MEMBERS AT WORK
EN FRANÇAIS! p. 21
BAC ISSUE 3 / 2014
BUILDING, RESTORING, TRAINING
LOCALS 1 NEW YORK AND 7 NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY Unrivaled BAC Craftsmanship Shines in New York City
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | A
ELECTION 2014
2014 ELECTION OVERVIEW
Coverage begins on page 15
Journal BAC
ISSUE 3 / 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
1 President’s Message
2 Mensaje Del Presidente 3 Members at Work 9 Apprentices 12 IMI 15 Election 2014 20 News In Brief 21 Canada 22 International Funds 24 Local Compass
See pages 3-8 B | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
27 In Memoriam
P R E S I D E N T ’S M E S S A G E J A M E S B O L A N D , P R E S I D E N T, I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N O F B R I C K L AY E R S A N D A L L I E D C R A F T W O R K E R S
Taking a Stand, One Election at a Time
E
lection Day in the United States is Tuesday,
can pack a big wallop for working people.
November 4 . It would be a great day for
Take wages, for example. Wages are ‘where we live’
th
democracy indeed if on that day Americans
– they’re how we feed and clothe our families and keep
turned out in numbers comparable to
a roof over their heads. If we measure wage growth
Scottish voters – nearly 85% – when they cast their
against the other type of income, capital income
ballots on independence referendum several weeks ago.
(capital gains, interest, dividends etc.), wage earners
That sentiment often invites a response along
are doing poorly. Since 1970, with the exception of
the lines of, ‘well, that was different; their future,
the late 1990s, middle class wages have been stagnant
their destiny was at stake.’ That
while wealth among the 1% has
may be true. But minimizing the
surged. To rebuild the middle
importance of any election for
class we have to rebuild wages. For
U.S. or Canadian citizens is a grave
BAC members, that means electing
disservice to the principles of self-
candidates who support Project
determination for which so many
Labor Agreements, state and federal
fought and died over the years.
prevailing wage laws, ending wage theft, raising the minimum wage,
November 4 is a Midterm th
election; the absence of a presi-
and adequately funding the agencies
dential candidate on the ballot
responsible for enforcing wage and
has historically meant lower voter
labor standards. It means electing
turnout. And yet, 36 governorships, the entire U.S.
candidates who understand, acknowledge and oppose
House of Representatives and control of the Senate are
tax policies that are in part responsible for the massive
on the line, not to mention countless other state and
reorganization of wealth that’s gripped our country
local races.
over the past four decades. I'd like to appeal to all our U.S. members and their
Granted, this election may not turn out to be as singularly ruinous as some fear or as curative as
families to take a page from Scotland (albeit unusual
others hope for. But combined with the after-effects of
for this Irishman!) and make your voices heard in this
previous elections, and those to come, lots of seemingly
election as though your livelihoods and futures depend
small, incremental changes have a way of adding up that
on it. Because they do.
IS ISSSUE UE 33, , 22001144 | | 11
MENSA JE DEL PRESIDENTE
E
Tome una postura, una elección a la vez
l Día de las elecciones en los Estados Unidos será el 4 de noviembre. Sería un gran día para la democracia si ese día acudiera a las urnas a votar un porcentaje de estadounidenses similar al de los escoceses, por poco 85%, que acudieron hace un par de semanas a votar sobre el referéndum sobre la independencia. Ese sentimiento generalmente tiene una respuesta de tipo, ‘bueno, eso era diferente; su futuro, su destino estaba en juego’. Posiblemente eso sea correcto. Sin embargo, minimizar la importancia de cualquier elección para los ciudadanos estadounidenses o canadienses constituye un grave daño a los principios de la autodeterminación por los cuales tantos han luchado y muerto en los últimos años. El 4 de noviembre corresponde a una elección de mitad del mandato; la falta de un candidato presidencial en la papeleta ha significado históricamente una menor participación electoral. Sin embargo, 36 gobernaciones, toda la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos y el control del Senado están en juego, sin mencionar innumerables otras elecciones estatales y locales. Por supuesto, es posible que esta elección no resulte tan especialmente ruinosa como temen algunos o tan curativa como esperan otros. Pero en combinación con las secuelas de las elecciones anteriores, y de las que vendrán, muchos cambios incrementales, aparentemente pequeños tienen una forma
2 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
de sumarse que puede tener un gran impacto para los trabajadores. Por ejemplo, veamos los salarios. Los salarios son ‘dónde vivimos’, cómo alimentamos y vestimos a nuestra familias y les ofrecemos un techo bajo el cual vivir. Si medimos el crecimiento de los salarios en comparación con otros tipos de ingresos, ingresos de capital (ganancias de capital, intereses, dividendos etc.), a los asalariados les va mal. Desde 1970, a excepción de fines de la década de 1990, los salarios de la clase media se han estancado mientras que la riqueza entre el 1% ha aumentado. Para restituir la clase media, debemos restituir los salarios. Para los miembros del Comité Presupuestario y Administrativo (BAC, por sus siglas en inglés), esto significa elegir candidatos que apoyan los Acuerdos laborales de proyectos, las leyes vigentes sobre salarios estatales y federales, poner término al robo de salarios, aumentar el salario mínimo y financiar de manera adecuada a los organismos responsables de hacer cumplir las normas en materia de salarios y empleo. Significa elegir candidatos que entienden, reconocen y se oponen a las políticas fiscales que en parte son responsables de la importante reorganización de la riqueza que se ha apoderado del país durante las últimas cuatro décadas. Me gustaría pedir a todos los miembros de los Estados Unidos y a sus familias a que sigan el ejemplo de Escocia (inusual para este irlandés) manifestar su voz en esta elección como si sus vidas y sus futuros dependieran de ella. Porque así es.
The Official Journal of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (issn 0362-3696)
Journal BAC
ISSUE 3 / 2014
Executive Board James Boland President
Henry F. Kramer Secretary-Treasurer
Gerard Scarano
Executive Vice President
Timothy Driscoll
Executive Vice President
Regional Directors N ORT HE A ST
Al Catalano
IU Regional Director, Northeast 304 Kenwood Avenue, #4 Delmar, NY 12054 (518) 439-6080 SOUTH
Ed Navarro
IU Regional Director, South 6201 S.E. Beaver View Rd Lawton, OK 73501 (580) 357-3048 N ORT H CE N T R A L
Steve Bailey
IU Regional Director, North Central 60 Gailwood Drive, Suite D St. Peters, MO 63376 (636) 794-4878 WEST
Dave Sheppard
IU Regional Director, West P.O. Box 261 Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026 (509) 465-3500 CANADA
Craig Strudwick
IU Acting Regional Director, Canada 2100 Thurston Drive, #3 Ottawa, ON K1G 4K8 (613) 830-0333 Editorial Staff: Connie Lambert, Yin Yin The Journal (ISSN 0362-3696) is published quarterly for $1.50 per year in advance, postage paid, for the U.S. and Canada ($1.75 per year in all foreign countries belonging to the Postal Union) by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Periodicals class postage paid Washington, DC, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Journal, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, 620 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20004. Canadian Postmaster: Send address changes to PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6 Published for Bricklayers, Stone Masons, Plasterers, Tile Layers, Marble Masons, Cement Masons, Mosaic and Terrazzo Workers, Finishers, Pointers, Cleaners, and Caulkers.
MEMBERS AT WORK
LOCAL 7 NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY AND LOCAL 1 NEW YORK
Building, Restoring, Training
I
f, as Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “Every great architect is – necessarily – a great poet,” then the true wordsmiths are the skilled craftworkers who bring blueprints to life in a language and artistry all their own. Nowhere is this more evident than throughout the rich architectural tapestry of New York City. On July 22nd, BAC SecretaryTreasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll visited several representative projects where work was being performed by members of Locals 1 New York and 7 New York/ New Jersey. Among those projects – new construction at the World Trade Center complex, One57 condominium tower, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
As the day drew to a close, Local 1 NY President Jerry Sullivan commented, “The work performed on the projects we saw today is world-class caliber – first-rate all the way. Although my fellow Local 1 officers and I would expect nothing less from our membership on projects of this historical and cultural significance, the outstanding skill and craftsmanship displayed by our members is still a source of overwhelming pride for all of us.” Local 7 NY/NJ President Tom Lane expressed a similar sentiment. “These jobs are an example of the finest BAC union artisan work – and the training that makes that possible – so that our work and these structures will be enjoyed by future generations to come,” said Lane. Remarking on “New York’s thriving
restoration market,” Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer notes, “the driving forces behind it vary from an owner’s desire to preserve the historic architecture to the need for energy improvements to cost savings associated with restoration compared to new construction, or a combination of those. The PCC members and restoration specialists we spoke with were extremely pleased at the level of work opportunities over the past few years.” BAC Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll adds, “The work in New York City, from the perspective of restoration and the new work we saw including tile, marble, and terrazzo workers, bricklayers, plasterers, tuck pointers, all of them, not only sustains the heritage but allows us to build a new architectural vision for the city.”
From the 80th floor of the Freedom Tower, Local 7 NY/NJ President Tom Lane, center, points out the reflecting pools of the 9/11 Memorial Plaza below to BAC Executive Vice Presidents Tim Driscoll, right, and Gerard Scarano.
World Trade Center Site Once the site of untold death and destruction, the new World Trade Center complex and its varied structures are breathing fresh life and vitality into lower Manhattan. The 9/11 Museum and Memorial are a stirring homage to those who perished in terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001. The area’s commercial, financial and retail activities will
be housed across a dozen gleaming towers and new transportation hub, anchored by the 104-story One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. Members were close to finishing their work at One World Trade Center, when Local and IU officers visited the jobsite on the 80th floor in July.
At the invitation of the NY/NJ Port Authority, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer signs a concrete wall on the 80th floor of the Freedom Tower. IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 3
MEMBERS AT WORK “It was moving to view Ground Zero from the Freedom Tower and the opportunity to see the overall design and the way the water fell down the reflecting pools, also knowing that our members are the ones who built it,” says BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer. “I don’t know how many millions of visitors will see this over the next 200 years or so and know that our Union craftworkers did all the work.” By the end of this August, more than 900 Local 1 NY and Local 7 NY/NJ members have worked on construction associated with the complex, employed by at least 10 BAC signatory contractors, and accumulating more than 311,000 work hours. A partial list of those BAC contractors includes: Port Morris Tile and Marble Corp (Bronx, NY); Miller Druck Specialty Contracting, Inc. (New York, NY); Gem Roofing and Waterproofing Corp (Union City, NJ); Wilkstone LLC (Paterson, NJ); Atlantic Exterior Wall Systems LLC (Wayne, NJ); Paul J. Scariano, Inc. (Yonkers, NY); Oliveira Contracting, Inc. (Albertson, NY); Navillus Contracting (New York, NY) and Rad & D’Aprile (Bellmore, NY). “With several towers yet to be constructed, those numbers will increase,” says Local 1 President Jerry Sullivan. Local 7 President Tom Lane looks forward "to additional work at One World Trade Center when it opens in late 2014 and tenant build out occurs.”
At the edge of one of the 9/11 Memorial Plaza’s reflecting pool, from left, Local 1 NY Field Representative Larry Crovatto, Secretary-Treasurer Jack Argilla, Field Representative Howie Carr, President Jerry Sullivan, and BAC Executive Vice President Gerald Scarano, Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll.
In the footprint of the original Twin Towers, visitors now see two reflecting pools with interior waterfalls. BAC members installed more than 200,000 square feet of Verde Fountain granite that was fabricated into pavers, benches and solid steps. Members of Local 1 NY and Local 7 NY/NJ installed close to 8,000 pieces of Jet Mist granite on the reflecting pools. 4 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
BAC Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll, left, and Jimmy Bellesheim, Local 1 NY member and foreman for Freedom Tower mason contractor Rad & D’Aprile (Bellmore, NY).
St. Patrick’s Cathedral In the heart of Manhattan, across the street from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an example par excellence of American Gothic Revival architecture and a defining national landmark that attracts more than five million visitors each year. Since March 2012, the 135-year old church has been undergoing a three-year, three-phase, $175 million restoration due to crumbling bricks, faulty heating, and acid rain and pollution that have eroded its white marble. Local 1 NY members, employed by Deerpath Construction Company (Union, NJ) and Port Morris Tile and Marble Corp (Bronx, NY), are repairing, restoring and cleaning both the exterior and the interior of the church. BAC Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano says, “St. Patrick’s was constructed over a 30-year period using various types of stones – Tahoe, Georgia, and Vermont. Looking at the work now with the benefit of our professional craftworkers’ expertise – examining the original materials and what our members need to do to pay respect to the materials they are working with – is very impressive.” Besides patching, replacing and carving marble, Local 1 NY members are responsible for cleaning the structure, which involves extracting all the joints from the building using an electric grinding machine with a diamond blade and cleaning the surface of all the walls and columns using
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral: first row from left, Local 1 NY Secretary-Treasurer Jack Argila; BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer; Local 1 NY President Jerry Sullivan; and BAC Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll. Second row, from left: Local 1 Field Representative Howie Carr; members Luis Rivera and Ming Chan; Local 1 Field Representative Larry Crovatto; member Axel Morales; and BAC Northeast Regional Director Al Catalano and Regional Representative Tom McIntyre. Third row, from left: Local 1 members Brandon Moye; John Stanton; Mark Smith; Danny Dehaseth; and Roberto Cortes. Fourth row, from left: Local 1 members Luis Rivera Jr.; Dave Mercer; Jose Rodriquez; and Brian Zwingman. Fifth row, from left: Local 1 members Owen Stanton, John Hovanec, Mark Richmond, Edwin Ramirez, and Frank Emeric. Back row, from left: Local 1 members Raymond Crovatto, Zygi Siekiera, and Gerard Dowd.
the ROTEC® VORTEX Cleaning System, a low-pressure micro-abrasive cleaning technology designed for the sensitive restoration. Members then apply a mixture of sand and lime to all the joints after cleaning. “The Cathedral work is a striking demonstration of our members’ skills from the restoration perspective as well as the structural perspective. The fact that the
church has been in continuous service over so many decades represents a commitment to the work and to the church itself. To some of our members, the project is their second home. One member told me that this is his 4th year working here. It’s something he will pass on to his children and grandchildren,” says BAC Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll.
caffolding covers S the exterior of St. Patrick's Cathedral during its restoration. Local 1 NY member Gerard Dowd using the ROTEC® VORTEX Cleaning system to clean the columns.
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 5
MEMBERS AT WORK
The grand hallway of a condo unit at One57 features floors, stairs, and walls of polished Italian Covelano Silvergold marble.
ocal 7 NY/NJ members Luis Gomez, front, and L Rob Moreno confer on this marble installation.
One57 BAC Executive Board members and Local officers talk with members about the project. From left, Local 1 NY President Jerry Sullivan and Secretary-Treasurer Jack Argila, BAC Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll and Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer, Local 7 member Bill DiMartini, Local 7 NY/NJ President Tom Lane, and Local 7 member Luis Gomez.
Local 7 NY/NJ Secretary-Treasurer Chris Guy, left, with Local 7 member Luis Gomez, center, and BAC Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano. 6 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
One57, located at 157 W 57th Street, is a 75-story luxury residential building with 92 condominium units atop a new 210-room Park Hyatt Hotel. The new landmark provides residents with breathtaking, unobstructed views of Central Park to the north, Midtown Manhattan to the south, and both the Hudson and East Rivers. Upon completion this summer, it has become the tallest residential building in the city. Members of Local 7 NY/NJ employed by Port Morris Tile and Marble Corp (Bronx, NY), and Val Floors (Teteboro, NJ) installed polished Italian Covelano Silvergold marble to the floors and walls, stone countertops and backsplash in polished Black Absolute and Diamond Fall granite, and super-sized soaking tubs. By the end of August, the project had already generated 130,000 work hours for Local 7 members with an additional 15,000 hours anticipated over the next six months.
Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art will soon feature a new four-block-long outdoor plaza to frame the landmark Fifth Avenue façade from 80th to 84th Streets to be completed this fall. The project is comprised of a pair of contemporary stone dome fountains built by Local 1 NY members employed by Port Morris Tile and Marble Corp (Bronx, NY). By the end of August, the project had generated nearly 12,000 hours. “The fountains are made of granite and the dome design makes them look like the top of a globe,” says Local 1 NY member Giovanni Giglio, pointing out the uniqueness of the project. “The dome is very difficult to set because it sits on a 2.5-inch dry pat, but everything matches beautifully. Our members are setting both
the side and top granite and when it’s completed, it’s going to look nice. I am very proud of it.”
From left, Local 1 NY members Josh Mardis and Marcello Vespa with BAC SecretaryTreasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll.
Local 1 NY member Giovanni Giglio, far right, talks with BAC Executive Board members and Local officers during a break. From left, BAC Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll, Local 1 NY member Paul Burns, Local 1 President Jerry Sullivan, and Local 7 NY/NJ Secretary-Treasurer Chris Guy and President Tom Lane. Local 1 NY member Mike Labarbera installing side stones.
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 7
MEMBERS AT WORK
Spotlight on Training: John B. Scola Training Center
B
AC Executive Board members – Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll – capped off a full day of BAC New York City jobsite visits on July 22nd with a tour of the John B. Scola Training Center in Long Island City, NY. Named after the late Training Director and longtime Local Union leader John (Bobby) Scola, the 18,000-square foot facility provides hands-on and classroom pre-job and continuing education training opportunities for Local 1 NY and Local 7 NY/NJ members. Its training programs cover all BAC crafts and and all federal, state, and local safety certifications including bricklaying, restoration and retrofitting, stone setting, plastering, tile, marble, terrazzo, AWS Certified Welding, Respirator Fit test, Air Barrier/Vapor barrier training, Global Harmonized System, Grouting and Reinforced Masonry Certification, fall protection, JAHN, ABBA – Air Barrier
Certification, and ACT – Advanced Certification for Tile Installers. The Center currently has 25 students in pre-job training and more than 500 apprentices. “Apprentice numbers were down in the last few years due to the economy but are picking up considerably,” says Dennis Holloway, the Center’s Training Director. “In New York, all safety training courses must be renewed every four years and OSHA training courses must be renewed every five years. Each month we have several renewal classes in OSHA, Suspended Scaffold, Pipe Scaffold, Erector Dismantler, and Rigging Forman training. In September, related training will resume with 50 to 100 students per evening," says Holloway. BAC Secretary-Treasurer Kramer adds, “The past five years have been difficult for our members and Locals. With the economy gradually improving, now is the time to concentrate on getting our apprentice programs up and running
A third-generation bricklayer, apprentice Sean Scola is the grand-nephew of the Center’s namesake, John Scola. Sean’s uncle, Stephen Scola, is also a Life Member of Local 1 NY.
again. It’s good to see facilities like the Scola Training Center busy and near capacity, working to bring our apprentice ratios back up to pre-recession levels.”
BAC Executive Vice President Tim Driscoll, left, and Local 1 NY Field Representative Howard Carr discuss training programs at the Center.
BAC Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano, left, talks with Local 1 NY apprentice William Torres. 8 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
Local 7 NY/NJ marble apprentice Brandon Muniz, front, prepares to cut a marble slab with guidance from instructor Victor DeSalvo. Behind them, Local 7 NY/NJ Secretary-Treasurer Chris Guy, left, and President Tom Lane discuss shop renovations.
APPRENTICES
LOCAL UNION SPOTLIGHT: Perhaps the most critical function of a Local’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is to stay ahead of the curve in meeting workforce demand, which often requires recruiting and training apprentices in advance of an upturn. As we all know, that’s a lot easier said than done, but few programs have a more successful track record at navigating the cyclical nature of our industry’s labor needs than Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island. BAC President James Boland invited guest contributor, Local 3 President and Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Raso, to share his thoughts on this core Union function.
Training – An Essential Element BY CH U CK RA S O, PR ES I DEN T A N D S EC R ETA RY / T RE A SU RE R, LOC AL 3 M ASSAC H U S ET T S / MAI N E/ N EW H AMP SHI RE / RHO D E I SL A ND
T
he Great Recession beginning in 2008 left many BAC Locals economically devastated and created an erosion of the Local Union’s membership in all facets of the craft. Many excellent journeymen retired during the years of the recession and many more are now approaching normal or early retirement age. Unfortunately, the failed governmental and financial policies produced an economic vice grip on our Local Unions and a construction depression ensued. Understandably so, many Local Unions were forced to curtail ongoing pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the recession, since the lack of work prevented the existing apprentice workforce from being gainfully employed. In short, it would have been a futile attempt to bring in new apprentices when there was very little work available for existing apprentices as well as journeymen. But as slow as the work has been, many apprentices who were participants in the system prior to or during the recession, slowly worked their way out of their time and became journeymen. This in turn left many Locals with a dwindling supply of apprentices and slowed the steady stream of training new apprentices that were necessary to replenish the journeymen who were retiring or close to retirement.
Because of the economic uncertainties which remain prevalent in many areas, the priority of apprentice training has taken a back seat since so much apprehension still exists with the Local’s leadership relative to ramping up the training programs. However, whether or not a geographical area has regained full economic strength which it enjoyed during the pre-recession days, the tools necessary for rebuilding the erosion of a Local’s active membership rolls rests not only in organizing new journeymen craftsmen, but predominately by bringing new members into all branches of the masonry trade through apprenticeship. Throughout BAC’s long history, apprenticeship has proven to be the best source of building skilled manpower. It
produces not only good craftsworkers, but also good union members which become the backbone of our future. It’s a fact, that areas which have weak apprenticeship programs most likely have weak Local Unions. We are all aware that highly skilled craftsmen cannot be produced overnight. So it is important that the makeup of our Local Union be analyzed according to age and years of service, bearing in mind that it takes an average of 4-5 years to systemically train apprentices to the journeyman ranks. And even after an apprenticeship has been completed, it will also require several more years of working as a journeyman to fully develop one’s skill levels to their fullest. With the recession in our rear view mirror in many areas and other areas seeing light at the end of the tunnel, the time to begin boosting up apprentice training should be now. It is also very important that in addition to bricklaying that the allied crafts be assessed for potential apprenticeship opportunities, such as PCC and ceramic tile. In many areas, the branches of the allied crafts have blossomed into high growth industries and as such will need training which is essential to assure that adequate pools of skilled craftsmen will be available to meet the demand. As we begin ramping up our training efforts, we must insist on full IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 9
APPRENTICES
cooperation from our contractors to employ the maximum number of apprentices provided for in each respective collective bargaining agreement and refrain from the temptation of using apprentices as a source of cheap labor. When apprentices are taken advantage of on a continual basis, the future of the masonry industry suffers and the journeymen of tomorrow will find themselves ill equipped to perform the work. We cannot afford failure in our training efforts and must be vigilant in assuring that apprentices are given adequate trowel time. With many active members within our ranks getting older and the recession having taken its toll, the lack of a good, healthy compliment of younger members in our Local will no doubt begin to have a marked effect on the Local’s Pension Fund. Pension Fund actuaries closely examine the Local’s demographics on an annual basis and get very concerned about decreases in the younger age brackets. Actuaries
want to see a multitude of new workers continuously coming into the system and their concerns center around the basic long term premise of, who’s going to be doing the work and putting in the hours in the future as older members retire. Apprenticeship has always been the lifeblood of our industry and the bedrock of our union. We have all experienced the toughest economic times of our lives, but we have to recognize that even at its best, the construction industry will always be cyclical in nature and the fluctuation of employment levels is inherent in the industry for journeymen and apprentices alike. Our forefathers referred to it as “feast or famine.” BAC’s survival as a building trades union is predicated on our ability to perform quality work and complete projects, on time and within budget. Apprenticeship draws on our already successful experiences and is the only proven way to accomplish these goals.
Every BAC Local needs to assure that a good supply of skilled manpower exists and stands ready and able to tackle the challenges that await us in the future. If we are unable to meet this demand, it opens the door further for the use of substitute materials and the non-union element. Apprenticeship is essential for the health of the masonry industry and a means to achieve growth. It is the envy of the open shop and a powerful marketing tool that enhances the union’s social value in our communities. It can enrich the lives of young adults and provide a lifetime career opportunity for many of the underprivileged. Moreover, it exemplifies the quality, productivity and excellence of our craft and our union. We need to rejuvenate our apprenticeship programs and begin to replenish our losses in active membership. Time is of the essence and IMI’s Training component is in place and ready to assist. It’s a viable approach that will secure the BAC’s future.
2014 Western States Apprentice Contest
I
n May, Local 13 Nevada hosted the Western States Apprentice Contest (WSAC) featuring 29 contestants representing six Local Unions. In addition to Local 13 NV, participating Locals included 3 California, 4 California, 18 California, 1 Washington, and 1 Oregon. “It’s been such a great honor for Local 13 NV to host the Western States’ Contest at our training center in Las Vegas for the last three years,” says Local 13 NV President Carlos Aquin. “The WSAC
is a great opportunity for all contestants and Locals to come together and compete, but even more importantly at this event, you see tremendous skill, pride, and unity. Next year, the Contest will be hosted by Locals 4 and 18 CA. We look forward to another great competition – next time in southern California – and another chance to publically salute our apprentices for continuing their education and honing their craft skills to better themselves and our Union,” adds Aquin.
Local 13 Nevada
From left, President Carlos Aquin, 1st place Brick winner apprentice Federico Rosas, IMI Coordinator Jack Gray, and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Crawford. 10 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
From left, President Carlos Aquin, 1st place Marble winner apprentice Arturo Mosqueda, IMI Coordinator Jack Gray, and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Crawford.
Local 3 California
From left, Secretary/Treasurer Tony Santos, Tile Instructor Lupe Ortiz, 1st place Tile winner apprentice Andres Bernal, and President Dave Jackson.
From left, PCC Instructor Doug Strokes, 1st place PCC winner Manuel Venecia, and contestant Noel Bermudez.
BAC President James Boland, center, with competing apprentices and Local Union officials at the Western States Apprentice Contest hosted by Local 13 NV on May 3rd.
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 11
IMI
IMI Promotes Masonry Options for Growing Healthcare Market
N
ew technology and a growing population are bringing about dramatic changes in the delivery of healthcare and creating demand for new and updated hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty doctor’s offices. This demand for new facilities makes healthcare a major market of interest for BAC and the International Masonry Institute (IMI) . What is IMI doing about the healthcare market?
Owners, architects, engineers, and construction managers are increasingly depending on client partnerships to reinforce the healthcare design team’s commitment to delivering a high quality project with great efficiency. Key to a client partnership is the awareness that healthcare environments need to be constructed with minimal disturbance to their community of patients. This means that consideration is given to identify 1) building systems and finishes that meet healthcare standards for infection control, 2) details that provide long-term performance, and 3) installers who can safely and effectively address construction schedules. IMI’s programs and services such as tailored project planning meetings, technical design assistance, pre-construction quality control,
Collaboration between members of Local 5, 16, and 36 Ohio and various BAC signatory contractors resulted in the delivery of a high performing exterior and interior masonry solution for the campus of the Ahuja Medical Center in Cleveland, OH.
12 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
safety training and compliance, supervisor and foreman training programs, craftworker upgrade programs, and partnerships with new material suppliers holistically address these stakeholder needs. Healthcare building designs are uniquely tailored to meet building function together with the health needs of the community it serves. IMI has chosen to mirror this tailored approach through its Healthcare Initiative, a program that is focused on a strategy that identifies masonry systems with requirements found within the healthcare industry: clean (facilities that support infection control and overall patient health), green (energy efficient), and lean (balancing capital costs with patient support costs).
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, constructed by members of Local 9 PA, demonstrates how exterior and interior masonry systems support the facilities’ needs for performance, infection control, and patient comfort. Signatory Contractors: Astorino and Allegheny Installations (Pittsburgh, PA).
that is often the case for an ACC. Whether as a more traditional modular unit, or as a newer rain screen material, masonry enclosures address an ACC’s need for performance and energy savings.
What are the three categories of healthcare buildings?
Hospital buildings are found in the most complex of the categories. These buildings are designed to rigorous codes and approvals, are open 24 hours a day, provide emergency care and are costly to staff and operate. Hospital buildings range from regional medical centers to academic medical centers and include VA hospitals and specialty services. By their very nature, hospital buildings are critically concerned with infection control and a healthy patient environment. Masonry interiors play a big role in hospital buildings by providing vertical and horizontal surfaces that are easy to clean, and address long-term performance.
Medical office buildings make up the third category of healthcare buildings. These buildings offer patient conveniences and are generally built to a lower level of lifetime service. Medical office buildings more closely resemble a general office building than a hospital setting. The lower lifetime service requirement often means that medical office buildings must go up quickly and must come at a minimal first-cost. Medical office buildings offer opportunities for masonry structural systems to compete on a scheduling advantage. On the interior, tile materials serve to support medical office buildings’ need for environmental friendliness at a lower maintenance cost.
Ambulatory Care Centers (ACC) are specialty centers that offer medical care often performed in a hospital. ACCs may offer surgical services to limited numbers of patients without complex medical histories. Though ACCs follow construction codes and guidelines similar to those found in hospitals, the ability of patients to walk in and walk out on their own reduces the staffing and operational costs seen by hospitals. Image, durability and infection control are important concerns for ambulatory care centers. Masonry enclosure systems add to the unique branding
Why training makes a difference?
Masonry systems address infection control concerns by delivering a variety of building enclosures that address moisture management and air infiltration. These same enclosure systems are energy efficient, contribute to sustainable building rating
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 13
IMI requirements such as LEED, and are available through various delivery models. Interior systems of tile, stone, and terrazzo support requirements for clean air quality and infection control by eliminating opportunities for the growth of bacteria. Key to the performance quality of these beneficial healthcare attributes is the hand of the installer – the trained craftworker. IMI addresses the welfare of BAC members through safety and OSHA training. OSHA training additionally supports the safety of the patients and staff during the course of construction on existing facilities. Pre-job and apprenticeship programs assure that BAC craftworkers meet the more rigorous standards of a healthcare construction project. Flashing upgrade programs provide the knowledge for the completion of high performing
enclosures, and grouting certification addresses the quality assurance required for structural masonry systems. IMI’s newest training programs in tile, Advanced Certification of Tile Installers (ACT) and in restoration, the Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program , help our industry deliver specialists with skills to assure that tile installations support interior air quality requirements and that existing buildings can successfully be retrofitted to service as medical office buildings. IMI’s Sustainable Masonry Certification Program (SMCP) and Green craftworker training continue to educate craftworkers and contractors on sustainability requirements related to masonry construction. Finally, supervisor certification programs focus on the critical concerns related to smooth operation during construction.
Product
Application
Value Proposition
Interior Ceramic Tile – Large Format and standard sizes
Floors and Walls - Public and Clinical Spaces including: central sterile rooms, equipment storage rooms, patient rooms, and mass decontamination areas.
Impervious to cleaning agents, not a food source for microbes. In operating rooms, large format tile provides benefits of smaller tile with minimization of grout joints. Tile is more durable and environmentally friendly than vinyl products and has better long-term performance compared to GWB with fluid applied coatings.
CMU
Use as wall partitions in non-clinical areas like storage rooms, basements, corridor walls and stairwells.
CMU does not contain a food source for microbes, very durable and can be finished with a variety of coatings. CMU is ideally suited for use in essential service facilities (hospitals) where storm surge flooding is a possibility. CMU walls can be effectively cleaned and re-used after a flood; sheetrock cannot.
Load Bearing exterior wall assemblies.
Brick Masonry Cavity Walls with air barriers.
Exterior building enclosure
Brick Masonry cavity walls breathe and over time, have fewer mold issues than other exterior building enclosure systems. Mold/microbe spores within the exterior wall system can easily spread to other areas of a hospital or clinic.
Rainscreen Walls
Exterior Building enclosure
Ideally suited for LEAN IPD delivery models, energy efficient and contribution toward LEED Certification.
Terrazzo Floors
Public spaces, clinical corridors.
Durable, impervious surface easily cleaned and will outperform vinyl over time. More environmentally friendly than VCT. Will not degrade from UV or peroxide exposure.
14 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
ELECTION 2014
2014 Election Overview
F
or BAC President James Boland, the greatest threat to the interests of middle class working people on Election Day, November 4th, isn’t any one candidate, but rather indifference – or its evil twin, ‘gridlock fatigue’ – all of which could contribute to low turnout by moderate to progressive voters this midterm election. “People who care about and depend on good jobs, fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to organize, and a level playing field for law-abiding contractors in construction have to get out and vote their interests,” says President Boland. “Unfortunately, exploitative, low-road employers and corporations are highly motivated to continue pushing their lowwage, anti-worker agenda by spending billions in undisclosed funds to influence elections this fall. Labor may not outspend them, but we outnumber them, which is why it’s so critical for our members to know the issues and vote accordingly.” What’s at stake on November 4th? Thirty-six governorships, 46 state legisla-
MEMBERS: Sign in her to access these and more Election 2014 updates
a final silica standard – and endanger legislative priorities such as rebuilding our schools and infrastructure,” says BAC Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano, who coordinates BAC political action. The following pages highlight whether certain candidates share BAC members’ priorities such as good paying jobs and stronger economic growth, with working people sharing equitably in the recovery: • Key Races (pages 15-18) – critical
tures, the entire House of Representatives (435 seats) and 33 out of 100 U.S. Senators, not to mention numerous local and other state races. In 2012, the majority parties in Congress each managed to maintain control – republicans in the House and democrats in the Senate. Two years later, national attention is riveted on control of the Senate, considered a virtual tossup. “We’re all fed up with gridlock, but at the federal level, losing a democratic majority in the Senate could stall a number of vitally important regulatory measures – including
elections in battleground states;
• Labor-Endorsed Candidates (pages
18-19) – a state-by-state list of state and congressional candidates whose positions on job creation and workers’ rights have earned BAC’s support.
But don’t stop here – for further updates, a list of U.S. Representatives’ and Senators’ voting records on key BAC issues and links to other online resources, visit www.bacweb.org and click on the 2014 Elections banner.
Note: Pages 15-19 are available for BAC members ONLY. To view these pages and updates on Election 2014, visit http://bacweb.org/legislative/take_action/index.php
ISSUE 3 , 2 0 1 4
|
15
APPRENTICES NEWS IN BRIEF
Local 2 New York/Vermont Member Honored
B
arton McClellan, a 42-year member of Local 2 New York/Vermont, was recognized at the 16th annual North County Salute to Labor held in Clinton County, NY on May 7th for his dedication and contribution to skilled craftwork, the Union and the education of union members. Also honored was New York State United Teachers’ member Michele Bushey. Brother McClellan joined the Union in 1971 and worked on a number of remarkable projects in picturesque northeastern New York including the Sagamore Hotel in Bolton Landing, Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, and North Warren Central School in Chestertown. He served as an instructor of bricklaying, IMI certification programs and OSHA safety courses from 2001 to 2010. “Over the years, he walked many picket lines, attended political functions, and tirelessly fought for the rights and benefits of all craftworkers,” said Local 2 President Bob Mantello in praise of McClellan’s diligent work for the Local and the labor movement. “This award is certainly a demonstration of his dedication to the Union and an example for the young generation to look up to.”
From left, Local 2 Secretary-Treasurer Pat Tirino, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Local 2 NY/VT Labor Award recipient Barton McClellan, retired 1st Vice Chairman Mike Suprenant, and 3rd Vice Chairman Kevin Potter.
Although retired in 2011, Brother McClellan attends regular Union meetings and participates in the Local’s retiree club events. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, gardening, and most of all, spending his time with his grandchildren.
In April, Local 8 SE members gathered in Clay, AL for their Semi-Annual meeting at the Local's new Training Center. Local 8 SE President and BAC South Regional Director, Ed Navarro is in the front row, far left.
Teacher, City Executive and Bricklayer
W
hen Mayor Charles Webster is not actively engaged in taking care of business on behalf of the City of Clay, Alabama, Local 8 Southeast member Charles Webster is hard at work helping more than a dozen newcomers at a time to the BAC trades hone their craft skills and overall masonry knowledge as an IMI instructor. But his talents don’t end there. According to Local 8 SE President and IU South Regional Director Ed Navarro, Mayor/Brother Webster assisted the Local in securing a long term lease to utilize Clay’s old city hall building for training and meetings. u Local 8 SE member Charles Webster, far left, with Local 8 SE members as they review with interest a framed collage of BAC memorabilia handed down by Brother Webster’s father, also a BAC member.
20 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
Local 8 apprentices and instructor Charles Webster tour the Jenkins Brick Company’s Jordan Plant in Moody, AL.
CANADA
Canadian Congress Meets in Windsor
T
he BAC Canadian Congress met September 11th in Windsor, Ontario. Canadian Congress Co-Chair and Local 7 Canada Business Manager Oliver Swan and BAC President James Boland presided. Joining the nine delegates (see group photo, below) from provinces across the nation were BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll. During a roundtable discussion, delegates shared organizing activities and work conditions in their respective
Locals. Other agenda items included updates from the International benefit fund directors and reports on IU finances from Secretary-Treasurer Kramer and on membership and collective bargaining from Canadian Director Strudwick. Guest speakers included Chris Smillie, Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Canadian Building Trades, who gave a legislative and political overview and Bob Collins, a senior economist with BuildForce Canada, who spoke about
construction labour market trends. Collins said that while construction is among the country’s fastest growing industries, momentum has slowed with the scope of economic activity narrowing. Major projects, however, will continue to create market pressures at peak periods, reinforcing the need to address the challenges of an aging workforce. During his remarks, Smillie noted a victory for labor with the withdrawal of anti-union Bill C-377 from active consideration.
From left, BAC Canadian Congress delegates: Local 1 Prince Edward Island Business Manager Clarence Gallant; Local 8 New Brunswick President Gerald Reinders; Local 1 Nova Scotia Business Manager James Moore; Local 1 Saskatchewan President Mike Weigl; Local 4 Quebec Business Manager Jeannot Levasseur; Canadian Co-Chair and Local 7 Canada Business Manager Oliver Swan; Local 1 Alberta Business Manager Alan Ramsay; Local 6 Ontario Business Agent Mike Gagliano; Local 1 Manitoba Business Manager Frank Krauthaker; BAC Canadian Director Craig Strudwick; and Local 1 Newfoundland Business Manager John Leonard. À partir de la gauche, les délégués du Congrès canadien du BAC : Directeur des opérations, Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Section 1, Clarence Gallant; président, Nouveau-Brunswick, Section 8, Gerald Reinders; directeur des opérations, Nouvelle-Écosse, Section 1, James Moore; président, Saskatchewan, Section 1, Mike Weigl; directeur des opérations, Québec, Section 4, Jeannot Levasseur; coprésident canadien et directeur des opérations pour le Canada, Section 7, Oliver Swan; directeur des opérations, Alberta, Section 1, Alan Ramsay; agent d'affaires, Ontario, Section 6, Mike Gagliano; directeur des opérations, Manitoba, Section 1, Frank Krauthaker; directeur canadien du BAC, Craig Strudwick et directeur des opérations, Terre-Neuve, Section 1, John Leonard.
Le Congrès du Canada se réunit à Windsor
L
e Congrès canadien du BAC s'est réuni, le 11 septembre, à Windsor, en Ontario. Le coprésident du Congrès canadien et directeur des opérations au Canada pour la section 7, Oliver Swan, et le président du BAC, James Boland, présidaient. Le secrétaire-trésorier du BAC, Henry Kramer et les vice-présidents exécutifs, Gerard Scarano et Tim Driscoll, se sont joints aux neuf délégués (voir la photo de groupe ci-dessous) provenant des provinces de partout au pays. Durant une table ronde, les délégués ont partagé des activités syndicales et des conditions de travail de leur syndicat local
respectif. D'autres points à l'ordre du jour incluaient des mises à jour de la part des directeurs de la caisse de bénéfices internationale et des rapports sur les finances IU du secrétaire-trésorier Henry Kramer et sur l'adhésion à un syndicat et la négociation collective de la part du directeur canadien, M. Strudwick. Les conférenciers invités incluaient Chris Smillie, conseiller principal pour les relations gouvernementales et les affaires publiques pour le département canadien des métiers de la construction, qui a offert un aperçu législatif et politique, et Bob Collins, un économiste principal à
l'emploi de BuildForce Canada, qui a parlé des tendances du marché du travail de la construction. M. Collins a expliqué que tandis que la construction est devenue l'une des industries en plus forte croissance au pays, l'élan a ralenti avec l'étendue des activités économiques s'amenuisant. Toutefois, des projets importants continueront à faire pression en période de pointe, renforçant la nécessité de relever les défis d'une main-d'œuvre vieillissante. Durant son aperçu législatif et politique, M. Smillie a noté une victoire pour les ouvriers avec le retrait du projet de loi antisyndical C-377 d'une étude active. IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 21
INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Take Time to Review Your IPF Annual Statements
T
he International Pension Fund has mailed the 2013 IPF Annual Statements to all active US and Canadian participants. The BAC SAVE Retirement Savings Plan 2013 Annual Statements have also been mailed to members in Local Unions which participate in BAC SAVE. These documents provide critical information regarding the hours reported and updates on Service Credit and beneficiary information. For BAC SAVE, participants will see a return of 8.4% to their account balances as of year-end. The Fund office has compiled the following information to keep in mind and procedures to follow while reviewing your statements. Social Security/Insurance Number
For your security, the first five digits of your Social Security/Social Insurance number have been suppressed. Future Service Credit Hours (IPF Statements)
The Annual Statement shows a member's detailed 2013 hours in addition to all hours reported to IPF on their behalf by year. This can include hours worked outside a member's home Local, including those worked prior to the date their home Local first participated in IPF. Participants may request a more detailed report of total hours reported to IPF on one's behalf by month and may provide information on any missing hours or
periods of disability which are not reflected in the Fund's records. Periods of disability are not credited as past or future service, but may qualify a participant for a disability exemption for an apparent break in service. IPF processes hundreds of thousands of transactions each year. In 2013 alone, the Fund office processed more than 572,000 report transactions from more than 12,500 contributing employers. This mailing is comprised of nearly 44,000 Annual Statements. If you find a discrepancy in your hours or a possible delinquency, please notify the Fund office by contacting IPFAnnualStatements@ ipfweb.org, and provide the office with Local or employer records or check stub copies that document the missing hours, along with a copy of your statement. Hours reported or adjusted in 2013 will appear on the statement in detail, showing the work month and name of employer. If detailed hours for a year earlier than 2013 appear on the statement, the hours were either reported late or originally under an incorrect Social Security/Insurance number. Past Service Credit (IPF Statements)
Past service credit estimates shown on the annual statement take into account many factors including the member's initiation date, the member's date of participation, the Local's date of participation, the participant's home Local (the Local
New IPF Summary Plan Description Booklets The International Pension Fund (IPF) mailed new Summary Plan Description (SPD) booklets in June for Canada Plan participants. IPF will also be mailing the U.S. Summary Plan Description booklet to plan participants in September. The updated SPDs note recent Plan changes and summarize the rules and regulations that govern the Plans. The booklets also provide information on vesting requirements, benefit calculations, and more. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the SPDs guides participants through commonly asked questions about the Plans. 22 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
in which the majority of a participant's employment in the International Pension Fund has occurred), and any apparent breaks in future service, which can cancel service credit. A participant may request to have their past service estimate verified as part of a pension status report. This request must be made in writing. A final determination of a participant's eligibility for past service can only be made at application for retirement. Beneficiary Information
Your statements only show IPF and BAC SAVE beneficiary designations received by the Fund office. Designations made for the International Union or a Local plan will not appear. Any beneficiary changes related to IPF must be made on an IPF enrollment card or IPF change of beneficiary card. Any beneficiary changes related to BAC SAVE must be made on a BAC SAVE card. Participants whose statements do not show a beneficiary will receive a separate mailing from IPF or BAC SAVE requesting that designation. If a member’s ex-spouse appears as a beneficiary on an annual statement, a new designation must be made as a divorce decree does not automatically revoke the ex-spouse beneficiary designation. Reciprocity
Since 2002, IPF has been sending and receiving contributions for traveling members under the International Reciprocal Agreement (related adjustments appear under the employer account number 297706 in the U.S. or 997706 in Canada). For questions or concerns, e-mail IPFAnnualStatements@ipfweb.org. To notify the Fund in writing of any discrepancies, please write to: David F. Stupar Executive Director International Pension Fund 620 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 dstupar@ipfweb.org Fax: 202-347-7339
S
What You Need to Know About ‘Specialty Drugs’
pecialty drugs are prescription medications that treat serious, complex, chronic and often costly conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, and hemophilia. Sometimes these drugs are distributed by a pharmacy, and covered under your prescription drug plan; sometimes they are provided by physicians or outpatient facilities and are covered under your medical plan. Either way, these drugs are very expensive. Some plans now require additional cost sharing with participants through copays, coinsurance and deductibles in an attempt to contain overall costs. It is important to note that under the Affordable Care Act, a plan must limit out-of-pocket costs; deductibles and co-payments may not exceed $6,350 for an individual and $12,700 for a family. It is daunting enough when you or family members are faced with a serious illness without worrying about paying for medicine. Plan sponsors, too, are impacted by the staggering costs of the new blockbuster specialty drugs. One example is the recently approved FDA treatment for Hepatitis C, a life-threatening illness that affects between three and four million Americans. The drug, called Solvadi, costs about “$1,000 a pill and $84,000 total for a typical patient” according to a recent New York Times article. As a result of preliminary clinical evidence confirming Sovaldi’s
high success rate in curing Hepatitis C and its superiority over available therapies, it was reviewed under the FDA’s priority review program (one of several FDA approaches designed to make important drugs available to patients at an earlier time) and approved. Because of its effectiveness, Solvadi is being increasingly prescribed. Despite the high cost, it along with other specialty drugs may over time actually reduce long term medical costs. Many plans, such as IHF, provide access to pharmacists or registered nurses to work with participants to find programs that will assist with out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs. BAC’s Member Assistance Program (MAP) is also available to help BAC members connect with such programs, including those administered by various specialty drug manufacturers, like Gilead, which produces Solvadi. “We want to be sure our members receive all the help they’re entitled to, and sometimes, finding the right program can be tricky,” says IHF Executive Director Robin Donovick. “We encourage IHF participants with questions about specialty drugs to call IHF at toll-free: 1-888-880-8222 or United Health Care at 1-866-405-0797. Members not covered under IHF should contact either their local plan or call BAC at 1-888-880-8222 and ask for Member Assistance Program. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned.”
IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 23
LOCAL COMPASS
Local 8 Southeast
Honored for his dedicated service, Local 8 SE 75-year member Robert Bowles receives his service award from President Ed Navarro, left, and Field Representative Darrell Craig.
Fifty-year member and first generation cement mason Robert Stringer, center, was pleased to welcome his sons into the trade and Union – Woodrow Stringer, left, and James Stringer, Vice Chairman of Local 8 Southeast.
Local 8 Southeast member John Little proudly displays his Gold Card.
Local 8 Southeast 50-year member Morris Farmer, right, with Vice Chairman James Stringer.
Local 7 Ohio
Local 5 New Jersey Local 7 Ohio 75-year member Ralph Adlesic, seated, was honored for his longtime service in April. From left, OH-KY ADC Director Ken Kudela, Field Representative Noah Carmichael, Secretary-Treasurer Fred Hubbard and member Robert Clark. Look for more OH-KY ADC service awards in the next “Local Compass”. 24 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
NJ ADC Director Richard Tolson, left, and Local 5 President Donald Engelhardt, who retired in August, presented 50-year member Wilmer Sharpe with his service award in March. Stay tuned for more NJ service awards in the next Journal.
Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/DC
Local 1 MD/VA/DC Life Member Frank Davis, right, receives his Gold Card from Local 1 President Scott Garvin in June.
Local 1 MD/VA/DC President Scott Garvin, right, presents Life Member Wilson Thomas his Gold Card.
Local 1 MD/VA/DC member John Sircovics, right, with President Scott Garvin, was recognized for 25 years of service in July.
Local 5 Pennsylvania
Local 5 PA honored members for 50 years of service at the Harrisburg Retiree Breakfast. From left, 50-year members Carl Pletz, Lamar Reitz and Richard Hitz with their Gold Cards, and Local 5 PA President Lester Kauffman.
Local 5 PA member Eugene Smith, right, receives his 40-year service award from Local 5 PA President Lester Kauffman. IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 25
LOCAL COMPASS
Local 3 New York
Local 3 NY presented service awards to 50- and 40-year members at its recent Mega Meeting. From left, Local 3 NY President Eugene Caccamise, 50-year members Roy Hughes, John Forster, and Anthony Internicola, Vice President Rick Williamson, 50-year member Joseph Bosa, Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Di Perna, and 50-year members George Abraham and retired officer Ronald Lechner.
Local 3 NY President Eugene Caccamise recognized the three generations of Gold Card members in the Lechner family. Brother Lechner, former Director of the Western New York ADC, is pictured with his Gold Card and those of his grandfather Stephen Lechner and father Herbert Lechner. From left, Local 3 NY Vice President Rick Williamson, BAC Director of Collective Bargaining and Local 3 member Michael Di Virgilio, Local 3 NY Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Di Perna, thirdgeneration Gold Card member Ronald Lechner, and Local 3 NY President Eugene Caccamise. ď ´ From left, Local 3 NY Vice President Rick Williamson, Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Di Perna, 40-year members George Casali and Dave Clarkson, and President Eugene Caccamise.
u Members of former Local 45 NY, circa 1914, constructing St. Joseph’s New Cathedral in Buffalo. The picture includes Brother Ronald Lechner's grandfather Stephen, (3) and his great uncles George (1), Philip (2), Henry (4), Val (5), and Joseph (6).
26 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
IN MEMORIAM
May Death Benefit Claims for May 2014 Total Amount Paid Total Union Labor Life Claims Total Death Benefits Total Number of Claims Average Age Average Years of Membership MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Altadonna, Anthony - 02, DE/NJ Altieri, Nicola - 02, NY/VT Armstrong, Jr., William R. - 05, NJ Bakalar, Theodore G. - 06, IL Barlament, Robert L. - 05, WI Benvenuto, Ralph - 05, NY Berg, Alan O. E. - 02, BC Blome, Heinz H. - 02, MI Bottachiari, Angelo M. - 01, CT Brown, Francis C. - 02, NY/VT Buckley, John D. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Burdo, Robert L. - 02, MI Burgess, John P. - 05, OK/AR/TX Campbell, Robb B. - 02, MI Campean, Victor - 01, CT Capps, Ralph D. - 05, OK/AR/TX Carrico, Jimmie E. - 05, OK/AR/TX Catrambene, Joseph J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Christensen, Ronald L. - 01, MN/ND Cline, Jr., James M. - 09, PA Crovatto, John - 07, NY/NJ Davidge, Roy W. - 02, ON DeCampo, Joseph A. - 01, NY
CM, P MM, TL, TW, CH B, CM, P B TL B, M, P B B B, CM, M, P B, M, P B, CM, M, P, W B, CM B B, M B, CM, M, P B B B, CM, M, P B B TL B B
$190,150.00 $2,000.00 $188,150.00 104 80.94 53.05 YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
61 87 68 84 80 88 87 89 75 89 74 82 88 66 93 79 87 94 87 55 86 89 93
41 48 41 62 55 63 61 67 53 65 48 62 67 45 66 59 68 67 67 34 60 67 62
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
Donato, Carmen - 05, NY Doyle, John M. - 01, PA/DE Dumas, William T. - 03, CA Duncan, Jerry R. - 05, PA Elias,David C. - 04, CA Foster, William - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Framke, Spencer W. - 21, IL Gagnon, Jim - 02, WA/ID/MT Gallo, Vincent J. - 21, IL Gomez, Armando C. - 04, CA Goodlet, Marshall C. - 15, MO/KS/NE Green, Nathaniel - 03, OH Helms, Thomas H. - 08, SE Hike, Sr., Varner M. - 15, MO/KS/NE Hollander, William B. - 08, SE Hood, Andrew - 04, IN/KY Janulaitis, Jr., Vydas T. - 21, IL Kallenbaugh, Sr., Earl J. - 09, PA Kisilewicz, Rafal - 01, NY Koons, Raymond L. - 07, CO Lahr, Chester C. - 05, PA Landerous, Guadalupe R. - 02, MI Launi, Mario - 09, PA Laviola, Anthony J. - 46, OH Lerwick, Harold E. - 02, MI Loparo, Santo J. - 05, OH Magnani, John - 01, MD/VA/DC Magnuson, Raymond P. - 06, IL Mancuso, James J. - 01, NY Manuli, John - 01, NY Manzo, Antonio - 01, NY Marcuz, Elfi J. - 05, OH Marini, Salvatore - 09, PA Martin, Gregory - 08, IL Martin, Jr., Thomas - 08, SE Mason, Wymond L. - 08, IL McNaughton, Frank W. - 21, IL Mencel, Robert - 05, NJ
P, W, B, CM B TL CM, P B B, CM B B TL B B B P B B, M, W B PC, B FN PC B, M B, M, P B B, M B, CM B B TL B B B B MM, M B B B B PC, B B, CM, P
84 85 63 77 88 88 85 79 75 88 76 89 89 76 91 85 42 84 39 77 89 88 100 87 88 83 88 86 87 88 93 82 98 70 73 86 85 90
51 66 32 46 54 67 44 46 29 58 51 58 63 50 66 14 13 24 1 50 67 68 70 60 47 45 65 65 64 67 60 50 73 47 49 65 64 58
Remembering Lyle MacPherson
L
yle MacPherson, who served as President then Business Manager of Local 2 Alberta before his appointment as Business Agent of Local 1 Alberta, passed away on July 31st. He was 58. Brother MacPherson, a bricklayer by trade, was remembered with a moment of silence and fraternal tributes by delegates to the September BAC Canadian Congress, on which he had served. “He was a fine Union leader, a great friend and will be missed,” said James Moore, President of Local 1 Nova Scotia, who will honor his Brother’s memory by participating in his name in
the Light the Night Walk in Halifax in mid-October, the proceeds of which go toward finding a cure for leukemia and related illnesses. In addition to his abiding devotion to his family and friends and his dedication to his trade, his members and Union, Lyle had many hobbies, among them hunting, fishing, camping, and music and was always glad of the opportunity to visit his native Prince Edward Island. He is survived by his loving wife, Mona, his son, Trevor, and daughter, Ellise, his mother Elva, nine brothers and sisters and a large extended family.
Horst Habeck
H
orst Habeck, a 54-year member of Local 1 Manitoba, died on February 12th . He was 78. Brother Habeck served as Business Manager of Local 1 from 1986 to 2000. A delegate to several International Union Conventions (1990, 1995 and 2000), he also served on the International’s Canadian Affairs Committee, which met throughout the 1990s to provide guidance and recommendations on the formation of the BAC Canadian Congress. IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 27
IN MEMORIAM
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Miller, Richard L. - 10, OH Mims, Luther E. - 09, WV Neyrinck, Lawrence A. - 06, IL Nishida, Toshiaki - 01, HI Passanisi, Giovanni - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Pelcar, Franc - 01, ON Petri, William R. - 08, IL Petrides, Vasilios - 01, CT Pfeifer, Gerald F. - 44, OH Pilastro, Italo L. - 21, IL Pilgram, Benedict W. - 01, MO Piontek, Richard W. - 02, NY/VT Pohlman, Albert J. - 18, OH/KY Prunier, Henry A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Ransom, Jr., Harold A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Rauen, Edward J. - 21, IL Readinger, Randyn R. - 04, IN/KY Rose, Benjamin G. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Rothermel, Guy W. - 05, PA Santoro, Oreste - 04, NJ Schooler, Carol E. - 15, MO/KS/NE Sessa, Salvatore - 01, NY Sliwa, Stanley J. - 03, NY Smith, Donald P. - 07, CO Smith, Sr., Robert E. - 08, SE Smoley, Joseph R. - 05, OH Snider, John A. - 08, IL Stuebs, Frank - 08, WI Thomas, Greg W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Thompson, Forest J. - 18, OH/KY Thomson, William J. - 02, MI Thorpe, James J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Trahan, Leo A. - 03, NY Vallario, Dominick M. - 07, NY/NJ Verhasselt, John J. - 03, WI Vucic, John - 11, WV Waitt, Sr., Richard E. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Weber, Waldemar - 02, MI Weglarz, Walter - 21, IL Weinsheimer, James J. - 07, NY/NJ Winters, Charles L. - 07, CO Wright, James D. - 03, CA Zwetzig, Russell C. - 21, IL
B B B CB, M B B B B, M B, CM, M, PC, W B B B, CM B B B B B B B, CM B TL, MM B CM, P B B B PC, B B, M B, M B CB, CM, B CM, P MM, TL TL B, CM B, M B B B FN B, M, MM, W B, M B
YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
77 72 80 94 70 86 83 57 83 89 96 76 92 91 81 90 61 76 83 86 76 69 85 86 72 77 82 57 59 80 77 69 74 90 86 88 78 81 89 75 84 85 74
51 25 65 53 23 53 61 17 61 63 65 55 65 59 56 67 42 46 61 58 51 43 62 65 53 45 43 36 35 44 47 45 52 62 63 64 54 60 49 26 65 59 53
June Death Benefit Claims for June 2014 Total Amount Paid Total Union Labor Life Claims Total Death Benefits Total Number of Claims Average Age Average Years of Membership MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Albert, Howard S. - 02, WA/ID/MT Allen, Jimmy J. - 08, SE Almeroth, Jr., Alvin - 21, IL Anderson, Wayne E. - 56, IL Betro, Andrew - 01, NY Bicha, Thomas - 01, MN/ND
B B B B B B
28 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS
$170,950.00 $6,200.00 $164,750.00 94 80.59 52.17 YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
87 77 89 80 80 88
65 57 62 60 58 45
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Bogdonoff, Rodney - 04, NJ Cirillo, Carmin - 08, WI Cooper, Douglas E. - 03, IA Corlett, James A. - 04, NJ Craig, Sr., Carl T. - 08, SE Cummings, William E. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Cust, Melvin P. - 01, AB DalBo, Geno J. - 05, NJ Dexter, Robert W. - 06, IL DiBortolo, Olinto - 04, IN/KY DiCarlo, Fernando P. - 02, MI Durrant, Bradford C. - 04, NJ Elstone, Charles R. - 02, MI Esposito, Sr., Thomas A. - 21, IL Fallon, John - 21, IL Faris, Charles D. - 03, CA Feicht, Leopold - 01, NY Fusinato, Dennis A. - 06, IL Girardot, Cletur J. - 04, CA Giusti, Jr., Salvatore - 01, PA/DE Glasscock, Albert W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Graham, Richard A. - 07, OH Grzyb, Jan - 01, NY Harris, Andrew C. - 06, IL Harris, Charles E. - 05, OK/AR/TX Hawes, Kenneth D. - 04, CA Hemphill, Harold J. - 01, WY Hill, John I. - 02, MI Hlavka, Larry T. - 01, MN/ND Holschbach, Vernon W. - 11, WI Hoyt, Dwane D. - 02, NY/VT Jackson, Richard A. - 02, WA/ID/MT Janes, Harry W. - 02, MI Johnson, Earl A. - 05, OH Jones, Daniel C. - 08, SE Joyce, Michael - 01, NY Keay, Joseph D. - 01, NS Kehren, Reno P. - 01, MN/ND Knott, Albert - 18, MO Krueger, Paul R. - 19, WI Lane, Raymond F. - 07, NY/NJ Lanzetta, Gregory M. - 02, MI Lanzetta, Rudolph J. - 02, MI Lombardo, Anthony F. - 05, NJ Mancini, Bruno - 02, MI Mara, Michael W. - 01, HI Marcon, Luigi - 02, ON McCombs, Melvin M. - 04, IN/KY Miller, Benjamin M. - 01, NS Miller, James D. - 09, PA Mills, Patrick L. - 02, MI Muldrew, Rae F. - 04, CA Musselman, Larry E. - 03, IA Nicolai, Gerhard P. - 02, BC Nuara, Joseph - 20, IL O'Connor, Thomas - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Ostrander, Melvin F. - 02, MI Panetta, Anthony - 02, NY/VT Panozzo, Anthony E. - 21, IL Pape, Henry J. - 05, WI Passehl, Clarence E. - 04, WI Pierce, Andrew D. - 01, OR Plumb, Bruce L. - 01, OR Ponzi, Nino D. - 04, NJ Prothman, Michael W. - 01, MO Reimer, Klaus P. - 04, IN/KY Reuter, Richard I. - 21, IL Rigano, Angelo - 05, NY
B, CM B B P B B B P, TW B B, TL B B, CM, P B B TL B B B, CM, M B B B B B B, M, MM B B B B B, CM, M, MM, W B, M, P, TL B, CM, M B M, B B B, M B B B, CM TL B, M FN FN FN B, CM, P FN TL B PC B B B B B B B B, CM CM CM, M, B B FN B, MM B B CM B B B, M P
YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
49 85 59 70 83 81 78 84 88 84 87 53 83 83 78 89 83 65 75 79 89 76 54 84 78 91 81 88 66 87 67 85 92 92 91 104 90 82 92 86 83 74 86 84 87 57 74 91 78 79 71 90 77 63 67 73 68 81 76 82 89 91 86 90 71 72 76 101
28 58 16 44 62 57 61 66 63 57 58 32 66 58 36 62 53 48 42 54 67 56 16 63 46 64 64 63 45 63 31 65 67 66 62 62 65 58 58 64 26 26 26 60 26 24 54 62 55 56 36 66 28 44 46 46 41 59 56 14 65 71 62 55 47 51 47 67
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Rogers, John T. - 02, NY/VT Sanders, Frank - 08, SE Scaduto, Peter F. - 05, OH Schilman, Ottis N. - 02, WA/ID/MT Swikoski, Jerry F. - 02, MI Taylor, John F. - 05, NY Tegiacchi, Joseph - 02, NY/VT Thomas, Jr., James D. - 02, WA/ID/MT Thomasson, Gunnar S. - 01, MN/ND Thorp, Marvin K. - 01, MN/ND Tombasco, Sam J. - 05, PA Vadaj, John - 05, OH Vangeli, Sr., Joseph A. - 04, NJ Vondran, Gerald E. - 46, OH Wiener, Donald L. - 01, MN/ND Wilks, George A. - 01, OR Wood, Richard L. - 06, IL Wriedt, Jr., Andrew F. - 04, NJ Young, Sr., Floyd S. - 05, PA Zunac, Matthew - 09, PA
B B B B B, CM B, CM B, CM, M, P TL PC B B, CM B B, CM, M, P B B B B, CM,M B B, CM, IN, M, PC B
YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
71 94 84 80 69 72 82 87 70 84 87 81 85 73 86 88 82 83 88 100
47 40 65 45 45 55 62 62 24 61 66 62 58 48 64 60 14 65 67 65
July Death Benefit Claims for July 2014 Total Amount Paid Total Union Labor Life Claims Total Death Benefits Total Number of Claims Average Age Average Years of Membership MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
Abrams, Joseph P. - 21, IL Adams, Sr., Donald W. - 02, MI Aul, Reinhold - 21, IL Barletta, Sr., Philip - 05, PA Barnes, Donnie W. - 03, CA Basara, Donald C. - 01, MN/ND Beers, Brian W. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Benson, John E. - 21, IL Bernabei, Ralph D. - 02, MI Bolt, Stedman - 01, CT Bramante, Charles A. - 04, CA Brooks, Willie - 01, NY Byrne, Sr., William R. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Cadwell, Gerald E. - 01, MO Carano, William F. - 05, OH Cebek, Joseph - 02, ON Christensen, Borge E. - 21, IL Clayton, Alfred J. - 02, MI Constantain, John - 01, NY Cox, Fred K. - 05, OH Davis, Allen F. - 01, MD/VA/DC DeNardis, Edward - 01,CT Dobromil, Grigor - 02, MI Doyen, Joseph J. - 04, IN/KY Duran, Paul P. - 03, CA Edwards, Elwood - 04, NJ Eichorn, III, Frank G. - 01, CT Evans, Jr., Edward L. - 04, IN/KY
B B TL M, B FN B, M B, CH, CM, PC PC TL B, CM B B CM, B B B B B CM B B B B B B MM, M CM, P, B B, M B
$171,500.00 $5,400.00 $166,100.00 96 82.15 53.74 YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
83 88 84 84 45 82 45 89 77 83 77 88 78 86 87 93 85 88 82 84 85 88 90 93 77 87 84 72
64 67 54 63 12 62 3 53 49 43 52 61 48 65 64 64 59 50 64 66 64 51 56 67 43 60 60 42
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH OF TRADE
YEARS OF AGE
MEMBERSHIP
Evans, Vera B. - 01, NL Farnham, Randy J. - 03, CA Franco, Martin - 01, MD/VA/DC Gennari, Henry C. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Giancola, John - 07, NY/NJ Giustino, Nello - 21, IL Graziano, John J. - 02, MI Henle, Jr., John W. - 05, NJ Henshaw, Stuart E. - 01, OR Hoeft, Anthony R. - 02, MI Horn, Sr., Arnold - 07, KY Hradsky, Fred E. - 02, MI Hughston, Robert A. - 09, PA Jones, James A. - 08, IL Jones, James R. - 01, MD/VA/DC Kalmen, Everett C. - 02, WA/ID/MT Kasprzak, Sr., Richard J. - 21, IL Kennedy, James A. - 07, NY/NJ Kruse, Albert L. - 15, MO/KS/NE Layton, Eugene P. - 01, MO Lenares, Paul - 01, CT Liebhart, Ramon A. - 06, IL Livolsi, John P. - 01, MD/VA/DC Lobaczewski, John G. - 01, CT Lomsdal, Douglas P. - 01, MN/ND Lundquist, James P. - 01, MN/ND Mainillo, Sr., Vincent J. - 02, NY/VT Mariutto, Louis P. - 04, IN/KY Martincic, Jacob G. - 05, OH Matzke, William E. - 03, WI Mazza, Michele G. - 04, NJ Metzger, Jakob - 21, IL Murphy, Thomas - 21, IL Nelson, John M. - 03, NY Nespeca, Jr., Dominic - 08, OH Nivarel, Robert W. - 19, WI O'Braden, Jr., William J. - 01, MD/VA/DC Olivieri, Joseph R. - 01, PA/DE Olson, William R. - 04, IN/KY Paugh, Donald C. - 05, OH Peterson, Donald V. - 01, MN/ND Phillips, Webster L. - 15, MO/KS/NE Picerno, Jr., Robert - 56, IL Plourde, Paul L. - 01, CT Sacilotto, Antonio - 05, OH Scaringe, Mark N. - 02, NY/VT Schlick, John P. - 15, MO/KS/NE Schmitz, Robert E. - 05, OK/AR/TX Shoffner, Marvin L. - 05, PA Sorgen, Jr., Carl - 46, OH Spillone, August - 21, IL Stefani, Lawrence J. - 02, MI Stillo, Sr., Frank J. - 04, NJ Strobel, Bernard E. - 01, MD/VA/DC Swartling, Sven O. - 21, IL Tebaldi, Mario M. - 05, NY Templeton, James R. - 03, CA Thien, James F. - 01, OR Thompson, Valentine J. - 56, IL Triska, Ronald A. - 01, MO Tuorto, Herbert J. - 05, NJ Turnipseed, Ronald J. - 04, IN/KY Valliere, Albert J. - 05, OK/AR/TX Vogel, Louis G. - 08, WI Wells, Raymond D. - 09, PA Williams, Sr., Joseph - 21, IL Zahn, Werner W. - 40, OH Zink, Paul B. - 18, CA
FN TL B B, CM FN B FN B B B B, M B TL B B B B FN B B B B, CM, P B B, M B B B, CM, P B B B, CM, M B, CM, P B B CM, P B B, CM B B B B B B B, W CM FN B, CM B B MM, TL B B TW B, CM, PM CB, M B B, CM FN CM B B B, CM, P B B B B, M B B TL
80 63 85 85 79 82 85 70 88 92 74 92 28 89 90 85 87 79 78 83 84 88 95 89 81 89 77 89 85 82 81 84 83 88 76 80 89 85 82 81 57 98 89 93 92 57 48 83 91 87 80 97 85 88 82 92 83 88 74 86 84 55 75 90 94 97 85 90
32 5 46 65 26 59 26 52 57 63 48 50 81 68 67 67 60 26 58 63 51 54 62 63 62 67 56 66 68 64 50 59 59 64 56 50 47 55 55 59 23 67 66 59 24 15 20 64 59 63 61 65 66 49 59 64 24 57 54 65 57 15 56 63 64 63 58 67 IS S UE 3 , 2 0 1 4 | 29
MEMBERS AT WORK
Journal BAC
ISSUE 3 / 2014
B AC • 620 F ST R E ET, N.W. • WA S HI N GTON, D.C. 20004
30 | B R I C K L AY E R S AND AL L IE D CRAF T WORKE RS