons of reinforcing bars alone. Beams built at this location were 10 feet tall and 36 feet square, and were built very close to tolerances. Concrete used at the transition floors was of a much higher strength, 12,000 psi at the 16th floor and 16,000 psi at the other two locations. Overall, 26,000 tons of reinforcing steel was placed by Local 1 (Chicago, Ill.) ironworkers, with a total of 298,277 man-hours. Bird's-eye view of Trump West Coast Wind Energy International Hotel and Tower Ironworkers from marvels are left only to the imagination of the designers Local 29 (Portland, of tomorrows’ buildings. Ore.) and 433 (Los Angeles, Calif.) did The Trump Tower is the tallest reinforced concrete their part in 2009 to structure in the western hemisphere, and the site was build a “greener” world. chosen for its location along the Chicago River. The They constructed the narrow footprint of the site, and the height at which Rattlesnake Ridge designers were trying to achieve, made it clear that a Wind Farm and the reinforced concrete structure building was the way to Pine Tree Wind Project, go. Lake Michigan would provide a grand view for the respectively. The first tenants, however, the constant wind loads that would consisted of the instal- be ever present pressed the architects to design a lation of 49 Suzlon 2.1 building with curved surfaces allowing the winds to megawatt units near flow easily around the building. To build a building of Arlington, Oregon. It this height from structural steel would require a was valued at $150 million, produces enough energy to power 30,000 average homes and is ranked third largest in the United States in installed wind energy capacity. Thirty-five ironworkers labored to install tower sections, prepare the rotor assembly sections and, finally, to install the nacelle and blade rotor assemblies. The project began on August 15, 2008, and was completed on schedule December 5, 2008. Now fully operational, the Rattlesnake Ridge Wind Farm prevents the annual emission of 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a contributor to climate change; 170,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide, which causes smog; and nearly 170,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Local 29 members were proud to use their skills to be a part of alternative energy construction. A bit further down the coast, Local 433 ironworkers were busy at the Pine Tree Wind Project, a 120-megawatt (MW) wind power plant for the city of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP). Not only was it the first municipally owned, union-operated wind power project built in the United States, it was also one of the most difficult wind farms constructed due to the moun- tainous terrain and sudden updrafts. The project consisted of 80 General Electric 1.5 MW wind turbine generators (WTG) with 213-foot-high towers. 314
New Jersey Ironworkers Build New Meadowlands Stadium 315
• • It also called for the construction of more than 11 miles of JANUARY 2009 access road, 27 miles of support road and 80 post-ten- sioned concrete foundations, erection of 80 wind turbines and 4 weather towers, installation of a 165,000-foot elec- trical collection system and construction of a 4,000-square-foot operations building. The landmark project—with a price tag of $147 million—was all performed under the terms of a Project Labor Agreement. The project started in October 2007 and was completed on schedule in May 2009. Thanks to the hard work of Local 433 members, Pine Tree now produces one-fifth of the power needs of the city of Los Angeles. Ironworker Steve Sweeney Selected New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney began his career as an ironworker on December 1, 1977, as an apprentice with Local 399 (Camden, N.J.). After becoming a journeyman on January 1, 1980, he was an active member of his local and rose through the ranks to the position of FST/BA, a Ironworkers Erect New Home position he held for over ten years. He was first elected Local 263 (Dallas/for America’s Team to the New Jersey State Senate in 2001, where he continues to represent the third Legislative District. Fort Worth, Tex.) Politics is a serious endeavor for Sweeney, and he is frequently cited as the most powerful elected Democrat Ironworkers Erect Cowboys in New Jersey. Always at the forefront in the battle for working people, he has been a leader on many issues, New Home passing laws to increase the minimum wage, allow paid 52242_IW_Jan09.indd 1 1/8/09 family4:27:59 PM leave, setting a two percent cap on annual prop- T he Dallas Cowboys moved 30-something years ago erty tax increases and promoting equal educational to what is now known as Irving Stadium, and in opportunity through the Dream Act. 2009 the Dallas Cowboys moved to a new stadium, On November 23, 2009, Sweeney was selected as this time right down the road in Arlington, Texas. New Jersey State Senate President. Since then, he has Ironworkers Local 263 (Dallas/Fort Worth, Tex.) worked on the $1 billion project. At 3 million square feet and room made job creation and economic opportunity for all a for up to 111,000 people, it is the largest air-conditioned primary goal. He has tried to attain those goals by room in the world. But more important than its sheer size sponsoring bills to provide economic incentives for job is the building’s overwhelming architectural presence. creation, as well as job training for the unemployed. He has fought to restore tax cuts for the working poor. As Manhattan Construction was selected as the an ironworker as well as a public servant, Sweeney has construction manager who in turn selected Derr Construction as the steel erector, and Haley-Greer was always understood the importance of transportation the glazing contractor. The roof structure is full of some interesting facts. The total tonnage is 14,500 tons. The infrastructure. That is why he led the fight to renew structure is the longest spanning roof structure in the funding for the Transportation Trust Fund. He has also world. Each arch is 3,500 tons and is 1,225 feet long worked to make college more affordable for middle- (about as long as the Empire State Building is tall), and class families in his state. 300 feet above the field (as tall as the Statue of In addition, knowing that all American workers deserve the right to retire with dignity, he co-spon- Liberty). The main trusses were supported by false-work until they could be tied together by 260 feet towers; the heaviest single crane pick was 300,000 pounds sored a bill (S-2831) called the New Jersey Secure (150 tons). There are 6 box trusses, 172 secondary Savings Program Act, which was passed by the State trusses and 32 retractable roof trusses (200-plus feet Senate Labor Committee. Under this legislation, long and 14-plus feet deep planar trusses), all held companies would be required to offer professionally together by more than 400,000 bolts. managed retirement plans, and the program would be overseen by a seven-member Secure Choice Savings The 660,800-square-foot retractable roof features a Board. This is an important piece of legislation at a 256-foot wide by 410-foot long roof opening. A rack-and- pinion drive system opens and closes the two bi-parting mechanized roof panels in less than 12 minutes. time when only one in four Americans had a defined benefit retirement plan and (according to the National Derr started receiving iron in June 2007, erected their Institute on Retirement Security) more than half of first piece in July 2007, and completed in November 2008. private sector workers had no access to retirement There were more than 130 structural and ornamental iron- savings plans at all. workers on site at the height of construction. •• 316
On January 13, 2014, Sweeney was appointed Local 361 Erects General Vice President of the Iron Workers. It is apparent to all that he will continue to serve both his New York Mets Stadium home state and his beloved union for years to come. Executive Director at Large Greg Hicks Retires Greg Hicks, Executive Director at Large, retired effective October 1, 2009. Hicks began his career as an apprentice in Local 25 (Detroit, Mich.) in 1972 and completed in 1975. From 1985 to 1989 he served as Business Agent of Local 25, and from 1989 to 1999 he served as Financial Secretary-Treasurer/ Business Manager of Local 25. Effective June 28, 1999, Hicks was appointed General Organizer and assigned to International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. On March 1, 2000, he was promoted to Executive Director at Large. Iron Workers Local 97 (Vancouver, B.C.) Adds to 2010 Winter Olympics Success The budget for the construction of various venues for the 2010 Olympic Games was a staggering $603 million. It is estimated that this resulted in a total contribution to the B.C. economy of $2.3 billion of Gross Domestic Product and created approximately 45,000 jobs. At least 1,000 of those jobs were filled by union ironworkers. The centerpiece of the many projects that took place was the new convention center containing over 466,500 square feet of meeting space. It was designed to serve as both the media center for the games and a new and modern facility for the future. It was erected by Canron West and contains 18,000 tons of structural steel. Local 97 welders used a new N-232 wire that required two welders working ten hours a day for four days to make one connection. It is a project in which the Iron Workers can be proud to have contributed because on February 9, 2010, the construction of all building envelope compo- nents, including innovative curtain wall glazing and roof systems, was certified LEED Platinum by the Canada Green Building Council. Another of the many projects to which ironworkers contributed their efforts was the speed skating oval. Construction required the pouring of 335,280 cubic meters (11,840,000 cubic feet) of concrete and the use of 5,600 tons of steel, putting both structural and rein- forcing ironworkers to work. The main contractors for the project were Harris Rebar and K.W.H. Steel Erectors. 317
Ironworkers were also involved in building the Ski Jump for the Winter Games. Part of Whistler Olympic Park, the facility remained open to the public after the Olympics, complementing the extensive wilderness trails readily available to all Canadians. Finally, transportation was made easier by Local 97 members installing the rebar and precast for the erec- tion of the Sky Train Bridge over the Fraser River. The bridge is part of the link between the Vancouver airport and downtown. Thanks to the skills, abilities and work ethic of our Canadian ironworkers, the 2010 Olympics were indeed a huge success. Ironworkers Span the Colorado River (From Left–Right) Eric Waterman, General Treasurer McHugh, General President Hunt, and General Secretary Wise at the United States Department of Labor Destined to be one of the most impressive projects of urging OSHA to address fatalities, accident trends and the 21st century is the Hoover Dam Bypass – Colorado adopt new OSHA regulations developed by industry River Bridge. The 1,060 foot spans of the twin concrete stakeholders and experts. arches are the longest in North America and fourth longest in the world. The new roadway sits an awe- General President Hunt informed OSHA officials inspiring 900 feet above the Colorado River, making it that the International Association of Bridge, Structural, the highest in the nation. Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers had met with local union representatives, signatory contractors, and Ironworkers from Locals 416 and 433 erected 3,472 industry associations regarding fatalities and accident tons of structural steel, and placed 3,850 tons of rein- trends that continue to exist in the reinforcing steel and forcing steel and 523 tons of post-tensioning reinforce- post-tensioning industry. This industry coalition petition ment. The completion of this work marked the first consists of experts from labor, management, and organi- concrete-steel composite arch bridge built in the United zations engaged in reinforcing steel installation and States. This engineering marvel opened on October 19, post-tensioning operations throughout the country. 2010, and was christened the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. In 2014, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) adopted new reinforcing steel and post-ten- sioning standards for construction that were submitted by the Iron Workers International. Several states that operate under “State Approved OSHA Plans,” such as California are working to adopt these safety standards. As a result of President Hunt’s initial petition to Federal OSHA to help protect ironworkers during reinforcing steel and post-tensioning operations, many project owners and state agencies currently reference the new ANSI standards in project safety requirements. “ObamaCare” Becomes the Law of the Land General President Hunt Pursues New The official name for “ObamaCare” is the Patient OSHA Standard For Reinforcing Steel Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), or and Post-Tensioning Affordable Care Act (ACA) for short. The ACA was signed into law to reform the health care industry by On April 19, 2010, General Officers of the Iron President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, and Workers, William Brown (IMPACT Management upheld by the Supreme Court on June 28, 2012. Many Co-Chairman), Eric Waterman (CEO of IMPACT) and unions, including the Iron Workers, were very vocal in Steve Rank (Regional Director of IMPACT) met with Dr. their support for this legislation and helped to make it David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the become a reality. There are a great many ways that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). this legislation helps working class families. Among The Iron Workers and IMPACT submitted a formal peti- them are the ability to allow young adults to stay on tion to OSHA to pursue Negotiated Rulemaking for their parents’ plan until 26 years of age. The ACA also developing new OSHA regulations for the reinforcing stops insurance companies from denying coverage steel and post-tensioning industry. President Hunt based on pre-existing conditions or charging more provided Dr. Michaels with an industry coalition petition based on the health status of the participant. In addi- tion, it ensures that all plans cover minimum benefits 318
Local 3 Builds New Arena Pittsburgh, Pa. 319
like preventive care, OB-GYN services, and coverage Business Manager Mark McCullough as the for emergency room visits. Dispatcher/Business Agent for Local 720. He was later elected in 1995 to the position of FST/BM. He Though all of this has been a step in the right direc- held that position for the next 11 years prior to being tion, there have also been some glitches: There were appointed a General Organizer. As a credit to his era software problems at the time of initial signup; indi- as an officer and business manager, in the time vidual states that refused federal aid; and arguments LaBoucan was in office at Local 720, their member- over who must provide birth control for their employees. ship grew by 50 percent. Despite their support for the plan, unions may also be in danger of paying an excise tax on those plans deemed a Darrell LaBoucan was first assigned General “Cadillac Plan.” Yet, despite all the controversy, it puts Organizer on March 1, 2007, and named as the president America’s foot on the path of universal health care, a of the District Council of Western Canada. privilege that citizens of every other industrialized nation already enjoy. General Vice President Fred Marr Retires Instructor Training Program Moves to Michigan Fourth General Vice President Fred Marr retired In July of each year, the Apprenticeship and effective March 1, 2010. Training Department/National Training Fund holds the annual Ironworker Instructor Training Program. Fred Marr started his The Program was held in California from 1985 to 2009. ironworking career at In 2010 the National Training Fund Trustees voted to Local 700 (Windsor, move the program to Washtenaw Community College Ont.) on permit in 1966 (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. WCC has a strong tech- and 1967, and then nical focus and a long history of supporting union became an apprentice instructor training programs. Their campus has excel- in Local 700 in 1968. lent shop facilities, large classrooms, computer labs Marr turned out as a and an outside covered pavilion that is used for journeyman in 1971 and hands-on skill development. They also have a welding worked throughout the shop with over 40 booths that is one of the largest Windsor area at various American Welding Society Accredited Testing Facilities local car plants and refin- (ATF) in the country. The annual training program eries involved mainly in struc- ensures that the Iron Workers have qualified instruc- tural steel and conveyor work. tors and apprenticeship coordinators able to develop skilled ironworkers to meet the needs of their Marr served on the local union apprentice committee employers and contractors. In short, WCC had the from 1975 to 1981, and served on the executive board of faculty, staff and facilities to meet the needs of the Iron Local 700 from 1979 until he was elected Business Workers. As a result, our Instructor Training Program Manager in 1982, in 1985, in 1988, and again in 1991. remains among the highest rated in North America. Marr was appointed as General Organizer and Darrell LaBoucan Appointed District Council President for Iron Workers Executive Director of International in 1992 and served Ontario, New Canadian Affairs Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (Eastern Canada) from 1992 until the formation of the District General Organizer Darrell Council of Eastern Canada in 1995. LaBoucan was named Executive Director of In March 2003, Marr was named Executive Director Canadian Affairs for the of Canadian Affairs, and on July 9, 2003, General Iron Workers Inter- President Joseph Hunt appointed Marr as Eighth national in March 2010. General Vice President of the Iron Workers International. At the time of his retirement, Fred was Darrell LaBoucan the Fourth General Vice President. started his ironworking career as an apprentice Brother Marr served our International Union and all at Local 720 of the ironworkers in the United States and Canada (Edmonton, Alta.) in extremely well over the span of his career. 1978, and received jour- neyman status in 1980. In 1989, LaBoucan was appointed by Local 720 320
Marvin Ragsdale Appointed He attended community college and the George Meany General Vice President National Labor College, earning his bachelor of arts degree in 2001. Malley was appointed General Effective August 3, 2010, Organizer on December 1, 2008, and assigned to Marvin Ragsdale was International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. appointed Ninth General Vice President by General Canadian Recovery from the Crash of 2008 President Joseph Hunt. The effect of the financial crisis of 2008 in Canada Marvin Ragsdale was was initially similar to that in the U.S. Canada saw a initiated into Local 482 decline in output and employment that was the (Austin, Tex.) as an greatest since the end of World War II. Yet Canada was apprentice in 1976, and the only G7 nation to recoup its losses from the 2008– graduated to jour- 2009 recession as early as 2011. Since that time, both neyman in 1979. After real gross domestic product and employment remain serving on the executive below pre-recession levels. committee and exam- ining committee, he was Philip Cross, one of Canada’s chief economic analysts, elected Financial Secretary/ published a paper in which he stated “this is a signifi- Treasurer and Business cant achievement, given that the global economic down- Manager in 1987, succeeding turn which began in 2008 was the most severe and his father, D.A. Ragsdale. synchronized since the 1930s.” According to his research, Canada’s recession was not nearly as severe as those in From 1996 to 1998, Brother Ragsdale was a full time other countries. representative of the Iron Workers District Council of the State of Texas. In 1998, Brother Ragsdale was The speed of the recovery was largely due to jobs appointed General Organizer by General President Jake contracting at only half the rate at which output fell West. In 1999, upon the retirement of General Vice during the recession. That’s because employers in President James Martin, Marvin Ragsdale became Canada tended to spread the pain around by creating President of the Iron Workers District Council of the short work weeks; in other words, they cut hours, not State of Texas. The District Councils of Texas and the jobs. That strategy had a direct effect on household Mid-South merged in 2007, and at that time Brother spending. Normally in a recession, household spending Ragsdale was elected President of the District Council falls by 6 percent. But during the last recession, of Texas and the Mid-South States. spending cuts were more in the 2 percent range, only stayed that way for two quarters, and then bounced Scott Malley Promoted to back. The Canadian economy has been steadily adding Executive Director jobs since the end of the recession. Recently, Canada has been creating an average of 246,000 jobs per year, many Effective November 8, of which are in the energy industry. That, of course, 2010, General Organizer means jobs for ironworkers. Scott Malley was promoted to Executive Director. One of the many ways the Iron Workers ensured that ironworkers would continue to share in the Scott Malley became creation of this new wealth was to step up its training an apprentice iron- efforts to meet industry demands. As an example, with worker in 1977, the help of IMPACT, Local 764 (St. John’s, Nfld.) was attaining journeyman among the first to offer foremen training, and the lead- status in 1979. He ership class immediately attracted 18 ironworker served on the executive attendees from the region. During this three-day board of Local 3 course, participants learned the roles and responsibili- (Pittsburgh, Pa.) from ties of the foreman. In addition, they learned to create 1996 until 2002, when he a successful work team, communicate effectively, apply filled the position of problem-solving skills, document and maintain records, President/Assistant Business maintain labor-management relations, plan and Agent for two years. In 2004, schedule work, implement a safety program, and he was elected Financial ensure consistent, superior quality of work. In short, Secretary, serving in that capacity until becoming they emerged better prepared to meet the needs of Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer in contractors in the off-shore oil rig industry who were 2005. He was active in his District Council where he looking for qualified workers to fill crucial leadership served as First Vice President. He also served on the positions. Platforms like Long Harbour, Hebron and IMPACT Regional Advisory Board III, where he was Hibernia all remain places of real opportunities for instrumental in starting a very successful recruiting Canadian ironworkers today. campaign that became a model for the entire country. 321
Joseph Hunt Appointed General Alliance. He also served as Board Member of the President Emeritus Maria Droste Home, Trustee of the Arch Mutual Fund and Board Member of Firmco. He was appointed to Upon his retirement as both PRIDE (a local labor/management coalition) and General President on the Missouri Atomic Energy Commission. While in St. January 31, 2011, Joseph Louis, he also served as an Executive Board Member Hunt was appointed of the St. Louis Ambassadors and as a commissioner General President of Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Emeritus of the International Walter Wise Elected Association of Bridge, General President Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Walter Wise was elected Workers, effective General President by the February 1, 2011. General Executive Council of the International Joseph J. Hunt was Association of Bridge, elected General President Structural, Ornamental, of the International and Reinforcing Iron Association of Bridge, Workers to succeed Structural, Ornamental and retiring General Reinforcing Iron Workers on February 23, 2001. A native President Joseph J. of St. Louis, Missouri, he is a third generation iron- Hunt on February 1, worker. His father, Joseph Hunt Sr., and his grandfather 2011. Wise was a Jim Hunt, both held offices in Local 396 (St. Louis, Mo.). member of former Local As his father and grandfather before him, Brother Hunt 697 (Roanoke, Va.) and had held numerous positions in Local 396, including current member of Local 28 that of Business Manager. In 1983, he was appointed a (Richmond, Va.). General Organizer and assigned to International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He first served as Walter Wise was born in Assistant to the Director of Jurisdiction and then Pocahontas, Virginia, in 1951 but grew up in South became Assistant to the General Treasurer. During that Pasadena, California, from 1960 until returning to time, he also handled special assignments at the direc- Virginia in 1969 where he studied engineering at tion of the General President. In 1990, he returned to St. Virginia Tech. His career as an ironworker began in Louis and was elected President of the Iron Workers 1973 when Wise first worked the summer on permit District Council of St. Louis. In 1994, Hunt was from Local 28. appointed General Vice President, and in December 1998 he was appointed General Treasurer. In 1974, Wise began his apprenticeship as an iron- worker in Local 697, finished his apprenticeship, and In May 2001, Hunt was elected as an Executive became a journeyman in 1977. Only a journeyman of Board Member of the Maritime Trades Department. four years, Wise was elected to serve as the Local 697 On July 31, 2001, he was elected as a Vice President Recording Secretary in 1981 and served in that capacity of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of through 1989. During his 15 years in the field, he Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). In August 2001, worked on various projects in his home local union and he was elected as an Executive Board Member of the as a boomer in other locals. Wise was elected Business Metal Trades Department. He served as a member of Manager of Local 697 in 1989 and served in that the Governing Board of Presidents of the Building capacity until he was appointed General Organizer by and Construction Trades Department. He also served General President Jake West in 1997. While at the local as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the National as Business Manager, Wise also served as the President Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans. of the Roanoke United Central Labor Council, on both Since 2003, Hunt served on the Board of Directors of the Floyd County Industrial Authority and the Virginia Union Labor Life Insurance Company. On August 3, State Americorp Board. 2006, he was elected as Chairman of the Board of Union Labor Life Insurance Company. After his appointment as General Organizer in February 1998, Wise was elected to serve as President of Over the years, he has served in many labor the Mid-Atlantic States District Council. In 2002, related positions including Vice President and General President Joseph Hunt named Wise to serve on Executive Board Member of the St. Louis Building the General Executive Council as General Vice Trades Council, Executive Board Member of the President. Seeing the dedication to detail Wise Missouri Building Trades Council, Trustee and possessed, General President Hunt asked Wise to Executive Board Member of the St. Louis Labor assume the office of General Treasurer in 2005 upon the Council, AFL-CIO, Chairman of the National Stack retirement of General Treasurer Dennis Toney. When and Chimney Committee, and Secretary of the General Secretary Mike Fitzpatrick retired in 2008, Regional Committee of the National Infrastructure 322
Wise was asked to assume the role of General Secretary committee. The Governor of Illinois appointed him to and served in that position until February 1, 2011. Upon serve as a member of the Illinois Medical Fee Schedule the retirement announcement of General President Advisory Board for Workers Compensation. Dean was Joseph Hunt, Walter W. Wise was unanimously elected also appointed to the Illinois Metropolitan Pier and by the General Executive Council to fulfill the Exposition Advisory Labor Committee. He was remainder of the term as President and was later sworn appointed Ninth General Vice President in 2008. in as the Twelfth General President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Darrell LaBoucan Appointed Reinforcing Iron Workers. General Vice President General President Wise set an aggressive agenda General President Walter to get our members back to work with a long-term Wise appointed Darrell goal of doubling our market share within ten years. LaBoucan as General Vice He has also aimed to ensure that each member President effective returns home safely to their family, reaching an objec- February 1, 2011. tive of zero fatalities. Darrell LaBoucan Eric Dean Appointed began his ironworking General Secretary career in 1975 and was initiated into Local 720 General President Walter (Edmonton, Alta.) in Wise appointed Eric Dean 1978 where he as General Secretary of completed his apprentice the International to journeyman technical Association of Bridge, training. In 1989, former Structural, Ornamental, Local 720 Business and Reinforcing Iron Manager Mark McCullough Workers effective recommended the local February 1, 2011. appoint LaBoucan to the posi- tion of Dispatcher/Business Agent. In 1995, he was Eric Dean is a grad- elected as the Financial Secretary/Treasurer Business uate of Lane Tech High Manager, a position he held for over 11 years. Local School and attended the 720’s membership grew by 50 percent during his watch. University of Illinois at In 2005, General President Joseph Hunt appointed Chicago briefly before Brother LaBoucan to the position of General Organizer joining the apprenticeship and President of the District Council of Western program as a fourth genera- Canada. In March of 2010, General President Hunt tion Local 63 (Chicago, Ill.) further appointed Brother LaBoucan to the position of ironworker along with his brother Ray, father Ray, great Iron Workers International Executive Director of uncle Ray Anderson, and great-grandfather Axel Canadian Affairs. Anderson. He completed his apprenticeship program in 1984. He was awarded the outstanding apprentice that In his many years of service, LaBoucan has devoted year. He went on to become a journeyman, foreman, and much time to numerous government, labor, manage- apprentice instructor. In 1989 he became one of the first ment construction and maintenance industry boards to complete the Certified Welding Inspectors Course and committees. Brother LaBoucan sits on the offered by the National Training Fund and became Canadian Building Trades executive committee. Local 63’s first CWI. In 1991, Dean became a full-time instructor at the National Ironworkers Training Program for Native Americans. He became a local union officer in 1989 and held the offices of Conductor, Trustee, Vice President, and Business Agent. In 1999, he became a General Organizer assigned to the Department of Ornamental, Architectural and Miscellaneous Metals, as well as being assigned to the apprenticeship training department. In 2002, he was assigned to assist the Chicago District Council, and in 2005, he became President. As District Council President, he also served as the RAB 4 labor co-chair of IMPACT, as well as a national trustee to IMPACT. Dean served as vice chair of the Transportation for Illinois committee, and served on its federal affairs 323
Ron Piksa Appointed General In 1989, General President Jake West appointed Vice President White General Organizer and assigned him to the apprenticeship and training department and the General President Walter Ironworkers National Fund. White was appointed the Wise appointed General Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training by Organizer Ron Piksa as General President Joseph Hunt in 2001. Ninth General Vice President effective Lee Worley appointed Executive March 20, 2011. Director of Apprenticeship Piksa was initiated and Training into former Local 114 (Tacoma, Wash.) on Lee Worley was February 1, 1974, and appointed Executive gained journeyman Director of status March 1, 1976. Apprenticeship and His membership was Training effective transferred into Local 86 June 12, 2011. Brother (Seattle, Wash.) on April 1, Worley started his 1999. He has served Local 86 career in February 1987 as Executive Board Member; in Local 29 (Portland, Recording Secretary; President; JATC Chairman; Ore.) as an apprentice Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer; and graduated in 1990. He Pierce County Building Trades President; President of attended the annual the Pacific Northwest District Council from 2000 until Ironworker Instructor present; and elected Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Training Program for the first Retirement, Annuity, and Apprenticeship Trust Funds time in 1991 and went on to in 2001 to present. become an apprentice and journeyman upgrade instructor. After passing the Certified Welding Piksa was appointed General Organizer by General Inspector Course (CWI) in 1996, he became the appren- President Jake West in 1999. Brother Piksa received tice coordinator for Local 29 and for shop Local 516 for special recognition by General President John H. 13 years. Worley also attended the 1996 and 2001 Lyons as outstanding apprentice to participate in the conventions as a delegate of Local 29. From 2009 until Bicentennial Celebration in Washington, D.C., June 2011, he was the Administrative Coordinator for the 29 through July 12, 1976. Pacific Northwest District Council. Worley was appointed General Organizer for the National Fund in Executive Director of Apprenticeship May 2011. and Training Mike White Retires Mike White, Executive General Vice President Director of Gordon Struss Retires Apprenticeship and Training, retired effec- Gordon Struss, General Vice tive June 1, 2011. President, retired effective White began his June 30, 2011. apprenticeship in former Local 348 (Erie, Struss began his career Pa.) in 1966 and as an ironworker in 1965. completed in 1969. In He became an appren- 1970, White received his tice member of Local certificate to teach voca- 512 (Minneapolis/St. tional education in the Paul, Minn.) in 1969. He State of Pennsylvania. He served as Business served as apprenticeship Agent for Local 512 from instructor and coordinator 1984 until 1995, when he during the years of 1970–1989. General President became Business John Lyons, Jr., appointed White as acting General Manager of the local Organizer to setup Iron Range training programs for union. In April 1999, ironworkers in Northern Minnesota in 1975 and to General President Jake West work in the apprenticeship and training department. appointed Struss General Organizer to service the North 324
Central States District Council. On April 8, 2001, Missouri; from 1998 until 2001 as the Executive Director General President Joseph Hunt appointed Struss of Safety and Health of the National Erectors Association; General Vice President. from 2001 until 2004 as the Director of the Safety Institute of the California Ironworkers Employers Struss retired after 45 years of service to his local Councils; and in 2004 served as director of the Western and international unions. Region of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT). Executive Assistant to the General President Executive Director of Safety Bill Tweet Retires and Health Frank Migliaccio Retires Bill Tweet, Executive Assistant to the General Frank Migliaccio, President, retired effec- Executive Director of tive June 30, 2011. Safety and Health, retired effective August 1, 2011. Bill Tweet served as Executive Officer of Migliaccio began his Local 229 (San Diego, career as an apprentice Calif.) since 1991, in Local 201 Business Representative (Washington, D.C.) in from 1991 to 1994, a 1972. During the years delegate to the of 1972 until 1987, International Convention Migliaccio was an appren- since 1986, and has been a tice, journeyman, foreman, member since 1967. On shop steward, and superin- September 1, 2001, Tweet was tendent for various companies appointed General Organizer. in the Washington, D.C. area. General President Joseph Hunt appointed Tweet as He served as the apprentice- Executive Director of Jurisdiction and Maintenance on ship coordinator for Local 201 from 1985 until 1990. On November 3, 2003, and on January 1, 2007, Tweet January 1, 1991, He was appointed Director of Safety became the Executive Assistant to the General and Health, and on November 20, 2000, he became President, in addition to his duties. Executive Director of Safety and Health. Tweet has also represented the Iron Workers on Migliaccio served as Chairman of the Advisory various labor committees. He served in the U.S. Army Committee on Construction Safety and Health, from 1966 to 1967 and earned a bachelor of arts from appointed by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. the National Labor College. Steve Rank Appointed The 42nd International Convention Executive Director of Safety and Health From August 15 through 19, 2011, 822 delegates from locals all across the United States and Canada convened Steve Rank was in Chicago, Illinois to elect Walter Wise as General appointed Executive President during the Ironworkers 42nd International Director of Safety and Convention. Eric Dean was elected General Secretary Health on July 31, 2011. and Edward McHugh was elected General Treasurer. Nine Vice Presidents were also elected. Rank became a member of Local 10 There can be no doubt that holding the convention in (Kansas City, Mo.) in Chicago, home of Frank Geary, “Father of the Ironworkers,” December 1980, and and the site of the first structural steel building designed completed his appren- by William LeBaron Jenney, lent an additional air of ticeship in Local 84 importance to the proceedings. (Houston, Tex.) in 1984. In 1985, he transferred his Despite those historical factors, the convention’s membership back to Local theme was much more about the future than it was 10. Rank is a qualified about the past. This tone was set by General President instructor for the National Wise in his opening address when he set an ambitious Ironworkers Instructor Training goal by declaring we would “double our market share Program. Rank served from 1990 until 1998 as the Vice and double our union within the next ten years.” President, National Safety Coordinator for the Continuing in this positive vein he alluded to the great Ironworkers Contractor Insurance Program in St. Louis, recession of 2008 and asserted that we “will emerge from the greatest construction depression of our 325
~~ Ironworker District Councils—2011 [', I' le, rcJ I';' ~~~ Delegates, by District Council, who attended the 42nd International Convention in 2011. ~ rcJ E;' ~~~~~~ [', ~~ The State of California and Vicinity Chicago and Vicinity [', f5J I';' ~I' rs= rcJ ~ ~ ~~~ [', rcJ The Mid-Atlantic States le, ~~ Eastern Canada ~~ I';' rcJ I';' ~~~ ~ ~~~~~ The New England States ~ New York State [', ~ Northern New Jersey Le, Ontario ~~~~ I';' North Central States rs= ~~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~ E;' I' [', ~r::'J Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Northern West Virginia [', I';' I';' I', I';' ~ E;' [', [', I';' rs= ~ ~ E;' le, I';' [_', I';' rs= ~ ~ E;' le, I';' ~ ~ ~ E;' [', ~ E;' I';' I';' ~ E;' le, I';' I';' rs= ~ E;' [', I';' rs= rs= ~ ~ [', I';' I';' rs= ~ E;' I';' I';' I';' ~ ~ I', ~ 326
Ironworker District Councils 2011—continued The Pacific Northwest Philadelphia and Vicinity Regional District Council The Rocky Mountain Area The Southeastern States Southern Ohio and Vicinity St. Louis and Vicinity Tennessee Valley and Vicinity Texas and Mid-South States Western Canada 327
were all discussed. Information about these important issues is valuable, and our conventions are an essential element in the dissemination of that information. General Secretary Eric Dean reported that despite all the recent challenges we had faced as a union, “overall, our wage structure and fringe benefit contri- butions are higher than they have been in the past.” He thanked the locals for their hard work at the negotiating table and their cooperation with the supply of information so that our prevailing wage rates under the Davis-Bacon Act can be preserved. He also reported on the successful use of technology being made by our union, which again is a nod to our willingness and ability to move into the future. The stability of our funds, regardless of the nation’s economic downturn, was highlighted by General Treasurer Ed McHugh. While some losses were inevitable, disaster was deftly averted by sound money management practices. Brother McHugh put JOE our situation in perspective when he stated in his JOE IRONWORKER concluding remarks, “the measure of success during this crucial period of our history should not only be in LOCAL UNION NO. XYZ dollars and cents, but also should be considered with ANY TOWN, USA the actions taken to respond and manage this succes- rr1 ~~:nroNwonKE'D.s~•n;~\\. __ sion of blows to our fiscal well-being.” .fin·ouo..,,; ·'[ e·oTn!FUTURE . . Perhaps the best metaphor for the tone and direction .\"·, ,~,-' P'AST~ ~ - ,,f1f~· ·1t',--\"1'-.~~1 ,·•.,.,,,t.',. of this convention can be found in the words of Resolution '\\~ :;,:!,j/J No. 15 which was submitted by Local Union No. 433. j- .. - , ., , ; . .• t,,'. - · '\\ BE IT RESOLVED that the complete set of the 42ND CONVENTION I CHICAGO. IL AUGUST lS 19, 2011 Bridgemen’s and Ironworker magazine shall be uploaded onto the internet at the Iron Workers International website, or whatever other site that would Badge worn by Delegate to the 42nd International Convention be deemed appropriate so that it may be available to held in Chicago, Illinois anyone who desires information about the history of this lifetime stronger than ever, larger than ever, and more great union. This project would be complete by the time powerful than ever.” of the 2016 International Convention. Among the many dignitaries and politicos present This resolution embodies our deep reverence for all that first day was AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who have come before and have accomplished so much; who called for a renewed spirit of solidarity among all our acknowledgement that a modern world presents new working Americans. He outlined labor’s job as a “fight challenges that must be faced, and our commitment to for a future we know is possible … of long term, broad- do whatever it takes to complete the task at hand. ly-shared prosperity.” Chicago Mayor Rham Emanuel and Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn also attended and The Baton is Passed at the AFL-CIO welcomed the delegates to their city and state. (BCTD) 2012 While there is always time for laughter and social- izing at such events, the business of our conventions is Mark H. Ayers, President of the Building indeed serious. Delegates educated themselves Construction Trades Division (BCTD) of the American regarding the extent of damage that had been done to Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial the construction industry and the projections for Organizations (AFL-CIO) died on Sunday, April 8, 2012. recovery and rebound that were available. The impor- He was 63 years young. When he took that office in tance of organizing, the attention paid to our KPIs (Key 2007, Ayers immediately set the tone for what would be Performance Indicators) and the positive role of his all-too-brief tenure with the following words: “I will IMPACT were all addressed in General President do all that I can to enhance our stature as the world’s Wise’s report. In addition, the growth in our number of number one choice for quality, skilled labor in the apprentices, the constant efforts to expand and construction industry.” His primary focus was to recap- improve their training as well as journeyman upgrade ture market share, and his means of doing so is opportunities were all highlighted. Of course, the latest embodied in his slogan, “Value on Display, Every Day.” safety standards, requirements and statistics were also A tireless and lifelong advocate for labor, Ayers reported upon. Finally, the health of all our depart- wore a variety of hats during his career. He was ments: structural, ornamental, reinforcing and shop appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the 328
Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Alliance for Fair Contracting; Chairman of the Board of Future, Chairman of the Center for Construction Directors of the National Coordinating Committee for Research and Training (CPWR), on the Board of Multi-Employer Plans; and proudly holds the position of Trustees for the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, Labor Co-Chair of the Center for Military Recruitment, and Labor Co-Chair for the Helmets to Hardhats Assessment, and Veterans Employment (CMRAVE), Program, just to name a few. Prior to becoming which operates the Helmets to Hardhats program. President of the BCTD, Ayers served for nine years as Director of the Construction and Maintenance Department at the International Brotherhood of Fabrication Shops Remain a Vital Part of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He was originally a Our Industry member of IBEW Local 34 (Peoria, Ill.) and worked his way up through the ranks, first as an inside For decades now, ever since President Buchanan first issued an edict in 1902 to “organize inside men,” wireman, then treasurer, then business representa- the Shop Division of the union has played a key role tive and finally assistant business manager. Upon Ayers's passing, Walt Wise, General President in their success. This is still true today, and under the of the Iron Workers, made the following comments: watchful eye of John Bielak, Executive Director of the “From Ayers’s days as a Navy aviator and throughout Shop Department, it continues to thrive. Two excel- his career with the IBEW and his leadership of the lent examples of that are Shopmen’s Local 516 (Portland, Ore.), who work at the Albina Co., Inc., in BCTD, he has stood as a true trade unionist and a Tualatin, Oregon, and Shopmen’s Local 470 man of impeccable character and integrity.” Those sentiments were echoed by Hilda Solis, who was at (Jamestown, N.Y.), who work at Hope’s® Windows, Inc. Both locals have been in existence since the Great that time Secretary of Labor, who said: “We shared Depression and consistently deliver at the highest the same values. Whether it was fighting for invest- ments in infrastructure and good construction jobs, level of production standards. Albina’s union members consist of machine opera- securing decent wages and safe workplaces or tors, welders, material handlers, helpers, journeymen protecting health benefits and pension plans, Mark stood proudly on the side of working people. And I and foremen. They work with all forms of structural steel, including angle, wide flange, channel, square and was proud to stand with him.” Ayers was known for his ability to engender trust rectangle tubing, and solid bars. In addition to struc- from others. He attributed this quality to the tural steel, they also bend pipe and round tubing and have the ability to roll plate. Ironworkers at Albina can old-school values that had been instilled in him during his youth in Peoria, Illinois. He always main- bend virtually any ferrous and nonferrous metals tained that the three most important phrases a produced, and are also able to spiral/helix bend, compound bend (multiple plane), off axis bend and person could use were “please,” “thank you” and “I elliptical/parabolic bend. They take pride in their promise.” Though all in the unionized construction industry were deeply saddened by his untimely death, ability to bend helical stringers out of single HSS Mark Ayers continues to live on in the hearts and sections versus fabricated stringers from channel and memories of the working men and women whose lives plate. In total, it is an impressive repertoire. he worked so hard to improve. Thousands of miles away, in New York, ironworkers at the renowned Hope’s® Windows, Inc., manufacture Succeeding Ayers in this position was Sean solid hot-rolled steel and solid bronze window and McGarvey, former Secretary-Treasurer of the North America’s Building Trades Unions. He had served in door systems. Every product is custom designed and that position since 2005. He started his career with handcrafted for each project. The “hands” in that the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades craftsmanship belong to the ironworkers of Shopmen’s (IUPAT) in 1981 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Local 470, which was chartered on July 16, 1934, making it the second oldest shop local still in exis- subsequently worked his way up through various tence. Here, too, ironworkers have an opportunity to leadership positions within the IUPAT. After the passing of President Ayers, McGarvey was unani- “strut their stuff” by transforming solid steel billet mously elected to the office of President. In addition into a variety of slim, geometrically complex and to his experience within the trades, McGarvey holds a remarkably strong profiles. This transformation is bachelor of arts degree from the National Labor achieved through hot-rolling, a process where steel is College and is a graduate of the Harvard University heated to be malleable then formed through an array Trade Union Program. of precision tooling to its final geometry. It is obvious that because of their superior skill sets, As was the case with his predecessor, McGarvey is tireless in his efforts to create a stronger union presence firm dedication and outstanding track records, the iron- and better the lives of building trades members. To that workers in these two locations will be producing union- end, he serves as Chairman of the Board of CPWR; the made products for generations to come. It is important Oil and Natural Gas Industry Labor-Management to remember that these are but two small glimpses into a division that has done so much over the years to Committee, which is a unique partnership between insure that our ironworkers remain an essential compo- North America’s Building Trades Unions and the American Petroleum Institute; Treasurer of the National nent of the industry. 329
Brent Booker Becomes Secretary-Treasurer trucked across the existing bridge and reassembled to of the BCTD erect the north approach. As the raising gang started to hang iron on the S1 pylon with the cable stays in March In 2012, Brent Booker was 2011, the bridge finally started to take shape. elected by the Governing Board of Presidents to the position of At the bridge opening in late 2012, ironworkers Secretary-Treasurer of the Building installed 1,158 pre-cast segments, 45 kilometers of cable, and Construction Trades 50,000 tons of rebar and over 13,000 tons of structural Department of the AFL- CIO. steel to complete this ten-lane cable stay bridge. The Booker succeeded Sean McGarvey, new bridge is 2.02 kilometers (1.26 miles) long, 65 who was elected BCTD President meters (213 feet) wide, and with a tower height of 163 following the death of Mark Ayers. meters (535 feet) from the top of footing it is the second McGarvey said, “Booker knows what largest and longest cable-supported bridge in North it takes for our unions to succeed in Brent Booker America and one of the widest bridges in the world. today’s marketplace.” Previously, Booker served as General President Wise Commissions Director of the Construction 2012 Zero Fatality Incident Campaign Department at the Laborers International Union of North America On December 22, 2011, General (LIUNA) and had held that position President Wise commissioned a new since 2007. He also served as the safety and health campaign to labor section Co-Chairman and address fatality and incident trends. President of the National The “2012 Zero Fatality and Incident Maintenance Agreement Policy Campaign” challenged all members to Committee, Inc. Sean McGarvey intervene and prevent unsafe condi- tions and unsafe acts in the work- Though he is a third-generation Local 795 (New place. General President Wise promulgated the following Albany, Ind.) laborer, Booker is also a graduate of the letter to all members throughout the United States and University of Virginia. He says he will work to advance Canada. Since the inception of this campaign in 2012, “21st-century commitment to excellence that is centered there have been many reported cases of members inter- upon a business model devoted to delivering ‘Value on vening and correcting hazards in the workplace. Display, Every Day.’” Letter to Membership Port Mann Bridge The International Association and IMPACT are launching a “2012 Zero Fatality” campaign to help Starting in 2009, ironworkers from Local 97 prevent fatalities and disabling injuries in the workplace. (Vancouver, B.C.) installed 50,000 tons of reinforcing steel Many of these incidents affecting our members on the Port Mann Bridge Project, crossing over the Fraser throughout the United States and Canada continue to River near Vancouver, British Columbia. Local 97’s stem from the same common activities and hazards. We members built 350 pile cages, the largest being 207 feet want to make every effort to commit the necessary long and weighing 160,000 pounds, as well as 18 starter resources to make 2012 the year of zero fatalities. columns weighing 150,000 pounds each. They also placed This campaign is designed to focus on the primary 6,000 tons of rebar. Ironworkers started the precast segment in May 2010. The steel gantry weighed more “deadly dozen activities and hazards” and will utilize hardhat stickers, gang-box stickers, and posters for training than 700 tons and measured 155 meters long, and was facilities and local unions. It is important for members to the key piece of equipment used to install 1,100 precast embrace this safety initiative and intervene to prevent bridge deck panels weighing 90 tons each. Between unsafe conditions and unsafe acts in the workplace. phases, the gantry was disassembled into 40-ton pieces, Following is a copy of the hardhat sticker that illus- trates the “2012 Zero Fatality” campaign slogan “We All Go Home Safe – See Something! Say Something!” These hardhat stickers will be distributed on January 2, 2012, for our members to use. The Safety and Health Department will promulgate a series of specific campaign posters and additional information targeting the primary “deadly dozen activities and hazards” in the near future. We appreciate your support and efforts to make 2012 the year of zero fatalities. Sincerely, 330
Founding CEO of IMPACT and their contractors is focused on one component— Eric Waterman Retires growth! Hilton’s influence on IMPACT has brought programs and training to the ironworker contractor Eric Waterman, the first community that have never been attempted in the CEO of the Ironworker industry. These programs include a highly aggressive Management Progressive business development initiative that sells our safety, Action Cooperation Trust skills and productivity on a basis of value and not (IMPACT), officially price. In addition, the assembly of comprehensive retired on April 30, 2012. contractor business training, in all aspects of the construction industry, helps our current employers Appointed in 2003 by remain viable and fosters the addition of new General President employers who typically come from a journeyman Joseph Hunt, Waterman, ironworker background. an already powerful voice in the construction Hilton came to IMPACT after serving The industry, worked tire- Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) and the lessly to build a new National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee brand and a new way of (NMAPC) as Senior Vice President, where he worked doing business for the Iron for over 12 years dealing directly with all major stake- Workers Union. Waterman has holders in the industry, from the leadership of left an undeniably positive International Unions and Building Trades Councils to mark not only on ironworkers and their contractors, but the principal officers in the contractor community to also on the construction industry as a whole, champi- the leadership of every major industrial manufacturing oning a unique labor-management cooperation that has sector in the U.S. During his tenure at TAUC/NMAPC, been imitated throughout the union world. Hilton fostered the development of complex databases, websites and media outreach strategies that those General President Walter Wise and William Brown, organizations still employ to this day. Hilton serves on CEO of Ben Hur Construction Company in St. Louis— numerous boards and holds a bachelor of arts degree co-chairs of the IMPACT Board of Trustees—indicated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a that Waterman’s departure is “both a sad time for our master of science degree in industrial relations from organization and a transformative one, as well, as we the University of Wisconsin at Madison. welcome a new generation of visionary leadership.” Executive Director of the Shop “I am excited that Eric will be able to reflect on his Department Anthony great accomplishments with the Iron Workers Union Walencik Retires and IMPACT as he enjoys retirement,” Wise said. “He has done an excellent job working with us to select a Anthony “Tony” Walencik, replacement, and we look forward to tapping into the Executive Director of the new leader of IMPACT’s energy and passion for the Shop Department, retired entire construction industry.” effective October 1, 2012. Brown added, “Eric’s work has had tremendous influ- In November of 1968, ence not only in the construction industry but the union while employed by the industry as a whole, and his seminal ideas have led to Hamischfeger the growth of a burgeoning labor-management movement. Corporation (P&H We are all grateful for his hard work and dedication.” Crane), Walencik became a member of Shopmen’s Hilton Appointed Local 814 (Cudahy, Wis.). IMPACT CEO In 1972, following his honorable discharge from Kevin Hilton became the Army, Walencik returned the CEO of IMPACT in to his former employer and April of 2012 and has became President of the local dedicated his profes- union in 1979. In 1982, he was sional career to the appointed to the position of Acting District Representative development and to service the mid-Atlantic states by General President implementation of John Lyons, Jr. On September 1, 2003, General President successful, results-ori- Joseph Hunt promoted General Organizer Walencik to the ented labor-manage- position of Executive Director of the Shop Department. ment relations that Walencik has been a part of the Shop Department’s staff serve to benefit the at headquarters since August 1993. He is a proud member union sector of the of Local 486 (Washington, D.C.). construction industry. His approach to the ironworkers 331
Local 17 Ironworker Makes Historic Career Superintendent Training for Ironworkers Jim Mirgliotta in 2015 Ironworker and President of Forest City Erectors, Inc. The National Training Fund and IMPACT developed a new Superintendent Training for Ironworkers course. Jim Mirgliotta, member of Local 17 (Cleveland, Ohio), The first two courses were conducted at the request of has made a career as one of the most successful iron- the District Council of Ironworkers of the State of workers and contractors in the industry. Forest City California and Vicinity and IMPACT Regional Advisory Erectors, Inc., is one of Northern Ohio’s most prominent Board (RAB) IX. steel erection contractors, specializing in structural steel, bridge repair and ornamental ironworking. There are two levels to the superintendent training course. The first level is available to all ironworkers As Mirgliotta’s skills and work ethic grew, more and consists of self study and the completion of online work opportunities became available including an exercises through the Ironworkers Learning opportunity to work on the Mackinac Bridge in 1957. Management System (LMS). Mirgliotta has devoted much time to give back his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the ironworking Those completing level one (and who are sponsored industry. In his 61 years as an ironworker, Mirgliotta by their local union or employer) may attend the level has experienced many booms, busts and everything in two training, which is a three-day, group-based course. between. The Iron Workers are fortunate to have This group course can now be offered in various loca- Mirgliotta as a brother ironworker, successful union tions in the U.S. and Canada at the request of the contractor and a success story on achieving the District Council President and the IMPACT RAB. American Dream as a union ironworker. The content of the Superintendent Training for Jim Mirgliotta in 1951, Akron, Ohio, Cantilever Arch Bridge project Ironworkers manual includes information on the roles and responsibilities of the ironworker superintendent; managing project schedules, information, people and the jobsite; managing safety; demonstrating effective commu- nication skills; closing out a project; describing basic construction finance and describing basic construction law. Tom Perez Appointed Secretary of Labor On July 23, 2013, Thomas E. Perez became the United States’ Sixth Secretary of Labor. Perez made clear that his priorities for the department included ensuring a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, connecting ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be- filled jobs through skills programs like Registered Apprenticeship and on-the-job training, promoting gender equality in the workplace, ensuring that people with disabilities and veterans have access to equal employment opportunities and insisting on a safe and level playing field for all American workers. Perez was no newcomer to the arena of workers’ rights. Prior to his appointment, the former aide to Senator Ted Kennedy had served as both Labor Secretary for Maryland and the Justice Department’s Assistant Attorney General for civil rights. He was aggressive about opening a record number of civil rights investigations and championing the rights of workers. In 2015, Secretary Perez was once again given the opportunity to show his strength and intelligence when he was sent to San Francisco by President Obama to help settle a dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents shipping companies and port operators, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents dock workers on the West Coast. He managed to hammer out an agreement suitable to both in only four days, when the two parties had been unable to come to an agreement for several months. Perez said that playing mediator in the West Coast ports dispute was “among the most difficult” chal- lenges he had ever faced in office. 332
Ironworkers Install Final Section of Spire high, making it the tallest building in the Western Atop One World Trade Center Hemisphere and the third tallest in the world. From rise to fall to rise again, the ironworkers Using a crane located high above street level; iron- proudly have restored the New York skyline to its workers lifted the final two pieces off a temporary work majestic and striking glory with the placing of the final platform on the roof of One WTC and attached them to spire section on the skyscraper tower of One World the previously installed 16 sections of spire. During the Trade Center, rebuilt with the hands and craftsmanship installation, ironworkers set and tightened 60 bolts at of union ironworkers, who, 40 years ago, erected the an altitude of 1,701 feet. original World Trade Center, and who on 9/11 rushed to the site to join our police and firefighter brethren in The two sections of the installed spire stand 75 feet response to the horrifying terrorist attack. tall. The raw steel weighs just over 22 tons, but with the bolts, stairs, platforms, LED lighting elements and elec- As dozens of construction workers from union trades trical components, the weight nearly doubles to almost looked on and applauded the historic milestone, union 40 tons. The spire sits atop One WTC, an iconic land- ironworkers installed the final two sections of the mark in Lower Manhattan’s restored skyline. The 408-foot steel spire at One World Trade Center (One building is 104 stories tall and features three million WTC). The building now stands a symbolic 1,776 feet square feet of office space. A state-of-the-art observation deck occupies floors 100–102 and offers breathtaking views of New York City and the region. BP Whiting Refinery Modernization Project Local 395 (Hammond, Ind.) ironworkers worked on the BP Whiting Refinery Modernization project (WRMP), the biggest private sector investment ever in Indiana and the largest National Maintenance Agreement Committee Project to date. The WRMP increases the refinery heavy oil processing capability by reconfiguring the largest of three crude distillation units and adding new coking capacity and associated processing units. The moderniza- tion, completed in 2013, provides BP Whiting with the capability of processing up to 85 percent heavy crude, versus about 20 percent a few years ago. The WRMP is the largest, most complex refining project undertaken in BP Whiting’s recent history. The project includes the installation of 380 miles of pipe, 1,200 pieces of major equipment, 800 shop-fabri- cated modules and 20,000 tons of steel. At its peak, more than 12,000 skilled craftsmen were at work on the project. The project included construction of a new coker, a new crude distillation unit, a new gas oil hydrotreater, new sulfur recovery facilities, moderniza- tion of the refinery’s water treating facilities and other environmental improvements. The ironworkers’ work on the project included more than 5 million man-hours from 2007 to 2013, from Superior Construction Co, Inc., BMW Constructors, Inc., The American Group (TAG), Kvaerner NAC and Fluor Constructors. The ironworkers played a major role in Fluor receiving Fluor’s FCI division most-improved project of the year award for 2011. The project contributed thousands of temporary contractor jobs to the commu- nity and had a posi- tive impact on neighboring commu- nities. Hundreds of contractor jobs were needed for routine maintenance work and “turnarounds” following the modernization. 333
Local 395 Business Manager Doug Strayer had this to Jake West. He was named Ninth General Vice President say about the project: “This was a great project that in 2001 by General President Joseph Hunt and subse- supported not only ironworkers from Local 395, but quently elected as a General Vice President by the dele- from our sister locals throughout the country and gates to the International Conventions in 2001, 2006, came at a time when the economy was slow, allowing and 2011, while serving as President of the Iron us to have continued employment.” Workers District Council of Southern Ohio and Vicinity. “We estimate that direct local spending during Generations of ironworkers were able to earn a good construction, including salaries and wages for field living, raise their families, and retire in dignity craft was in excess of $2.5 billion,” said BP Whiting because of Kratzer’s efforts. He tackled the tough jobs Refinery Business Unit Leader Dan Sajkowski. “Far with innovation and professionalism, building bridges more significant is that the project will allow us to where others only saw chasms, while always keeping sustain the ongoing employment base that provides a our members’ best interests at heart. Management and livelihood to over 2,000 families and delivers huge labor alike respected him because when George economic benefit to communities in northwest Kratzer, gave his word it was his bond. Kratzer was Indiana.” Mike Berna, deputy construction director for instrumental in moving our union forward. From orga- the project and a third-generation refinery employee nizing to IMPACT to policies of the General Executive stated, “As the project continues, I am especially proud Council, General Vice President Kratzer had a hand in of the safety record the refinery has during the project. it all, and his fingerprints are indelibly etched into the Only a few minor injuries have been reported. I credit future of our organization. that to the workers and the community. The Iron Workers completed the job safe and on schedule.\" Of Kratzer’s devotion to union ironworkers, General President Walter Wise said, “George was an Ironworkers Mourn the Loss of First ironworker, first and foremost, and he never forgot General Vice President what it was like to walk the iron. He was a champion George Kratzer for the men and women of our union, and as First General Vice President was a beloved and extremely First General Vice qualified leader. He will be missed.” President George Kratzer, 62, of Wilmington, Ohio, General Vice President passed away March 23, Tadas Kicielinski Retires 2013 at the Ohio State University General Vice President Medical Center. Tadas Kicielinski retired effective August 3, 2013. Kratzer started as an apprentice ironworker A member of Local in 1970 with Local 290 392 (East St. Louis, Ill.), (Dayton, Ohio). He Kicielinski had been an became Business Agent in ironworker for 44 years. 1984 and held that position At Local 392, until his appointment as Kicielinski started out General Organizer on July 31, by serving as an 2000, by General President Executive Board Member, was elected Vice President of the local and finally elected Business Manager. He left the position of Business Manager to become the Executive Director of the Southwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council where he worked diligently to make project labor agreements (PLA) an accepted practice throughout the state of Illinois. In 2001, he was called to Washington, D.C., to become Executive Assistant to General President Joseph Hunt. He also served as editor of The Ironworker. General President Joseph Hunt appointed Kicielinski General Vice President on March 10, 2008, and he became Special Assistant to General President Joseph Hunt and President of the District Council of St. Louis and Vicinity. 334
Bill Dean Appointed General workers with the opportunity to join the union. In July Vice President 2012, Evers was appointed as the Chief of Staff/Executive Assistant to the General President. Effective September 30, 2013, General Organizer Steve Parker Promoted Bill Dean was appointed to Executive Director Ninth General Vice President. Effective October 21, 2013, General Organizer Steve Brother Kenneth “Bill” Parker was promoted to Dean was initiated into Executive Director in the Local 549 (Wheeling, charge of the Reinforcing W. Va.) apprenticeship Department. program on December 1, 1977. He was elevated to Parker was accepted journeyman status on July into the apprenticeship 1, 1980. He quickly rose in program in Local 808 rank within Local 549, (Orlando, Fla.) in 1971 becoming FST/BA in November and became a jour- of 1994. In November of 1997, neyman in 1974. He was he was elected FST/BM and elected to the executive served in that position until being appointed by General board in 1982 and a President Joseph J. Hunt as a General Organizer of our Business Manager/Financial International Union effective March 10, 2008. He has also Secretary-Treasurer in 1988. served as Second and First Vice President of the Parker was appointed General Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Northern Organizer on August 1, 2000, to assist in servicing the West Virginia District Council. area of the District Council of the Southeastern States and was later assigned to work for the Mid-Atlantic Bernie Evers Appointed General States District Council. In January 2003, Parker was Vice President assigned to International Headquarters, where he was coordinator for the very successful J.D. Steel campaign. Effective September 30, Parker remained at International Headquarters until 2013, Chief of Staff/ July 2004 when he was reassigned as administrator for Executive Assistant the new Regional Reinforcing Local 846 (Aiken, S.C.). On Bernie Evers was August 1, 2006, General President Joseph Hunt took appointed Eighth executive action by creating the Department of General Vice President. Reinforcing for the purpose of promoting the rebar industry throughout the United States and Canada and Bernard “Bernie” appointed Parker Director of the Reinforcing Department. Evers, Jr., of Local 15 (Hartford, Conn.) has Executive Assistant been a dedicated and Mike Coyne Retires loyal ironworker, in the field and as an officer, for Effective October 31, 2013, 32 years. A Boston native, Executive Assistant Mike Evers began his member- Coyne retired. ship in 1981 in Local 7 (Boston, Mass.) and gained Coyne started his journeyman status in 1984. He career in 1970 as an served Local 7 as Vice President, President, and Business apprentice and gradu- Agent/Organizer. Throughout his career, Evers has been a ated as a journeyman tireless advocate for workers, not only in the Iron ironworker in 1973. His Workers Union but in the open shops, as well. Evers dedication to the Iron became a General Organizer in 2000 and later that year Workers was quickly was appointed the Executive Director of Organizing. He noted, and his career developed the A.C.E.S. (Analyzing Construction took off as he became Employers Strategically) course, where local union offi- Vice President and then cers receive training in strategic organizing. As an orga- President of Local 15 nizer, he developed programs to meet the needs of a (Hartford, Conn.). He had changing industry. These programs resulted in organizing served as Vice President of the campaigns that helped workers unionize open shop Connecticut State Building contractors and provided thousands of unrepresented 335
Trades, Treasurer of the Hartford-New Britain Building General Treasurer Trades Council, member of the Local 15 Benefit Ed McHugh Retires Committee; instructor for the Local 15 Joint Apprenticeship Committee, legislative lobbyist for the Effective December 31, state’s building trades, and commissioner of the 2013, General Treasurer Hartford Housing Authority. In 1984, Coyne was elected Ed McHugh retired. as a Local 15 Business Agent, and in 1985 he was elected Financial Secretary-Treasurer/Business Brother McHugh Manager. In 2000, he was appointed General Organizer. started his career as in Recognizing Coyne’s dedication and service to the labor ironworker apprentice movement, he was appointed Executive Assistant to the in Local Union 489 General Secretary on October 16, 2000. (Scranton, Pa.) in September of 1965. He Kevin Byrnes Appointed was elevated to jour- Executive Assistant to neyman status in 1966 the General Secretary and immediately demon- strated his leadership Effective November 1, ability by being elected to 2013, General Organizer the executive board in 1968, Kevin Byrnes was as Vice President in 1979, and promoted to Executive as President of the local in Assistant to the 1986. Following in the footsteps of his father, Edward General Secretary. McHugh Sr., who served as Business Agent in 1986, Brother McHugh became Assistant Business Agent in Byrnes is a 35-year 1993. Recognizing his leadership, Brother McHugh was member of Local 424 appointed General Organizer on November 11, 1998. (New Haven, Conn.). Brother McHugh became President of the Philadelphia He graduated the and Vicinity District Council on February 1, 1999 and apprenticeship program was appointed Ninth General Vice President on June 4, in 1984. In his various 2001, by General President Joseph Hunt. On March 1, roles at Local 424, Byrnes 2008, General President Hunt appointed General Vice served for 15 years as the President Edward C. McHugh as General Treasurer. apprentice instructor. He also served for 20 years on the New Ironworker STE Program Increases local’s joint apprenticeship committee. In addition, he Member Employability served three consecutive terms on Local 424’s execu- tive board and subsequently went on to serve three By working closely with the Electrical Power consecutive terms as that local’s President and Research Institute (EPRI), the Iron Workers arranged Business Agent. Byrnes has served as a member of for training centers to administer Standardized Task the Connecticut AFL-CIO executive board in addition Evaluations (STE). STEs are tests that requalify to being the President of the Fairfield County workers to perform certain tasks within a nuclear Building Trades Council prior to coming on board as power facility. The STE program provides validation of the Eastern Regional Director of IMPACT in prior training, allowing a person who has successfully November of 2009. Effective September 9, 2013, completed the STE to forgo specific task training prior General Organizer Byrnes was reassigned to the to working in a nuclear power plant. For example, an General Secretary’s office at headquarters. ironworker who scores a passing grade on the rigging STE will not have to take any rigging training prior to performing any rigging at a nuclear facility. They are qualified to perform rigging activities within any nuclear powerhouse that has adopted the STE program. An STE consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical or hands-on evaluation. Currently, about half of the nuclear powerhouses in the United States have adopted the STE program for pre-quali- fying workers’ skills. In order for a local union to become an authorized STE test site, it must meet several different criteria. First, the local must be designated as an authorized test site to be an authorized test administrator for the National Academy for Nuclear Training e-Learning (NANTeL) system, as the written portion of the test is 336
only available through the NANTeL system due to the The positive relationship forged between the Navajo nuclear power industry’s very strong test security Nation and the Iron Workers during this pilot class requirements. Local training centers are then required helped labor and management prepare new workers for to have at least one STE-authorized test administrator. the rigorous demands of the ironworker industry. This may be accomplished by taking the test adminis- trator training course offered at the annual Ironworker IMPACT and the National Training Fund Instructor Training Program or at one of the Iron Release Red Seal Preparation Manual for Worker’s three regional training centers. Finally, the Canadian Ironworkers local union must provide all the tools and equipment required to conduct a given STE. The Red Seal Program created a uniform standard across the Canadian provinces and territories for those The net result of all this preparation is that union who work in identified skilled trades. Ironworker appren- ironworkers are able to work on projects while their tices who have completed their training and become certi- competitors are receiving redundant training in the fied journeymen are able to obtain a Red Seal classroom. This saves union contractors untold thou- endorsement on their provincial or territorial Certificates sands of dollars, and due to the timeframe of most shut- of Qualification and Apprenticeship by successfully downs, that often means the difference between whether completing an interprovincial Red Seal examination. The or not they win a contract. Red Seal endorsement allows a person to work in any of the provinces and territories without further certification. Additional Training Program There are three Ironworker Red Seal certifications: for Native Americans Structural/Ornamental Specialist Following in the footsteps of the National Indian Reinforcing Specialist Training Program that successfully trained and placed Generalist, which includes both of the Native Americans at the Chicago location for over 30 years, a pilot program was conducted to train Native specialist certifications. Americans of the Navajo Nation in ironworker skills. To meet the needs of our Canadian brothers and sisters, The Navajo Nation’s workforce development team our ironworkers developed three training manuals: worked with Dick Zampa, California and Vicinity Core Competencies, which contains material Apprenticeship Director, to train and place the gradu- ating Navajos for work with local signatory contractors. common to all three exams In a tribute to the success of the original program, one S tructural/Ornamental, which is used to prepare for of the many ironworkers who attended the Chicago training, Franklin Redshirt, assisted in training the the Structural/Ornamental and Generalist exams current generation of Navajos during the pilot class. R einforcing/Post Tensioning, which is used to Under the leadership of Apprentice Co-Chairs Joe prepare for the Reinforcing and Generalist exams. Standley, President of California and Vicinity District These materials, made possible by the National Council, and Dave McEuen, President of California Training Fund (NTF) and IMPACT, can be used by Erectors Inc., and Ben Shelly, President of the Navajo Canadian journeymen and apprentices wanting to Nation, a five-week “Gladiator” class was conducted at acquire their Red Seal Certification, or they can be used the Phoenix Training Center, better known as the by U.S. ironworkers wanting to work in Canada. With the “University of Iron.” But first, the candidates attended abundance of construction work in Canada, it is essential an orientation session in Chinle, Arizona, in the heart we have ironworkers qualified and ready to go to work. of the Navajo Nation. The process began in 2012, when Canadian locals requested the Iron Workers develop training materials After the selection of qualified candidates was made, to prepare ironworkers for taking and passing the Red there was a class comprised of 18 students who Seal exams. An advisory committee of Canadian volun- attended classes six days a week, ten hours a day. teers was developed to determine what content would be Upon completion of the 300-hour course, students were included in the training materials. This five-member placed as apprentices within the California and committee, comprised of Kevin Bryenton, Luis Barros, Vicinity District Council. The class topics included Clint Knowlton, Guy Leblanc and Wayne Worrall, orientation, blueprint, math, reinforcing, OSHA 10, worked to review thousands of pages of current training first aid/CPR, rigging and welding. materials to compile what would be organized into training manuals for Red Seal preparation. Navajo Nation President Shelly stated at the gradua- Executive Director of Canadian Affairs Darrell tion ceremony, “This is a great opportunity for our LaBoucan then held a meeting for all Canadian training people to learn a trade and enable our projects to be coordinators, which was held on May 22, 2014, in Toronto. built by our own qualified people.” One of the union Attendees reviewed the new materials and discussed how contractors that put two students to work in California to use and disseminate them at the local level. Everyone stated, “The men came to work on time, were tooled up in attendance endorsed these much-needed resources and worked as directed each day. The training they and began implementing their use. Canadian local union received made a big difference, and their good work ethic is what is needed on these competitive jobs.” 337
training centers now use the manuals in an instruc- future of the industry is in their hands. He also empha- tor-led classroom review session format to prepare their sized the need for our locals to prepare for the upcoming members for the Red Seal exams. needs of the industry by offering opportunities for jour- neymen to upgrade their skills and stressed that no one Dr. Rick Sullivan—Long Time Friend can call themselves the best of the best if they do not to the Iron Workers, Retires embrace training and continuously upgrade their skills. He summed it up by saying, “Becoming learners for life Dr. Rick Sullivan, long-time friend is the way union ironworkers can maintain their posi- to the Iron Workers and IMPACT tion as the best-trained, most productive and safest staff member, retired on January 31, workers in the industry.” The opening ceremony 2014. In 1983 Dr. Sullivan attended a wrapped up with General Organizer Mike Relyin meeting in Oklahoma City, presenting 26 instructors with their Qualified Oklahoma, which focused on training Ironworker Instructor certificates. These certificates for the trades. It was during the mark a milestone in training and demonstrate the conference that Dr. Sullivan met Ray commitment to excellence in training that has become Robertson, who was then Executive evident throughout the Iron Workers. Director of Apprenticeship and Training for the Iron Workers. Another significant addition to the program was the Following the conference, Robertson asked Dr. Sullivan introduction of courses for contractors. These courses to help put together the first Ironworker Instructor were sponsored by IMPACT and brought new dimension Training Program. The two worked tirelessly, along with and vitality to the entire program. Not only did contrac- Dr. Jerry Wircenski, to put together the initial program, tors get to see and interact with our apprentice instruc- which was held at the University of California, Berkeley, tors, but they also got a feel for the commitment and in 1985. From that ambitious beginning has grown the dedication it takes to be an apprentice instructor. In world-class ironworker training programs that are the these courses, contractors developed and refined their envy of the building trades. skills and abilities to compete in an ever-changing marketplace. These seminars helped to ensure our In 2004, General President Hunt convinced contractor partners will remain competitive in securing Dr. Sullivan to join the IMPACT staff to provide educa- work for union ironworkers, and they demonstrated how tion and training support to Iron Workers. That is union ironworkers are partnering with their contractors where he remained until his retirement. During his to benefit the entire industry. years with the Iron Workers, Dr. Sullivan worked with the Iron Workers National Training Fund, IMPACT, Finally, the occasion was also marked by the retire- and labor and management teams to update all of the ment of Dr. Rick Sullivan. President Wise thanked Dr. Iron Workers’ apprenticeship training and journeyman Sullivan for his 30 years of service to the Iron Workers upgrading materials, develop outstanding foreman and his contribution to making the Ironworker training and superintendent training materials, create Instructor Training Program the industry model for our Ironworker Apprenticeship Certification Program, other trades to follow. Apprenticeship and Training and work with the Apprenticeship and Training Executive Director Lee Worley also thanked Dr. Sullivan Department’s staff to ensure that the Annual for his long service to making the Ironworker Instructor Instructor Training Program continued to be the best it Training Program the industry standard. Dr. Sullivan could possibly be. Dr. Sullivan not only left the Iron then presented the attendees with a slide show looking Workers with programs, manuals, policies and proce- back at the instructor training program held in Berkley, dures that will continue to bear fruit for years to come, California. Dr. Sullivan reminisced how there were he also left them with a debt that can only be paid by approximately 50 attendees at the first trainer program. union ironworkers’ commitment to excellence. He then traced the development of the program over the next 30 years to what it has become today. At the end of 30th Annual Ironworker Instructor Dr. Sullivan’s speech, General President Wise presented Training Program him with an I-beam to honor his service to the Iron Workers. For 30 years, Dr. Sullivan was a major positive In July 2014, the Ironworkers National Training influence on ironworker training. He will long be Fund reached a new milestone when it held its 30th remembered, and his work will continue to live on in Annual Ironworker Instructor Training Program at classrooms throughout the Iron Workers. Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University. More than 700 instructors, coordinators, business managers, employers, contractors, special presenters, vendors and guests from across the United States and Canada were in attendance. General President Walter Wise, in his speech at the opening cere- mony, told the instructors who were present that the 338
New Membership Card—QR Code March 20, 2011 General President Walter Wise appointed General Organizer Ron Piksa as Ninth General Vice The Iron Workers’ development of a new membership President. card not only features a completely new look, but it also incorporates a Quick Response Code (QR Code), a machine-readable optical label that contains information Stephen Sweeney Appointed about the item to which it is attached. In the past, iron- General Vice President worker member and training information had only been accessible to the local apprentice coordinators; that all Effective January 13, 2014, changed thanks to new technology. The QR code reader General Organizer Stephen is a free app downloadable for most smartphones, tablets Sweeney was appointed and other electronic devices that have Internet capabili- General Vice President. ties. The member or contractor now has instant, real- Sweeney was initiated time access to verify classes taken and certifications held, into Local 399 (Camden, simply by scanning the code with a N.J.) as an apprentice QR reader. Instant access to this on December 1, 1977 information helps members secure and gained journeyman employment, assisting the union status on January 1, hall in finding and dispatching 1980. He was the FST/ qualified members. This system BA of Local 399 before demonstrates to the becoming a General customers and employers Organizer effective March of the Iron Workers their 10, 2008, servicing the area commitment to training of the District Council of -----·-_--.• ....__,...MLMTIIEITI and the capacity to man Philadelphia and Vicinity and projects with qualified the District Council of -....-.....-.. -·,.-..---··-·-- craftsman now and in Northern New Jersey, as well as handling specific the future. assignments from International Headquarters. Brother Sweeney has been a strong leader as Business Manager of his local and in his role in state politics. First elected Ron Piksa Appointed to the New Jersey State Senate in 2001 as the represen- General Treasurer tative of the Third Legislative District of New Jersey, he has served as Senate President since 2010. Effective January 1, 2014, General Vice President Ron Piksa was appointed Jeff Norris Appointed First Canadian General Treasurer. Safety Coordinator Piksa was initiated into former Local 114 Effective April 14, 2014, Jeff Norris was appointed (Tacoma, Wash.) on Canadian safety coordi- February 1, 1974, and gained journeyman nator and District Council Representative status March 1, 1976. of Western Canada to His membership was transferred into Local 86 work closely with the Iron Workers (Seattle, Wash.) on April 1, International Safety 1999. He has served Local 86 as Executive Board and Health Department to address safety and Member; Recording Secretary; regulatory initiatives President; JATC Chairman; Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer; throughout Canada. Pierce County Building Trades president; President of Norris was initiated into the Pacific Northwest District Council from 2000 until Local 720 (Edmonton, Alta.) present; and Elected Chairman of the Pacific in 1987, completing the apprenticeship program with Northwest Retirement, Annuity, and Apprenticeship the distinction of “Top Apprentice.” He completed the Trust Funds in 2001. Piksa was appointed General Organizer in 1999. three-year apprenticeship program in the welder trade in 1995. He has worked on various projects throughout Brother Piksa received special recognition by General President John H. Lyons, Jr., as outstanding apprentice his career as a journeyman and supervisor. Norris to participate in the Bicentennial Celebration in worked as the coordinator/training instructor of Local Washington, D.C., June 29 through July 12, 1976. On 339
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