BAC Journal (Issue 2, 2024)

BAC

JOURNAL

IUBAC | INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS | ISSUE 2 | 2024

BAC MEMBERS

ANOTHER AMERICAN ICON

BAC JOURNAL

CONTENTS

The Official Journal of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

THE INTERNATIONAL UNION EXECUTIVE BOARD ENDORSES VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

(ISSN 0362-3696) | ISSUE 2 | 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD

After President Joe Biden chose to not seek a second term as President of the United States, the BAC International Union Executive Board endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for the presidency of the United States.

“Joe Biden is the finest president that working Americans and their unions have ever known,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll. “BAC members across our country have benefitted significantly from the programs and policies that he has implemented during his presidency.”

“At every step, the Biden-Harris Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to build a stronger America for todays’ workers and our children,” President Driscoll continued. “Now that President Biden has chosen to focus on leading the nation through the remainder of his term, we are endorsing Kamala Harris to succeed him — because Vice President Harris has been integral to the pro-worker accomplishments of the past three and a half years.”

Read more on page 20.

Timothy Driscoll President Jeremiah Sullivan, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer Keith Hocevar Executive Vice President REGIONAL DIRECTORS NORTHEAST Al Catalano IU Northeast Regional Director, Albany, NY Email: acatalano@bacweb.org Office: 518-439-6080 SOUTH Ed Navarro IU South Regional Director, Lawton, OK Email: enavarro@bacweb.org Office: 580-357-3048 NORTH CENTRAL Jeremy Rivas IU North Central Regional Director, Portage, IN Email: jrivas@bacweb.org Office: 219-248-5017 WEST Darin Compton IU West Regional Director, San Leandro, CA Email: dcompton@bacweb.org Office: 202-304-8582 CANADA Craig Strudwick IU Canada Regional Director, Ottawa, ON Email: cstrudwick@bacweb.org Office: 613-830-0333

1

President’s Message

24

Canada

2

Mensaje Del Presidente

26

Safety and Health

3

Members at Work

29

International Funds

9

News in Brief

32

MAP

15

BAC Profile

33

Local Compass

16

IMI/IMTEF

35

In Memoriam

20

Legislative and Political

CONTENTS // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

Editorial Staff: Emily Smith, Kim Ward, Josh da Cruz The BAC 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 BAC 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.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Restoring and Building — On the Job, and In Our Union

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s the cover story of this issue of the Journal (p. 3) reminds us, BAC members are the ones North America entrusts with restoring its most treasured structures. It is our craftsmanship, dedication, and care that sets us apart, and those qualities were found in abundance among the BAC members who painstakingly restored large sections of the Brooklyn Bridge to its original splendor.

Likewise, when owners and architects want to build new icons that will serve their communities for decades, they turn to BAC and our signatory contractors. It took a deep and committed partnership between a union mason contractor and talented, conscientious bricklayers to realize the full potential of the groundbreaking CA6 condominium in Chicago (p. 18); thanks to them, the Windy City has a new classic that will stand the test of time.

The BAC commitment to craft was similarly evident in Las Vegas earlier in the year, where our apprentices took six of the nine podium spots at the World of Concrete Masonry Skills challenge, and where Brother Michael Schlund of the Wisconsin ADC triumphed for the second consecutive year in the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 (p. 10).

Our devotion to the trade does not bear fruit only on the jobsite, or in contests. It’s a vital presence every day in our training centers and our union halls, where BAC members are constantly restoring and building our union to make it an even stronger force for trowel trades craftworkers. Our members know that our union is only as strong as we make it, and that to build a powerful union requires the same care and resilience that we bring to the job every day.

That’s why 12 union sisters traveled to the BAC/IMI International Training Center earlier this year to earn their IMI Supervisor Certification (p. 12) — because they know that great supervision brings out the best in BAC journey craftworkers and apprentices, and that leaders aren’t born, but are forged through hard work and commitment. And that’s the same spirit that motivates new local union representatives to complete the BAC New Leaders program (p.14) – the knowledge that it takes continual learning to make BAC the union we want it to be.

For 159 years, BAC has built and restored North America in a way that no one else can, thanks to the determination of our brothers and sisters. So long as we maintain that resolve and focus, we will continue to do so for centuries to come. //

“ Our members know that our union is only as strong as we make it, and that to build a powerful union requires the same care and resilience that we bring to the job every day.”

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 1

MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE

Restauración y Construcción – en el Trabajo y en Nuestro Sindicato

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al y como nos recuerda el artículo de portada con este número del Journal (p. 3), los miembros del BAC son a quienes Norteamérica confía la restauración de sus estructuras más preciadas. Nuestra habilidad, dedicación y cuidado, son lo que nos distingue y esas cualidades se encontraron en abundancia entre los miembros del BAC que restauraron minuciosamente grandes secciones del Puente de Brooklyn para devolverle su esplendor original.

Igualmente, cuando propietarios y arquitectos quieren construir nuevos íconos que servirán a sus comunidades durante décadas, ellos recurren al BAC y a nuestros contratistas asignados. Fue necesaria una asociación profunda y comprometida, entre un contratista de albañilería sindical y albañiles talentosos y concienzudos, para hacer realidad todo el potencial del innovador condominio CA6 en Chicago (p. 18); gracias a ellos, la Ciudad de los Vientos tiene un nuevo edificio clásico que resistirá la prueba del tiempo.

El compromiso del BAC con la artesanía fue igualmente evidente en Las Vegas a principios de este año, donde nuestros aprendices obtuvieron seis de los nueve lugares del podio en el reto World of Concrete Masonry Skills, y donde el hermano Michael Schlund de Wisconsin ADC triunfó por segundo año consecutivo en el SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 (p. 10).

Nuestra devoción por el oficio no sólo da frutos en el lugar de trabajo o en concursos. Es una presencia

vital todos los días en nuestros centros de formación y en nuestros centros la Union, donde los miembros del BAC están constantemente restaurando y construyendo nuestro sindicato para convertirlo en una fuerza aún más fuerte para los trabajadores de los oficios de albañilería.

Nuestros miembros saben que nuestro sindicato es tan fuerte como nosotros lo hagamos y que para construir un sindicato poderoso, se necesita el mismo cuidado y la misma resiliencia que ponemos en el trabajo todos los días.

Por esta razón, 12 hermanas sindicalistas viajaron al Centro de Capacitación Internacional del BAC/IMI a principios de este año para obtener su Certificación de Supervisoras IMI (p. 12) Ellas han aprendido que una buena supervisión saca lo mejor de los trabajadores artesanos y aprendices del BAC. ¡Que los líderes no nacen, sino que se forjan con trabajo duro y compromiso!

Ese mismo espíritu es el que motiva a los nuevos representantes union locales a completar el programa de Nuevos Líderes del BAC (p. 14) – el conocimiento, de que se necesita un aprendizaje continuo para hacer del BAC el sindicato que queremos que sea.

Durante 159 años, el BAC ha construido y restaurado a Norteamérica de una manera que nadie más puede, gracias a la determinación de nuestros hermanos y hermanas.

Mientras mantengamos esa determinación y enfoque, continuaremos haciéndolo durante siglos. //

“Nuestros miembros saben que nuestro sindicato es tan fuerte como nosotros lo hagamos y que para construir un sindicato poderoso, se necesita el mismo cuidado y la misma resiliencia que ponemos en el trabajo todos los días.”

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MEMBERS AT WORK

Bridging Three Centuries of Iconic Masonry How BAC Local 1 NY’s work on the Brooklyn Bridge restored an American landmark

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o any New Yorker alive today, the idea that you’d have to jump on a ferry to commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan seems absurd. But in the 1880s, that was the reality. Back then, Brooklyn was the third-largest city in the country, still not part of New York City, and the only way to get across the East River was by boat.

The Brooklyn Bridge changed all that, reimagining New York — and America — in the process. Since its dedication in 1883, its magnificent gothic stone towers and crisscrossing cables have carried billions of people across the East River, firmly unifying Brooklyn with Manhattan.

In the process the Brooklyn Bridge became one of the most culturally

iconic structures in New York, the US, and the world.

However, even icons fade over time as they are exposed to weather and traffic. So, in 2019, a $300 million restoration project on the bridge commenced, giving BAC Local 1 NY members a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build the next chapter in the history of “America’s Eiffel Tower.”

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MEMBERS AT WORK

CLEANED UP AND STRENGTHENED Indeed, BAC members and contractors were essential to the massive renovation, which required detailed cleaning, inspection and repair of the granite slabs located on each tower of the bridge. To access the façade, BAC workers used standard suspended access equipment complemented with specially designed rigging accessories and special support beams secured to the existing tower structure. PULLMAN SST, Inc., an industry-leading repair and

maintenance contractor undertaking these repairs, worked with Rigging Consultant Inc. and PCS Engineering to create a custom designed rigging layout plan for providing complete access to each tower.

Over 300 BAC members worked on the project during its four and a half year timeline, totaling approximately 300,000 workhours. The scale was enormous, with over 145,000 square feet of granite/limestone repointing and 82,000 square feet of brick repointing. Tens of thousands of bricks were replaced,

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and 510,000 square feet of granite was cleaned on the bridge’s iconic towers and approaches. Pullman installed Cintec grout sock anchors at multiple cracked granite locations for structural strengthening, so it can be structurally sound for another 100 years.

The scope of work included also 17,000 square feet of Compatible Injected Fill (CIF). This scope of work involved pinning with helical ties and injecting a proprietary natural cement grout into voids at the interior brick walls of the arch

blocks. Local 1 NY members received additional training by the manufacturer and now have jurisdiction for this emerging technology.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE One of the BAC members leading the charge was foreman Axel Morales.

A 24-year BAC veteran, Morales has worked on prominent New York City landmarks including the Federal Reserve Bank, Rockefeller Center, and the Chrysler Building — but, as Morales says, the Brooklyn Bridge is in a class by itself.

“It was really something to work on this with my BAC brothers and sisters—to be able to share this incredible experience with them,” Morales said. “When you go inside these magnificent arched blocks and promenades, and into the towers, it’s just so amazing. It is unbelievable that it was built 140 years ago.”

“I have read about the Brooklyn Bridge ever since I was in the third grade, so to be able to be a part of working on it, helping restore it for future generations, was just so

special,” Morales continued. “This is an iconic structure, so the experience has taken my breath away.

It truly is one of the highlights of my career.”

During two years of working on the Brooklyn Bridge project, Morales helped oversee BAC’s work in areas like specialized cleaning and restoring of the bridge’s granite surfaces—work he says BAC members are uniquely trained to accomplish. “These are the kind of specialized restoration techniques and skills that go way

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 5

MEMBERS AT WORK beyond the basics. We are true restoration specialists who have undergone extensive training and education through the BAC to handle intricate projects like this.”

HISTORIC PRESERVATION PCC Mechanic Priscilla Rocco, a 17-year BAC veteran, is an example of how BAC’s training prepared members to execute any project at an elite level. Before coming to work on the bridge, she took an IMI historic preservation course to gain insight into the dynamics of working with and treating historic stone materials.

Not long after she began restoring the stone high above the East River, Rocco was promoted to Foreman, where she oversaw night shift work on the exterior granite.

Rocco and her team used specialized tools such as hammer drills and micro-abrasive cleaning systems (like IBEX) and traditional chemical cleaning methods, which are used instead of grinders to avoid harming the stone. “Working on such an iconic structure required making sure our

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team was extra careful and delicate with the historic materials,” Rocco explained. “Granite is one of the trickiest stones to work with, so we had to take great care in the means and methods we used to not to damage it. BAC members were given lot of unique responsibilities, which allowed us to utilize skills that we were specially trained for.”

After two years on the job, Rocco says the experience — and her promotion to Foreperson — was one of the biggest highlights of her career. “When they promoted me, it showed the confidence they had

in me and the work I have put into my craft. It felt great to know they knew I could be a leader. Being able to work on projects like this, and working for a union and company that place a priority on its workers’ safety, is special to be a part of.”

And there’s also the bragging rights. “When you look at what we are doing, I mean, how many people get to say they worked on the Brooklyn Bridge? How many people get to say they were part of helping restore one of the most iconic bridges in New York, in the whole country?”

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 7

MEMBERS AT WORK A DREAM JOB For Local 1 NY apprentice Tiffany Mendez, the job was an unbelievable introduction to the world of restoration. As a child growing up on the Lower East Side with a passion for building, she remembers passing the Brooklyn Bridge and marveling at its size and grandeur.

It seems fitting, if incredibly fortunate, that working on the bridge as part of Morales and Rocco’s crew would be her first BAC job.

“The whole experience is really touching home for me personally,” Mendez says. “Being able to do this kind of work has been my calling since I was younger. Every time I would pass by a structure, I felt like it was calling me back. I always wanted to see what was on the other side of those walls—and now I’m here.”

One of the benefits of her time on the job is getting hands-on guidance

HAIL TO THE BRIDGE On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public after 14 long and difficult years.

Many believed the project was physically impossible. 1,595 feet and $15 million later, the largest suspension bridge in the world (at the time) finally connected New York City and Brooklyn.

from her more experienced BAC brothers and sisters. “They have been more than willing to share their knowledge of what it takes to make the work count,” Mendez says.

“I started out doing commercial cleaning before I joined BAC. I put wanting to do this kind of work into the universe and this is where the journey took me. And to start off by getting to work on the Brooklyn Bridge? It’s a dream job.”

“This project is a source of pride for every member who had hours on it. There are a lot of magnificent buildings throughout New York City, but few are known worldwide like the Brooklyn Bridge,” said BAC Local 1 New York President Jack Argila. “The techniques used to restore it to its historic glory needed skilled craftworkers to apply, and there are none better than BAC members.” //

8 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

Thousands of New Yorkers and residents turned out to celebrate the opening of what was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” Celebrated by colorful flags and bunting hung from the windows and rooftops of the city, the Seventh Regiment led President Chester Arthur in his ceremonial walk over the bridge.

As “Hail to the Chief” played, the procession paused at the first great granite tower on New York’s side, where it eventually headed to the Brooklyn-side of the tower to the sounds of cannons, bells and steam whistles.

President Arthur was treated to his personal anthem another seven times before christening the bridge for the ages.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference Keeps Growing

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fter a record-breaking 4,000 tradeswomen — including over 100 BAC members, officers and staff — traveled from across the United States to the nation’s capital for the 2023 NABTU Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference, anticipation is even higher for this year’s gathering. The world’s largest conference for women in construction is coming to New Orleans from September 27–29, with the Big Easy-inspired theme of “Let the Good Jobs Roll.”

As it has for 13 years, this year’s TWBN promises inspiring plenary sessions, workshops, an exuberant banner parade, and networking opportunities geared towards empowering tradeswomen. BAC sisters and leaders will conduct a union caucus during the conference. Last year’s caucus featured brainstorming sessions to develop mentorship concepts and educational opportunities through BAC Sisters R.I.S.E. (Resource, Inclusion, Success, and Empowerment).

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 9

NEWS IN BRIEF

TOP: The BAC delegation at the 2023 Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference. BOTTOM LEFT: BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI member Tonye Hayden Berry shared her union story and introduced NABTU President Sean McGarvey during a plenary session at TWBN 2023. BOTTOM RIGHT: BAC sisters after the banner parade.

BAC Continues to Prove We Train Champions

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AC skill was again on display at the annual World of Concrete conference in Las Vegas, NV early this year. The massive conference showcases vendors and organizations from across the globe and is the largest conference in the world for the concrete/ masonry industry.

BAC members from across the country competed in the majority

Schlund and Kowalski (l-r) after receiving their awards for winning the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500. ▶

of the masonry contests, including the apprentice Masonry Skills Challenge, the Fastest Trowel, and the Spec 500.

During the Masonry Skills Challenge, BAC apprentices showcased their talents and took six out of nine top placements.

Awards were presented to the top three apprentices in each year skill level.

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BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/ RI member Tonye Hayden Berry, who introduced NABTU President Sean McGarvey during a plenary session at the 2023 gathering in Washington, summed up the emotions and inspiration that characterize TWBN: “As I look around the room, I get emotional thinking about how far the trades have come. It’s been 13 long, good years. I’ve made it. I can now show my 13-year-old buildings that we built,” she proudly shared from the podium.

For more information about BAC Sisters R.I.S.E., and to sign up for their monthly virtual educational forum, email bacsistersrise@gmail. com. Your BAC sisters look forward to seeing you in New Orleans! //

FIRST YEAR 1st Place Lorenzo Gonzalez Local 2 MI 2nd place Isaac Sanders Local 4 IN/ KY

SECOND YEAR 2nd place Tyler Lord Local 4 IN/ KY 3rd place Scott Schooley Local 23 OH/WV/KY

BAC members compete at World of Concrete

BAC WINNERS

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THIRD YEAR 1st place Wade Schneider Local 4 IN/KY 2nd place John Synek Local 2 NY

BAC MEMBER WINS ‘BEST BRICKLAYER’ TWO TIMES IN A ROW BAC member Michael Schlund won the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 for the second year in a row — again crowned the “Best Bricklayer.” The contest measures how many bricks are laid in an hour — with the best quality. The amount of mortar applied between bricks is regulated and the walls have to be vertical and square. Schlund expertly laid over 750 bricks during that hour.

Schlund left Las Vegas with a new pickup truck, a haul of prizes and cash, as well as the coveted World’s Best Bricklayer Heavyweight Champion belt. But Schlund would not have gotten here without help from his union, the BAC Wisconsin ADC, his tender Aaron Kowalski, and his friends who have supported him along his masonry journey. Schlund spent weeks practicing with Kowalski using different strategies and methods to increase speed and precision. // ISSUE 2, 2024 // 11

NEWS IN BRIEF

BAC Sisters Earn Supervisor Certification at Women’s Leadership Conference

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t the start of the year, twelve BAC sisters from across the country attended the union’s Women Leadership Conference to develop their capacity as leaders both on job sites and in their locals.

Held at the John J. Flynn BAC/ IMI International Training Center in Maryland, the conference gave BAC women the opportunity to earn their Supervisor Certificate by participating in Foreperson

Training, Blueprint Reading, Foundations for Safety Leadership, Mentorship Matters, and CPR/ First Aid. Classes were taught by BAC Director of Health and Safety Liliana Calderon and retired Local 3 CA instructor Laurie Harris, along with IMTEF staff.

“There’s so much that you can do with this trade,” said Vanessa Hekkel of Local 4 IN/KY. “With this opportunity I’ve been given to

Conference participants at the IMI training center in Bowie

12 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

further my education, hopefully I’ll have the chance to run work in the near future.”

In addition to supervisor training, attendees enjoyed a visit to the BAC headquarters and National Building Museum in Washington, DC for behind-the-scenes tours.

“Seeing BAC’s headquarters in DC opened my eyes to how big we are as a union. It was so awesome,” said Erica Denton of ADC 1 of IL. BAC’s sisters also heard from Latifa Lyles, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Women in Construction at the Department of Commerce, to discuss how the Department and Biden-Harris Administration are supporting women’s access to union construction jobs, through initiatives such as Million Women in Construction.

“I wanted to take this step to attend the conference to set the foundation for sisters at my own local,” said Marissa Williams of Local 9 PA. “Coming here has shown me that I have a whole support system and sisterhood to lean on. We have women in leadership roles at BAC; we don’t have to stop at being a journeyperson. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities at their disposal through our union.” //

A Union Committed to Building Power Executive Council members focused on organizing and bargaining strength

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t every turn of the winter meeting of the BAC Executive Council, local and IU leaders made their priority clear: to organize, grow the union, and build bargaining strength. President Tim Driscoll set the tone early on with his call to “expand market share for BAC members and contractors by converting nonunion masonry work into BAC work hours, organize non-union craftworkers into our union, and expand project opportunities for the building systems and products — brick, block, tile, stone, and more — that BAC members and our local signatory contractors regularly and actively pursue.”

That message carried through all the sessions of the Council and the subsequent Labor-Management Craft Committees. Council members were excited to learn more about the organizing opportunities opened by the National Labor Relations Board’s Cemex decision, as General Counsel Joyce Goldstein explained how the Biden-Harris NLRB made it easier for unions to obtain bargaining certifications at non-union firms. Organizing Director Lou Padilla led a discussion of how BAC can make the most of the NLRB’s change, with several

President Driscoll speaking at the beginning of the Labor-Management Craft Committee Meeting

Tile Craft Committee Meeting

Council members citing examples of non-union contractors in their locals that could now be viable priority organizing targets.

Several elected officials and political commentators addressed the Council, highlighting how the pro-worker accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration — including the massive push for project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal projects, the dramatic expansion of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards, and the bold

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) speaking to the BAC Executive Counci

move to rescue troubled building trades pensions — are giving BAC the opportunity to drastically increase union work opportunities. Congressmen Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and others warned the Council that these pro-union initiatives would be quickly repealed should former President Trump — whose administration banned federal PLAs, undercut prevailing wage laws, and did nothing to help pension plans — win in November.

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 13

NEWS IN BRIEF The Labor-Management Craft Committee meetings, which followed the Executive Council, continued the emphasis on promoting BAC materials and building systems. Speakers focused on

the sustainability and lifecycle advantages of masonry and tile, and the need to actively publicize the advantages offered by skilled union installation of these products. Attendees also learned about

exciting new innovations in building products, and discussed the importance of training to ensure that BAC members and signatory contractors will be the first choice to install the building systems of the future. //

BAC Graduates 19 New Leaders

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ineteen new leaders from across North America participated in the International Union’s New Leaders program, held in early June at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.

A fundamental education program for 50 years, the hybrid in-person and online training offers a comprehensive orientation to the IU’s programs, resources, and personnel for recently appointed or elected Local/ADC officers and staff. Attendees participated in

online training sessions on the Action Builder organizing tool and identifying and tracking projects before the intensive five-day in-person session.

During the in-person training, participants learned about the union’s core functions and structure, organizing tactics, project tracking using the Construct Connect construction project database, building unionism in their Local/ ADC, Microsoft Excel, IMI and IMTEF, and IU departments and programs. The training centered on organizing, covering topics such as

organizing basics, tactics, and how to speak with non-union workers, as well as a Construction Organizing Membership Education Training (COMET) train-the-trainer and an overview of steward training.

“After nearly 30 years in the field, one quote that I have always used stands out to summarize the New Leaders training: ‘Anything worth doing, is worth doing well.’

The program was well thought out and the curriculum was very tangible for preview and follow up reviewing,” remarked WI ADC Field Representative Doug Goble. //

The 2024 class of New Leaders Program graduates. From left, Doug Goble of WI ADC, Robert Goodrich of WI ADC, Keith Stebleton of Local 1 MN/ND/SD, Robert Fuentes of Mountain West ADC, Salvador Fernandez of Local 1 OR/WA/ID/MT, Kyle Reinstedler of Local 4 IN/KY, Chris Marchione of Local 2 NY/VT, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan, Shane Salchenberg of Local 1 OR/WA/ID/MT, Peter Marano of Local 7 NY/NJ, BAC President Tim Driscoll, Kurt Weis of Local 1 PA/DE, Robert Hernandez of Local 4 IN/KY, BAC Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar, Anthony Russo of Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI, Damien Rizzi of Local 3 MA/ME/ NH/RI, Lindsey Hauswirth of Local 2 NY/VT, Tim Barks of ADC of Eastern MO, Teodoro Rodriguez of Local 8 IL, Zachary Merrill of Mountain West ADC, and David Urrea of Local 1 MD/VA/DC.

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MEMBER NOTICE

“I Like the Pride” From non-union mason to proud BAC member

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efore he became a member of Local 4 New Jersey (ADC of New Jersey), Michael Fasulo worked in the non-union sector performing concrete and brick restoration. He liked the work — but what he didn’t like were the wages and conditions. While he knew that the BAC existed, and he was interested in the union, he “thought it was impossible to get into. But one day I decided to give it a shot. I called the hall, they told me to come down for an interview, and the rest was history.”

LEARNING THE ROPES When Fasulo first started his BAC apprenticeship, there was a transition period. “The union just showed me faster ways to accomplish something,” he said.

“Something as simple as laying a brick… I was doing it wrong for so many years.”

After completing a four-year apprenticeship, Fasulo is now a journeyman, and having worked his way up to foreman, he looks back at his apprenticeship with the firsthand knowledge that “mentoring the younger members is extremely important.”

“A lot of these young apprentices are coming in with a mindset where they’re scared or

apprehensive,” he continued. “Just to eliminate that fear — in and of itself, that is huge.”

SAFETY FIRST The main difference Fasulo has seen between the non-union and union sectors isn’t surprising, but it’s a matter of life and death.

“First and foremost, the biggest difference is safety,” he explained.

“Coming from the non-union sector, I don’t want to necessarily say that my prior boss didn’t care about safety, but there’s just more of a priority for it here,” he compared.

“Protection and adhering to the rules are foundations of BAC,” said Fasulo. “I’ve never seen a boss of mine cut a corner. It’s a really welloiled system.”

THE UNION EXPERIENCE BAC provides a sense of community that non-union masons just don’t have. “Being a part of a union is being a part of a brotherhood and a sisterhood,” Fasulo described.

Fasulo feels that being a member of BAC is “being part of something bigger than yourself,” he explained. “I just like the sense of belonging, as corny as it sounds, I like the pride of being a part of a union who backs you, who fights

for your safety on the jobsite, who fights for a fair wage for you, who fights to secure us work, and who fights to make sure your family has medical benefits.”

“Joining BAC was the best career decision I ever made.”

Editors Note: As this article was finalized for press, the Journal learned that Brother Fasulo has recently been appointed to serve as a Field Representative for the ADC of New Jersey by ADC Director John Capo. // ISSUE 2, 2024 // 15

IMI & IMTEF

The More You Know: BAC Craftworkers on the Value of Continuing Education for Their Careers

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AC craftworkers across the country are honing their expertise by taking part in advanced training at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland. From supervisory training to historic masonry restoration, concrete repair, welding, and glass panel installation, these specialized programs give BAC craftworkers a competitive edge. In fact, many of these IMI and IMTEF programs are included in project specifications, giving BAC signatory contractors a leg-up when bidding the work.

Hear about the value of continuing education to BAC craftworkers’ careers in their own words:

CLAUDIO LOGIUDICE Bricklayer, BAC Local 1 Connecticut Class: Historic Masonry Preservation

“I believe in getting things right the first time, especially on a job site where there’s no room for mistakes. Having the knowledge to do things right is a powerful thing. I’ve worked on historic buildings at Yale and around New Haven, but I’ve still learned new techniques in this class to help me make repairs the right way on historic buildings, like by using the correct mortars and tooling them properly.

“I encourage more BAC members to take this class.

The instructors teach you techniques you won’t learn out in the field.”

ERICA DENTON Restoration Craftworker, BAC ADC 1 of Illinois Class: Hybrid Supervisor Certification Program

“Getting this certification is a great steppingstone for me. I never imagined being a supervisor.

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“I’ve always just said I want to work and make more money, but I had the chance to run work for a day recently. It was really interesting.

“As a woman in this field, we always have to prove ourselves. So, to be the boss will be really rewarding.

This class is helping to prepare me to one day take that next step.”

NICHOLAS REINARD Restoration Craftworker, BAC Local 3 New York Class: Concrete Repair

“My boss heard about the new concrete repair program, and he really loves everything IMI and IMTEF does, so he asked me to come down and get my hands dirty so I can join the company’s concrete repair team.

“I’ve learned way more than I thought I would in this course, like prioritizing hydration and curing, working with pea gravel, and having a proper water-to-cement ratio. In the field, I wouldn’t have learned the theory behind the work and had the time to perfect these practices like I can here at the training center.”

PATRICK CORONAS Business Agent and Tile Craftworker, BAC Local 1 Hawaii Class: SICIS Vetrite Art Glass Panels

“I have to give it up to IMTEF and our union for keeping us ahead of the industry. These specialized glass panel products haven’t even hit the main markets yet, and when they do, BAC craftworkers will be the first to be hired for those jobs because we’re the ones trained to install them.

“As an instructor, I get to take what I’ve learned here back to Hawaii to teach our members and

strengthen our union. Imagine if we could all do this large format glass panel work. It gives us a great competitive advantage!”

OSCAR GASPAR-VELASCO Refractory Bricklayer, BAC 1 Oregon/ Washington/Idaho/Montana Class: Welding

“I’ve been wanting to take this class for a while and now that I’m here, I’m loving it!

“My local union and employer have always encouraged me to explore the training programs offered by IMI and IMTEF so that I can continue to grow in my career. The training has been fantastic and learning under the welding instructor, Kay, has been a great experience. He has very high standards and is very particular about what he expects from us.

“When I complete the training at the International Training Center, I know that I will be one of the best hands on any job site I work on. If you are considering taking this class to expand your skill set, don’t hesitate to sign up.”

KAY BENNETT Restoration Craftworker, BAC Local 3 Iowa Class: Historic Masonry Preservation

“There’s nothing more beautiful than the stone carvings and the detail you find in historic masonry. Most of these buildings are at least 50 years old, and a lot of people don’t understand that we can’t tuckpoint with modern mortars because they don’t match historic mortars, can cause deterioration to the brick, and won’t create an aesthetically pleasing repair. This is an art form that you can’t rush, and I consider myself an artist at heart.

“This course was calling to me to help me build my knowledge and skills. It’s given me the tools to be able to make repairs the right way, to protect the integrity and beauty of historic masonry buildings.”

JOSEPH SCHOENER Restoration Craftworker, BAC ADC of New Jersey Class: Concrete Repair

“I’ve never done concrete work before, and I wanted to expand my skill set so I never have to worry about being laid off. If I can’t do one job, I can do the other.

“My company does a lot of work on old college buildings, and they usually have to hire outside help when it comes to concrete patching. Thanks to this course, I feel confident enough to go back to my boss and take on that work.”

MARC ANTHONY BLACKLEDGE Apprentice Coordinator and Tile Craftworker, BAC Local 4 California Class: SICIS Vetrite Art Glass Panels

“We’re in the business of education and training, so we need to be on the cutting edge of this new product and installation procedure.

Admittedly, working with such fragile materials is a little bit scary. I did break a few pieces, but that’s okay because we’re here to learn. In fact, one of the things we learned is how to properly score and cut the material to avoid any cracks or breaking. I eventually got it down!

“If you’re going to make mistakes, make them here at the International Training Center or at your local training center, so that by the time you’re out in the field, you have the skills and confidence to succeed.”

If you’re interested in sharpening your skills and advancing your education and career, contact your training coordinator for information about upcoming courses near you. //

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 17

IMI & IMTEF

Chicago Condominium Exemplifies Renewed Appreciation for Masonry

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cross the country, architects and residents alike are pushing for a pivot from glass skyscrapers and a return to masonry façades. That’s because brick is an integral part of the identity of so many North American cities, creating a sense of cultural context, warmth, and character.

Take the West Loop of Chicago, where the new CA6 condominium echoes the neighborhood’s iconic historic brick loft buildings. The plans for CA6 required significant review from the district’s alderperson and members of the community because the building site, previously designated for commercial space, required a zoning change and special use entitlement.

Even so, the building’s brick design was universally well-received.

IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services Jeff Diqui caught wind of the project early on, given the positive press surrounding the design.

That’s when he reached out to one of his contacts, a principal at SGW Architecture & Design, to offer support. It didn’t take long for Diqui to pay a visit to provide education on brick design and construction best practices.

On CA6, one of the striking design features are deep brick

arches that create a dramatic but welcoming entry. The arches are a callback to the Walker Warehouse, a circa 1880s historic limestone building in the South Loop designed by famed architecture firm Alder & Sullivan, with Louis Sullivan leading the design.

The building was a casualty to Chicago’s massive demolitions in the 1950s, but its legacy remains, and for SGW, the arches, which they describe as “enormous portals of the late, lamented” warehouse, were a particular standout.

“We know masonry loves to be an arch, and we’ve seen it used that way for thousands of years,” explains Diqui. “A semi-circular or barrel vault arch, like the ones on this project, sheds load very efficiently.”

It’s not uncommon for structural steel to be used redundantly in scenarios where masonry could be self-supporting. James Ioriatti, President of BAC signatory contractor Masonry Systems, Inc, who was awarded the masonry on the project, found that to be the case with the original design of the arches at CA6. The initial project drawings called for a concealed steel lintel to support the masonry veneer. He knew there was a better way to build them.

18 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

“The project owner believed the arches gave the building its character” and was committed to keeping them, said Ioriatti, who negotiated his company’s masonry contract during the design stage. “Usually, I’ll work together [with the owner and project team] on a masonry project to find ways to make the project more efficient. I knew the steel support system on the arches was going to be very costly and that it was unneeded.” Ioriatti proposed they instead build true self-supporting masonry arches. The project team agreed, so long as he could prove it would work.

That’s when he reached out to IMI, who connected him with engineering services through the Chicago Structural Masonry Coalition. Together, they redesigned the arches and advised the engineer of record to get the new system approved.

The crew at Masonry Systems, Inc., quickly got to work modifying wood barrel trusses, which were used to temporarily support the brickwork until the arch could withstand its own weight. The redesigned system consisted of “a front and rear wall which were connected to each other by a series of bond beams as we climbed the barrel,” Ioriatti explained. In the

Wood barrel trusses temporarily supported the brickwork until the arch could withstand its own weight.

end, “all of our hard work paid off. Everything went off without a hitch.” In fact, Ioriatti believes the owner realized additional cost savings since the 8-inch masonry wall was sufficient to support the storefront without the addition of a steel stud wall.

“More and more architecture and engineering firms are seeking the input of expert bricklayers and masonry contractors to ensure their designs are being built in the most efficient and effective way,” Diqui added.

As architects continue to explore aesthetic and innovation masonry applications, the demand remains high for skilled BAC craftworkers who can bring their vision to life.

Besides the striking arches at CA6, the project also features interesting brick detailing, like inset and projecting soldier courses, sailor and header courses framing window openings, and complex basketweave patterns that add interest to the façade at ground level.

BAC Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois members’ skill shined in the execution of the intricate arches and brickwork at CA6 Condominium. The result is a beautiful new masonry building that’s beloved by the community. //

The CA6 condominium arch entrance at dusk

CA6 condominium building

Walker Warehouse, the inspiration for the arches.

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 19

LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL

PRESIDENT BIDEN: LEGACY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR WORKERS

The International Union Executive Board Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States

President Biden has exemplified what can be done for labor when a true friend sits in the Oval Office.

The last three and a half years have seen unprecedented legislation, executive standards and rules, and appointments all favoring workers and their unions.

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n July 24, the Executive Board of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for the presidency of the United States.

BAC endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris for re-election last summer because their administration accomplished more for working people and their unions than any administration in living memory. After years of failed attempts to fix our nation’s infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration was able to: + Skillfully negotiate the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure

law and the Inflation Reduction Act’s $270 billion investment in construction.

+ Expand the reach of prevailing wage to ensure that union craftworkers and contractors can compete for federal construction projects on a level playing field.

+ Save workers’ pensions, ensuring that workers who build America can retire with dignity.

“At every step, the Biden-Harris Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to build a stronger America for today’s workers and our children. That’s why BAC endorsed Joe Biden for re-election,” BAC

WALZ SELECTED AS RUNNING MATE In August, Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate. Her choice makes it abundantly clear that she will continue to put working families first as President of the United States.

Walz has delivered for workers and their unions, passing some of the most pro-worker legislation of any state in the country.

“Governor Walz’s impressive track record on behalf of working families adds strength upon strength to a formidable ticket that will boldly advance the cause of workers and their unions,” said President Driscoll. “BAC is proud to support the Harris-Walz ticket.”

20 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

“Joe Biden is the finest president that working Americans and their unions have ever known,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll when President Biden announced he would no longer be seeking reelection in 2024. “BAC members across our country have benefitted significantly from the programs and policies that President Biden has implemented during his presidency. Indeed, the actions of the Biden-Harris administration to support the rights of workers to form unions, bargain collectively, have a voice in the workplace, and retire with dignity have greatly benefitted the entire labor movement.”

“A lifetime of service has earned President Biden the right to choose not to seek a second term,” President Driscoll continued. “Selflessly, he has committed to continuing his steadfast leadership of our nation through his current term. We are indebted to him as a nation for his unwavering dedication to the democratic values and principles that define our country.”

President Biden speaking at the 2024 NATBU Legislative Conference.

President Tim Driscoll explained.

“Now that President Biden has chosen to focus on leading the nation through the remainder of his term, we’re endorsing Kamala Harris to succeed him — because Vice President Harris has been integral to the pro-worker accomplishments of the past three and a half years.”

As the Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, Vice President Harris played a critical role in ensuring that American workers and their unions have real influence on the direction of our government. It was her tie-breaking vote that ensured the passage

of pension relief (American Rescue Plan), adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act, and confirmation of Jennifer Abruzzo as the groundbreaking General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board.

Vice President Harris has put workers first on her agenda every day since coming to the White House, and BAC knows that she will do the same as President.

The stakes of this election are massive, and the choice that American voters face is stark. Donald Trump and his billionaire supporters plan nothing less than the complete destruction of the labor movement. By contrast, Kamala Harris will continue to work with

our unions to build and unite America. For that reason, BAC is committee to ensuring that her optimistic and pro-worker vision prevails in November, and we look forward to a future where we collaboratively build on the progress of the past three and a half years. //

Vice President Harris Visits Wisconsin to Announce Apprenticeship Executive Order

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ice President Kamala Harris recently visited bricklayers and other union apprentices at a new Metro Transit facility being built in Madison, Wisconsin. There she discussed the benefits of union apprenticeship programs and announced the Biden-Harris Administration’s executive order to expand registered apprenticeships.

The Madison Metro Transit facility is one of more than 46,000 infrastructure projects currently breaking ground that are funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed by President Biden in 2021.

“This work that we see behind us is a function of that partnership around how we can get federal dollars

Kamala Harris speaking with union apprentices and leaders in Madison, WI.

out to local governments and local communities in a way that they then invest in the talent,” Vice President Harris said at the event. // ISSUE 2, 2024 // 21

LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL

Department of Education Officials Visit BAC/ IMI International Training Center to Learn More About BAC Training

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uality apprenticeship programs are critical to America’s engine of growth.

That’s why several officials from the Department of Education, led by Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Assistant Secretary Amy Loyd and Deputy Assistant Secretary Luke Rhine, visited the John J. Flynn BAC/ IMI International Training Center in March — to learn about how gold-standard apprenticeship programs are developing the skilled construction workforce that builds the nation.

Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Assistant Secretary Amy Loyd tries her hand at laying brick.

IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Anthony DiPerna (far left) with Department of Education officials.

IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Anthony DiPerna (5th from left), BAC Political Director Jean-Paul Itz (6th from left), and IMI President Caryn Halifax (7th from left) with Department of Education officials.

After a tour of the International Training Center — complete with plenty of hands-on demonstrations — the visiting officials spoke at length with BAC, IMI, and IMTEF leaders about the value of registered apprenticeship and how to promote apprenticeships as a viable and equal alternative to higher education through college, the opportunities BAC members and contractors create for lifelong learning, and how union training and employment is a pathway to the middle class, especially for underserved communities. The group also discussed the importance of BAC’s work on school buildings and the vital role BAC craftworkers play in constructing safe, healthy, and inspiring learning environments.

“This is one of several visits to our International Training Center

22 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

by high-level Biden-Harris Administration officials and is just another demonstration of the Administration’s strong support for unions and union apprenticeship programs.

We welcome these visits and look forward to working with the Department of Education to promote union apprenticeships throughout the country, and to promote the use of sustainable masonry and tile in American schools,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll.

“We enjoyed touring the BAC/ IMI International Training Center and learning about the union’s training programs and initiatives.

We look forward to partnering with BAC as they work to promote apprenticeships on jobsites. Thanks to BAC and IMI for hosting us,” remarked Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Deputy Assistant Secretary Luke Rhine. //

Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI Members Rally to Defeat Right-to-Work Law in New Hampshire

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umerous BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI members joined the large turnout of 1,400 trade unionists to defeat the passage of a RightTo-Work (for less) law in New Hampshire. House members from both sides of the aisle defeated the anti-union legislation by a comfortable 212–168 margin.

“We applaud the determination and courage of our members,” said Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI President Chuck Raso. “They attended public hearings, held signs in the cold, gave oral testimony, and registered written opposition. Thank you all for a job well done.” //

LOCAL 4 INDIANA/KENTUCKY Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett attended the Indiana State Apprentice Contest in March, where he spoke with BAC apprentices and officers, and learned how to lay brick.

BAC Local 4 IN/KY President Steve Knowles teaching Mayor Hogsett how to lay brick during the state apprentice contest in March.

From left to right: BAC Local 4 IN/KY President Steve Knowles, Local 4 IN/KY Apprenticeship Managing Director Roger Jones, Mayor Hogsett, and Local 4 IN/KY 2nd year apprentice Vanessa Hekkel.

BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI officers and members at a rally to defeat the proposed Right-to-Work law in New Hampshire.

MOUNTAIN WEST ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT COUNCIL

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai visited the Mountain West Administrative District Council training center and discussed apprenticeships with Local officers.

Senator Jackie Rosen (NV) met with officers and staff of the Mountain West Administrative District Council.

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 23

LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL

Delegates to Annual NABTU Legislative Conference Committed to Fight for Workers in November

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he North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Annual Legislative Conference convened this year from April 22–24. Every year thousands of labor leaders from across North America come to hear from speakers and participate in workshops to further our legislative efforts to protect workers’ wages, safety, retirement, and other rights on the job.

This year, speakers included NATBU President Sean McGarvey, Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), Acting Secretary for the Department of Labor Julie Su, Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA), AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and US President Joseph R. Biden.

BAC OFFICERS HEAR FROM REP. RASKIN AND OSHA ASSISTANT SECRETARY DURING ANNUAL LUNCHEON Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Douglas Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety

and Health Administration, joined BAC delegates for a luncheon on April 22 and spoke about current labor issues and legislation.

Rep. Raskin, a long-time friend of labor unions and working families, underlined that the labor movement sits in the heart of democracy. “The labor movement made our Constitution alive,” Raskin said. “The labor movement truly gave us the First Amendment… We did not have the First Amendment until unionists in the 1920s and 30s went on strikes.”

Assistant Secretary Parker, who himself came out of the labor movement, applauded BAC delegates for what they do for workers. “The important value I learned that sticks with me till this day — and drives everything that I do at the Labor Department — is the critical role the labor movement has in ensuring good jobs that change people’s lives — and that we embrace safety and health as our core values.” //

CANADA

A Nationwide “Blitz” in the Capital BAC leaders from across Canada demonstrate union strength in Ottawa

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n April 30, the day before the Canadian Regional Council meeting and Canadian Congress, BAC local leaders from across Canada — as well as the IU Executive

Board — hit the streets of Ottawa to assist Local 7 CN in a residential organizing “blitz.”

As IU Canada Regional Director Craig Strudwick explained,

24 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

“an organizing blitz is when representatives from different locals come to one city to help a local with an organizing campaign. The blitz allows us to contact far more

CANADA non-union workers than we usually could, and is a powerful show of union strength and solidarity.” The blitz tactic has been used by BAC in several US markets over the years, but this was the first time in recent memory that Canadian locals had committed to a joint effort.

“Getting the support from our brothers and sisters from the other locals made a massive difference in our ability to reach out to the residential bricklayers that we’re trying to organize,” said Local 7 CN Business Manager Sam Grimard. “On behalf of Local 7, we look forward to returning the favor in another local soon.”

Local 7 CN Business Manager Sam Grimard (far right) briefs blitz participants on the local’s residential organizing campaign.

Sam Grimard (à droite), directeur commercial de la section locale 7 du CN, informe les participants à la campagne-éclair au sujet de la campagne de syndicalisation de la section locale visant à mobiliser les briqueteurs du secteur résidentiel.

IU President Tim Driscoll, who visited a number of jobsites along with Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan and Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar, thanked Local 7 CN for hosting the union’s first Canadian blitz. “Sam and his team

have a solid plan for organizing in the residential sector, and we’re grateful that they welcomed us and our brothers and sisters from across Canada to help them show non-union bricklayers the power of BAC.” //

UNE « CAMPAGNE-ÉCLAIR » NATIONALE DANS LA CAPITALE Les dirigeants du BAC de tout le Canada démontrent la force du syndicat à Ottawa

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e 30 avril, la veille de la réunion du Conseil de la zone canadienne et du Congrès canadien, les dirigeants locaux du BAC de tout au Canada – ainsi que le Conseil exécutif de l’IU – sont descendus dans les rues d’Ottawa pour aider la section locale 7 du CN dans une « campagne-éclair » de syndicalisation du secteur résidentiel.

Comme l’a expliqué Craig Strudwick, directeur régional de l’IU au Canada, « une campagneéclair de syndicalisation constitue une opération au cours de laquelle des représentants de différentes sections locales se rendent dans une ville pour aider une section locale dans le cadre d’une campagne de syndicalisation. Une telle campagne-éclair nous permet de

contacter beaucoup plus de travailleurs non syndiqués que nous ne le pourrions habituellement, et constitue une puissante démonstration de la force et de la solidarité du syndicat. » Cette tactique a été utilisée par le BAC sur plusieurs marchés américains au fil des ans, mais il s’agissait de la première fois de mémoire récente que des sections locales canadiennes s’engageaient dans un effort commun. « Le soutien de nos confrères et consœurs des autres sections locales a fait une énorme différence dans notre capacité à atteindre les briqueteurs du secteur résidentiel que nous souhaitons syndiquer, a déclaré Sam Grimard, directeur commercial de la section locale 7 du CN. Au nom de la

section locale 7, nous sommes impatients de rendre la pareille à une autre section locale bientôt. » Le président de l’IU, Tim Driscoll, qui a visité un certain nombre de chantiers en compagnie du secrétaire-trésorier Jerry Sullivan et du vice-président exécutif Keith Hocevar, a remercié la section locale 7 du CN d’avoir accueilli la première campagne-éclair du syndicat au Canada. « Sam et son équipe ont un plan solide pour organiser le secteur résidentiel, et nous sommes reconnaissants qu’ils nous aient accueillis, ainsi que nos confrères et consœurs de tout le Canada, pour les aider à montrer aux briqueteurs non syndiqués le pouvoir du BAC. // ISSUE 2, 2024 // 25

SAFETY & HEALTH

BAC Promotes FallPrevention During OSHA National Safety Stand Down Week

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n May 6, OSHA had its 11th Annual OSHA National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction week. During this week, federal partners, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and key industry leaders took time to discuss proper training and share best practices to limit falls at job sites.

As part of the Stand Down, BAC launched several training webinars focusing on ladder and mast climber safety, as well as how to protect yourself from experiencing a fall at work. These webinars and more can be found by scanning the QR code on the next page. BAC also teamed up with IMTEF to create toolbox talks to go out to all job sites, focusing on safety around ladders and other fall protection. They can also be found using the QR code.

When it comes to protecting workers from falls on the job, both workers and employers must work together to ensure that the proper equipment, PPE gear, and necessary training are available for every worker on the job site. Go to bacweb.org/safety (or scan the QR code) for more information on common worksite challenges to safety, and to learn more about how to best protect yourself from falls. //

26 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

Staying Safe in the Heat

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orkers in the construction industry, especially BAC members, must often work outdoors in direct sunlight, or hot areas with poor ventilation, raising their risk for heat-related illnesses or death.

To stay safe in these conditions, workers need to know what to look for. There are several different medical conditions one can suffer when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more.

KNOW THE SIGNS If a worker is suffering from heat exhaustion, they may exhibit signs of nausea, weakness, heavy sweating, and dizziness. If a worker is suffering from heat stroke, they may appear confused with slurred speech and eventual loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed, so it is crucial for workers exposed to these conditions to know what symptoms to look for and how to limit exposure to extreme temperatures. For a complete list of heat-related conditions and their symptoms, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at tinyurl.com/3s9hpuyk.

There are several factors that may raise the chances of a worker experiencing heat-related illness or

BAC WORKING TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF INCREASING EXTREME HEAT Knowing this issue will continue to grow in severity as our climate changes, the delegates at the 2022 Special Constitutional Convention passed resolutions focused on keeping workers protected from the heat through better legislation and better enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. The two resolutions, No. 53 and 54, focus on protecting workers through a two-pronged approach.

Resolution No. 53 calls on the Governments of the United States and Canada to pass the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act. This Act would require

death, including being new to the job site, not drinking enough water, or doing heavy physical labor in hot or humid conditions.

In order to prevent experiencing severe heat illness while working in hot conditions, workers should

employers to implement measures to mitigate risk to workers from heat stress and would establish national requirements for employers to take steps to minimize risks associated with heat. Resolution No. 54 calls on BAC Local Unions and ADCs to enforce provisions in their collective bargaining agreements that ensure rest breaks from the heat, accessible drinking water, and reinforce the role of stewards in work site monitoring.

More recently, the Biden administration and the Department of Labor have unveiled a new federal

not wait until thirsty to drink water, especially when working in dry heat where they may not notice sweat. During extreme heat conditions, it is important to regularly replenish fluids lost through sweating, avoid caffeine, and take

regulation on extreme heat. The proposed rule includes requirements for identifying heat hazards, developing heat illness response plans, training for employees and supervisors, as well as implementing new safety standards including rest breaks, access to shade and water, and heat acclimatization periods for new employees. More information about the proposed ruling can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4myxptpr.

To find out more about these resolutions and the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, go to bacweb.org.

SCAN HERE TO GO TO bacweb.org/safety Resources: Center for Construction Research and Training ISSUE 2, 2024 // 27

SAFETY & HEALTH frequent breaks out of the sun. In areas with dry heat conditions, workers may not notice sweating.

MAKE A PLAN Construction workers account for 7% of the US workforce but experience 38% of heat-related deaths at work. These deaths are highly preventable through proper planning, training, and monitoring.

To keep workers safe, employers should have a written plan in place to prevent prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and hot weather conditions. Such plans must include measures to help new workers develop tolerance

to heat through acclimatization, specify who will provide oversight on a daily basis, criteria to determine if the total heat stress is hazardous, and more.

Resources for BAC signatory contractors looking to develop their own plans can be found at bacweb. org/safety (QR code on previous page), including the CPWR checklist for Heat-Illness Prevention (https://tinyurl.com/4bbtzfz4).

Employers should: + Have a heat-illness prevention and emergency plan in place.

+ Provide regular training on heat hazards and steps to prevent illness.

+ Keep clean, cool water on hand for workers — about 4 cups (two 16-ounce bottles) each hour.

+ Schedule frequent breaks in shady or cool areas.

+ Gradually increase workload for new workers so they can adjust to the heat.

For more information about how to avoid heat-related illness, visit the Center for Construction Research and Training at https://tinyurl.com/ yc22ba34. If you are concerned your employer is not taking the appropriate steps to avoid heat-related illness, contact your steward or local business representative. //

Biden Administration’s Department of Labor Recognizes Workers’ Right to Union Representative During Safety Walkaround

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he US Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a worker representative to be present during an OSHA inspection of their workplace.

After confusion related to the rule in 2017, the DOL clarified that a non-employee representative may be reasonably necessary based upon skills, knowledge, experience, language, or communication skills

regardless of whether this representative was employed at the same worksite by the same employer.

There are several methods by which a Certified Safety and Health Official may determine whether employees should have a walkaround representative. Should a BAC brother or sister, or any other worker covered under a collective bargaining agreement, file an OSHA complaint form, they will be asked

28 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

whether they are an authorized representative of the employees.

At jobsites where workers are represented by a recognized collective bargaining agent, the highest-ranking union official or representative on-site will designate the walkaround representative. For more information on the walkaround rule, consult your local representative or visit www.osha.gov. //

INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INTERNATIONAL PENSION FUND

IPF Rules on Employment After Retirement Rules for US Members

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o be considered retired, a pensioner must separate from employment for the entire month their pension starts. After retirement, the pension may be suspended for any month the pensioner works in Disqualifying Employment, depending upon their age and earnings. Disqualifying Employment is: 1. Work with a contributing employer or employer in the same or related business as a contributing employer.

2. Self-employment in the same or related business as a contributing employer.

3. Employment or self-employment in any business, which is under the jurisdiction of the BAC. 4. Employment with any union, fund, or program to which the BAC is a party by an agreement.

Pensioners are required to notify the International Pension Fund (IPF) office within 15 days, in writing, about any such employment they undertake. If they do not, their pension may be canceled for an additional six months.

Payments made during Disqualifying Employment will be deducted from future benefits. Exactly what kind of work will cause the benefit to be suspended depends upon age and earnings.

AGES 55–61: Pensioners under age 62 will have their payments withheld for any month worked in Disqualifying Employment.

AGES 62–63: Pensioners ages 62 and 63 will have their monthly benefit payment suspended when their yearly earnings in covered employment exceed

the Social Security maximum ($22,320.00 for 2024) for recipients under age 64.

AGES 64 AND OVER: For pensioners over age 64, there are no earnings limits, effective April 1, 2000.

For each calendar quarter in which a pensioner under age 64 engages in Non-covered Employment or self-employment in the masonry industry, their benefit will be suspended for six months regardless of their earnings.

All pensioners must notify the IPF office when they return to covered employment. Pensioners ages 62–63 should notify the IPF office when their earnings exceed the Social Security earnings maximum. If you are not sure if a type of employment is prohibited, you may request a ruling from the Board of Trustees.

RULES FOR CANADIAN MEMBERS POSTPONED RETIREMENT If a participant or former participant defers their retirement beyond their normal retirement age (65), their pension must

commence by the end of the calendar year in which they attain age seventy-one (71). Prior to the commencement of the pension, and while the participant is still in

Covered Employment, the participant shall be entitled to continue to accrue Future Service Credit under the Plan in the same manner and to the same extent as they could have ISSUE 2, 2024 // 29

INTERNATIONAL FUNDS done in that employment prior to their normal retirement age. Prior to age 71, retirement under the Plan shall be voluntary.

shall not be entitled to accrue any additional pension under the Plan for any period of such employment after pension payments commence.

RULES ON EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT

2. A pensioner who is re-employed in Covered Employment shall notify the Trustees as soon as possible.

To be considered retired, a participant or former participant must have separated from Covered Employment for at least one benefit period (one month) after meeting the conditions necessary to retire with a Normal Pension or Early Retirement Pension: 1. If a pensioner who is not a Disability Pensioner becomes employed in Covered Employment after pension payments under this Plan commence, the pensioner shall continue to receive pension payments and

3. After ceasing to be eligible to receive a Disability Pension, a participant who is employed in Covered Employment shall continue to accrue pension benefits hereunder in respect of such Covered Employment.

If a participant returns to Covered Employment, they are required to notify the IPF office in writing within 15 days about any such employment undertaken so that appropriate tax

reporting can be prepared, as it could reduce the amount they are able to contribute to other retirement arrangements.

For further information, visit https://bacbenefits.org/internationalpension-fund. //

CONTACT THE IPF OFFICE, NOT ONLY THE LOCAL UNION / ADC The IPF must be notified in writing directly from the pensioner when there is a change to employment status when drawing a IPF pension. Contacting the Local Union / ADC will not qualify. Emails should be sent to PensionPayroll@ipfweb.org.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH FUND

IHF Introduces Medicare Advantage Plan to its Benefit Offerings

T

hrough its partnership with UnitedHealthcare, effective January 1, 2024, the IHF introduced the UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan for Medicare retirees and spouses. The Medicare Advantage plan delivers all the benefits of original Medicare (Parts A and B),

includes prescription drug coverage (Part D), and offers additional benefits and features. Although the plan is not a supplemental plan and does not pay secondary to Medicare, it does work similar in that participants have little-to-no out-of-pocket cost for healthcare services when using the coverage.

30 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

As a UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan member, Medicare retirees are provided with benefits and services beyond what is provided with original Medicare. Participants will have a team committed to understanding their needs, assisting in getting the care they need,

and in managing their health.

UnitedHealthcare® will connect participants to health and wellness resources and even help to schedule preventive care, including arranging an annual wellness visit.

Below are highlights of what the new plan offers:

UNITEDHEALTHCARE® HOUSE CALLS An in-home visit designed to complement physician care. A licensed health care practitioner will review participants’ health history and current medications, perform a health screening to help identify health risks, and provide health education.

24/7 NURSE SUPPORT Participants can speak to a registered nurse anytime about medical concerns and questions.

REWARDS Participants earn rewards for taking an active role in their health and wellness by completing and

reporting certain health care activities.

RENEW ACTIVE® Renew Active® is the gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. Participants receive a free gym membership with access to the largest Medicare fitness network of gyms and fitness locations.

RENEW BY UNITEDHEALTHCARE® Access is provided to UnitedHealthcare’s online member-only Health & Wellness Experience.

VIRTUAL VISITS Live video chat with a provider from a computer, tablet or smartphone — anytime, day or night.

This benefit can be used for minor health care concerns such as cough/cold, allergies, fever, flu or sore throat. Participants also have access to Virtual Behavioral Health Visits, which are great for behavioral health concerns such as stress and anxiety, or depression.

PHARMACY CHOICE Participants can choose from thousands of pharmacies across the United States — including national chain, regional, and independent local retail pharmacies.

Retirees can also see any provider (in-network or out-ofnetwork) at the same cost share if the provider has not opted out of or been excluded or precluded from Medicare.

The benefit package for Medicare retirees also includes secondary prescription drug coverage through SavRx, keeping prescription costs low for Medicare retirees.

SavRx will serve as the preferred vendor for mail-order prescriptions for Medicare retirees.

This benefit is provided exclusively to retirees with coverage through the BAC International Health Fund. IHF participants with questions can contact the Fund Office at 1-888-880-8222. //

JOIN THE BAC TEXTING GROUP TODAY FOR INSTANT UPDATES! TEXT JOURNAL TO 50607 ISSUE 2, 2024 // 31

MAP

Teletherapy Expands Access to Mental Health Care

C

ounseling is a widely recommended and evidence-based treatment for those living with mental or behavioral health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, suicidality, substance misuse, and anger mismanagement. Workers in the construction industry are subject to experiencing these challenges — in some cases at even higher rates than the general population. According to research released by the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, up to 83% of construction workers have experienced a moderate to severe mental health issue.

What happens when a worker wants help and is ready to seek counseling, but accessibility limitations make it challenging or even impossible to regularly attend in-person appointments? From changing work schedules and project locations that may be far away from home, to provider shortages — especially in rural areas — construction workers face several potential barriers to receiving recurring outpatient mental health treatment services. One favorable but often overlooked solution to these limitations is teletherapy.

Teletherapy refers to counseling services provided by licensed mental health professionals through virtual means. While utilization of telehealth services has skyrocketed

in recent years, many workers are hesitant to fully embrace teletherapy, dismissing it as a less effective or “impersonal” option. Dispelling these myths is crucial to helping construction workers more easily access needed mental health services, and ultimately enhance overall wellbeing.

Research shows that teletherapy is as effective as face-to-face counseling, and no significant differences were found between teletherapy and face-to-face counseling in terms of the quality of care, the therapeutic alliance and client satisfaction.

Advantages of teletherapy include:

GREATER ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, ONGOING SERVICES While working in remote areas or on projects that require travel, teletherapy allows for continuity of care from a greater provider pool.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS In addition to affordable coverage offered through most insurance plans, teletherapy can help address secondary costs of in-person care, such as transportation costs, that can accumulate over time.

CONVENIENCE AND EASE Most teletherapy platforms are relatively user friendly and easy to

32 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

navigate. Teletherapy also offers the potential for immediacy, allows for increased flexibility, and better accommodates complicated or ever-changing schedules.

CAN HELP WITH STIGMA Stigma is often a barrier to treatment for many workers in the construction industry. Teletherapy can be a meaningful step for those who may be interested in mental health treatment but are resistant to the idea of going into a therapy clinic or office.

While teletherapy may not be appropriate for all mental health challenges or needs, it is worth considering this valuable, and in many cases preferable treatment option for BAC members and their families.

Outside of teletherapy, technology continues to advance in ways that increasingly support worker wellbeing — with examples including online mental health screenings and smartphone apps.

In an evolving mental health landscape, looking to new frontiers can improve and even save lives.

If you or a loved one needs mental health treatment or would like more information on teletherapy, please call MAP for free, confidential support at 1-833-MAP-TALK, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern. //

LOCAL 1 ALBERTA Sixteen year BAC Local 1 Alberta member Marko Woite began his career in 1988 as an apprentice in Germany.

After years of working in the field, in 2007 he moved to Edmonton, AB to work for Scorpio Masonry as a bricklayer and later a foreman. Recognized for his expertise in restoration especially, Brother Woite has had the opportunity to work on buildings such as the Alberta Legislature, the Federal Building, Kelly Ramsey Building, and the Royal Alberta Museum. Brother Woite’s second passion is photography. On holidays and free weekends he travels throughout North America to take photos in landscape, night photography, weddings and portraits.

LOCAL Compass

Brother Woite on the jobsite.

A photo of Maligne Lake in Alberta taken by Brother Woite.

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 33

LOCAL 1 NEW YORK

LOCAL 3 IOWA

BAC Local 3 Iowa President/Secretary-Treasurer Ray Lemke presented Local 3 IA member and former Training Director Chris Busch with his 25-year service award.

In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, BAC Local 1 New York President Jack Argila (left) and Local 1 NY Secretary-Treasurer Tony LaCava (right) presented Local 1 NY member John Loretoni his 75-year service award at his residence in Norwalk, CT. At the remarkable age of 95, Brother Loretoni’s steadfast commitment to BAC since 1948 serves as a shining example of loyalty and dedication within our union.

LOCAL 1 PENNSYLVANIA/ DELAWARE

BAC Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware hosted an open house for students from the Williamson College of the Trades and signatory contractors in April. The event gave students a glimpse of what their future as Local 1 members could be and showed contractors the future of the trade. Approximately 50 students and 20 contractors were in attendance.

34 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

BAC Local 3 Iowa Apprentice Coordinator Bob Rowland (right) presented Local 3 IA member Robert “Todd” Murry with his 25-year service award.

BAC Local 3 Iowa member Darin Kirkpatrick received his 25-year service award from Local 3 IA Apprentice Coordinator Bob Rowland.

IN MEMORIAM — NOVEMBER Death Benefit Claims for November 2023 Total Amount Paid

$128,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$1,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$127,000.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Adams, Paul H. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Agugliaro, Pat - 01, NY Albertini, Frank - 01, PA/DE Apelles, Hans - 01, NY Arredondo, Amadeo O. - 21, IL Atkins, Richard B. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

TL B B B, CM, M, P, TL PC, W B

87 92 90 88 48 90

Brackett, Clinton - 05, NJ/DE/PA Brown, James A. - 09, PA Butticci, Romeo - 03, CA

B B B, M

Callaghan, Francis J. - 21, IL Carlson, Sr., Edward J. - 02, MI Chiles, Jr., Henry L. - 01, WA/AK Costantini, Silio - 01, NY

73

Average Age

83.73

Average Years of Membership

56.01

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

51 75 62 66 20 64

Meredith, Thomas - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Mingkang, Ma - 03, CA Moscone, Sr., Albert J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Muller, Harry - 01, NY Mustachio, Vincent J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B FN B B B, CM, P

86 64 84 80 93

65 17 64 55 68

84 83 94

52 67 68

Natole, Eugene A. - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B, CM, P

87

68

B B B B, M

98 91 90 96

77 68 67 67

Parabicoli, Robert E. - 01, HI Paskach, Frank R. - 15, MO/KS/NE Pitifer, Jr., Charles F. - 03, NY Pozzobon, Marcello - 04, ON

B B, M B, CM,M B

96 79 89 89

74 58 68 62

Quante, Billy W. - 07, CO/WY

B

90

74

DelBianco, Franco - 09, PA DeMaio, Richard V. - 09, PA DiLucente, Enrico - 09, PA Dudsak, Charles J. - 07, NY/NJ

CM, MW, TW TL CB, M FN

86 67 85 92

49 38 68 35

Evans, Ronald K. - 74, IL

B

79

47

Reese, Garry E. - 05, PA Reich, William G. - 05, OK/AR/TX Rever, Robert G. - 01, AB Richardson, David A. - 01, AB Ritter, Gary - 01, MO Robinson, Edward G. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Rosato, Samuel J. - 01, PA/DE

B, PC B B B B B B, CM, PC

67 89 91 82 62 85 74

21 67 74 56 44 57 43

Ferguson, David M. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Foster, Roger L. - 04, IN/KY Fraim, David F. - 02, MI

B, GU, M, MM, RE, W B B, CM, M

69 78 83

45 44 57

Galante, Giannino R. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Ghifoyyi, Bruno B. - 21, IL Ginther, Lawrence R. - 01, AB Gleason, Patrick - 21, IL Grooms, Archie L. - 07, CO/WY

B, PC B B TL B

92 96 80 80 95

37 71 57 54 71

Saladino, Mario A. - 05, OK/AR/TX Shelton, Jr., Willie R. - 01, MO Shiderly, Sr., Kenneth W. - 09, PA Short, Edward J. - 04, NJ Sinda, Leroy A. - 02, MI Smith, Bobby L. - 01, PA/DE Stevens, Robert L. - 03, NY Szarka, Alan T. - 56, IL

B CS B, TL CM B B B B

95 90 84 86 93 88 75 74

75 56 62 64 69 53 52 47

Hare, Sr., Joseph A. - 01, MD/VA/DC Hock, Sr., James G. - 56, IL Holcomb, Kenneth L. - 05, OK/AR/TX

M, PC, CM B B

78 78 72

28 57 52

Tresnak, George W. - 56, IL

B

88

68

Ulerick, Ronald C. - 05, PA Urban, Sr., Jerome W. - 08, WI

B, M, TL B

80 92

57 71

Knuth, Wayne E. - 08, WI Kristich, Michael P. - 21, IL Kucharchuk, George L. - 21, IL Kuntz, Gerald C. - 04, IN/KY Kurtz, Jr., Walter E. - 03, AZ/NM

B B B B, PC B

89 87 91 67 88

71 67 69 24 66

Vankeppel, John - 04, IN/KY Vaughn, James D. - 09, PA Vitale, Cesare - 21, IL

B B, PC B

86 67 88

36 2 51

Willis, Joseph R. - 01, PA/DE Winderl, Frederick J. - 02, NY/VT Wise, Jr., Carl - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

M B, M B, TL

72 86 92

51 67 58

Yoshimoto, Warren T. - 01, HI

M

84

54

Lobdell, Philip R. - 03, CA

PC

70

48

Marks, Robert J. - 09, WI Matsche, Donald J. - 06, WI

B, CM, M B, M

80 92

45 57

IN MEMORIAM — DECEMBER Death Benefit Claims for December 2023 Total Amount Paid

$84,000.00

Total Death Benefits

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$3,000.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Aaberg, Allen D. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B

85

55

Bell, Kenneth L. - 19, WI Berry, William H. - 02, MI Boscaglia, Lewis J. - 02, MI

B GU, W, B, CM CM, B

72 66 90

44 39 67

$81,000.00 52

Average Age

79.98

Average Years of Membership

50.63

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Brinsko, John - 05, PA Bucci, Joseph - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Buonanno, Pio - 02, NY/VT

PL CM, B FN

60 89 67

6 55 36

Ergen, Lowell B. - 08, WI

B

92

73

ARTICLE XIX OF THE IU CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THAT DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF A MEMBER'S DEATH. MEMBERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD UPDATE THEIR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FOLLOWING ANY MAJOR LIFE CHANGES (MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, DEATH OF A SPOUSE, ETC.).

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 35

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Estes, William S. - 21, IL

PC

69

42

Ferkler, James J. - 01, PA/DE Fidler, James - 01, PA/DE Fiset, Jacques - 04, QC

B B B

75 89 62

57 70 19

Gava, James P. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Geracitano, Eugenio - 04, NJ Gorham, Clark C. - 02, MI Green, Harold P. - 03, NY Gurzeler, Fritz - 04, CA

FN B, M B, M RE, B TL

69 86 95 86 91

34 50 69 50 50

Helton, Jr., Max E. - 04, IN/KY Heppelmann, Richard B. - 01, MN/ND/SD Higgins, Sr., James F. - 01, NY

B B, CM, M B

66 86 83

48 64 62

Jarka, Thomas P. - 04, IN/KY Justice, Jr., Ralph M. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B B

83 76

58 53

Kelly, John - 04, CA Kruckewitt, Peter R. - 03, CA Kuduk, Dennis G. - 19, WI Kunze, Herbert E. - 01, MN/ND/SD Kuzela, Stanley - 02, ON

B B, M, MM B, CM, M CB B

90 70 74 90 89

59 45 53 54 73

Lindsey, Ronnie R. - 07, CO/WY LoGiudice, Francesco - 02, NY/VT

B, M B, CM

76 73

57 14

Makos, Walter J. - 05, PA

FN

90

34

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Miller, Ralph F. - 02, MI Minardo, Samuel G. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Montoya, Salvador A. - 05, OK/AR/TX

B, CM PC B

90 97 90

58 51 67

Paolucci, Umberto - 03, NY Paroline, Kenneth R. - 05, OK/AR/TX Patriarca, Antonio L. - 01, CT Picco, Jr., Natale A. - 01, NY Polizzi, Ciro - 02, MI

P, CM B B B, CM TL

91 86 89 66 94

68 67 53 44 55

Randazzo, Arthur J. - 01, NY Rodriguez, Ramiro R. - 04, IN/KY Ronnegren, Kurt O. - 21, IL

B FN B

86 52 98

69 32 70

Serratos-Gutierrez, Antonio - 02, MI Smith, Stephen E. - 04, IN/KY Starkweather, John H. - 01, WA/AK Sturges, Jr., Gerald H. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Swank, Michael E. - 05, PA

CM B TL RE, B B, M

76 73 64 55 77

53 36 34 32 35

Taliani, Charles A. - 56, IL Taylor, Jr., Robert L. - 04, NJ Thompson, Hershel E. - 08, IL Thompson, Stuart L. - 04, IN/KY

B, CM B B B, M

82 82 86 80

57 51 55 54

Weatherholt, Larry W. - 4, IN/KY Wirtz, Jr., Hubert - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

PC P

67 89

49 53

IN MEMORIAM — JANUARY Death Benefit Claims for January 2024 Total Amount Paid

$117,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$2,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$115,000.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Accica, Peter A. - 02, MI Agugliaro, John S. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Altemose, Jr., Leroy A. - 05, PA Ameil, Sr., Robert J. - 03, CA Aversa, Antonio - 01, NY

TL, TW, CH, MM B, CM, P B, CM B B, CM, M

65 76 66 87 85

38 58 42 65 63

Bianco, Emilio M. - 03, NY Bidlen, Andrew A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Boccardi, Errico - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Budreau, William C. - 02, MI Bunting, Norman M. - 01, MN/ND/SD Burnett, Donald W. - 04, NJ Burzynski, Wieslaw - 01, NY

B B B B B, M B, CM RB

88 79 96 93 87 86 58

64 59 60 61 62 62 17

Caskey, Sr., Edward J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Clark, Eugene D. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Cowherd, Jr., Leslie A. - 04, IN/KY Cunningham, Lynn T. - 03, NY

B, CM B PC B

83 94 77 79

19 76 54 61

Deczki, Sigmund A. - 02, BC Duevel, Friedhelm - 01, WA/AK

TL TL, TW

90 82

55 54

Espinosa Garcia, Martin - 03, CA Esposito, John A. - 01, CT

FN PC

60 71

25 21

Feinauer, Eugene E. - 02, MI

B, CM

92

74

Giaime, Vincent - 01, NY Giubelini, Eliseu - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Green, Elbert L. - 04, NJ

B B B

84 84 90

61 49 68

Hanley, Donald F. - 02, MI Hawxhurst, Kevin - 05, NJ/DE/PA Heinzman, Jr., Thomas J. - 09, PA Hicks, Albert J. - 01, MO

B B, CM, P FN B, M

91 65 57 91

72 43 25 67

36 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

66

Average Age

83.92

Average Years of Membership

56.39

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Hornyak, Ronald J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B, CM, P

87

61

Ishikawa, Gordon K. - 01, HI

M

91

57

Kaska, Ronald M. - 08, IL Klarich, George S. - 21, IL Klopfer, Robert J. - 02, MI Kolis, Joseph E. - 08, IL

TL B B B, M, MM

87 86 96 98

61 60 69 77

LaFay, Edward A. - 02, NY/VT Lantz, Donald E. - 04, IN/KY Linder, James W. - 01, MN/ND/SD Lowery, Michael T. - 21, IL

B, CM, M, P B PC B

86 95 82 72

65 72 61 49

Mantione, John - 04, NJ McGeddy, William C. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Morell, Charles J. - 05, PA Mowatt, Sr., James L. - 21, IL Murray, Sr., James H. - 18, MO Musciano, Luciano - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B, CM B, CM, P, TL P B FN B

94 82 86 91 87 93

61 61 52 69 34 65

Ori, Leo - 21, IL

M

91

71

Phelps, Elmo L. - 04, IN/KY

B

93

51

Rasmussen, Tage B. - 01, WA/AK Ropke, Sr., Ronald J. - 21, IL

B B

87 91

65 63

Sears, David R. - 01, NS Siggerud, Charles M. - 01, MN/ND/SD Silver, Bill D. - 08, IL Stilts, James A. - 74, IL Stokes, Douglas D. - 03, CA Stone, Sr., Ira G. - 09, PA Sut, Marino - 08, NB

B B B, M B PC B CM, RE, TL, TW, CH

77 81 89 58 75 81 88

58 57 70 28 45 57 53

ARTICLE XIX OF THE IU CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THAT DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF A MEMBER'S DEATH. MEMBERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD UPDATE THEIR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FOLLOWING ANY MAJOR LIFE CHANGES (MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, DEATH OF A SPOUSE, ETC.).

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Thorpe, Frederick A. - 04, CA

B

89

71

Ure, II, Bradford T. - 21, IL

TL

83

57

VanGerven, Cornelius - 02, BC VanLeeuwen, William - 05, ON

B B

91 89

60 65

Wagner, Walter E. - 08, WI Wardell, Gary L. - 04, CA Wheeler, Arthur L. - 03, NY White, Clifton R. - 03, NY Williams, Donald R. - 55, OH

B B CM, RE, TL, TW, CH B B, M

94 92 90 84 94

61 72 56 63 69

Wadzinski, Jerome D. - 19, WI

B

66

44

Zanetti, Sandrino M. - 02, NY/VT

FN

87

37

IN MEMORIAM — FEBRUARY Death Benefit Claims for February 2024 Total Amount Paid

$149,850.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$2,400.00

Total Death Benefits

$147,450.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Aerts, Jr., Arthur A. - 04, CA Allen, Luther E. - 04, CA Antonelli, Richard R. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Artuso, Leo M. - 06, WI

B FN B, CM B

72 93 93 83

Bahantka, William M. - 03, NY Baldwin, Kevin W. - 01, PA/DE Barber, Robert F. - 01, WA/AK Barnhardt, Leo G. - 01, WA/AK Bauer, James J. - 08, WI Beaver, Jr., William R. - 04, IN/KY Bedell, Hudson T. - 02, NY/VT Blue, Robert - 01, MN/ND/SD Borneim, Bruce H. - 01, MD/VA/DC Bradley, Dale J. - 02, MI Brundidge, Billy H. - 03, CA Brunty, Ernest F. - 04, IN/KY

B, CM PC, CM B B B, M B MM, TL B TL, TW PC B B

Clifton, Joseph G. - 04, CA Cristiano, Francesco - 01, NY Crothers, Lee R. - 02, MI

88

Average Age

83.88

Average Years of Membership

57.38

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

51 32 74 42

Lee, Jr., Stockard J. - 07, CO/WY Lepore, Guy A. - 04, NJ Lindsay, Jr., David - 05, OK/AR/TX Link, Jr., John J. - 08, SE

B B, CM, M B B

97 90 94 73

72 73 76 55

64 61 81 85 75 80 102 91 95 74 88 73

35 37 61 61 51 57 75 74 69 45 69 51

Masters, Thomas J. - 02, NY/VT McAleer, Gregory T. - 02, MI McShane, Patrick J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Mendini, Louis - 05, NJ/DE/PA Miller, Robert A. - 09, PA Millin, Nerucci - 02, BC Morin, Alejandro T. - 01, NY Morley, John E. - 02, NY/VT Murawska, Arthur G. - 56, IL Murphy, Peter S. - 05, WI

PC, B, P TL, M, MM B B, CM, P B B B CB, CM B TL

61 70 79 82 84 86 89 88 94 72

41 35 61 62 65 56 62 66 75 47

Newborn, Travis E. - 21, IL

B

98

72

TL B B

93 91 75

72 60 41

Oien, David J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Okuhara, Raymond H. - 01, HI

B, M, W M

80 84

58 57

DeVeney, John C. - 08, SE Devlin, John - 05, NJ/DE/PA Di Michele, Gabriele - 01, NS DiLabio, Antonio - 07, CN DiSclafani, Paolo - 04, NJ Distefano, Alfio - 05, NJ/DE/PA Dover, Raymond P. - 08, IL Driver, Clyde J. - 08, SE

B, CM, P B, CM B TL B B, CM, P B B, M

96 88 82 83 91 96 95 97

69 63 55 45 54 64 75 74

Panozzo, Sr., Louis F. - 21, IL Peters, James P. - 01, AB Pettorossi, Angelo - 01, ON Preussner, Guenther F. - 01, NY

B B B B

87 62 87 83

65 21 63 61

Queen, Buddy J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Quinn, Hugh C. - 01, PA/DE

B B

85 69

44 41

Elliott, Jr., Elmo O. - 04, IN/KY

B

93

73

Ray, Melvin S. - 05, WI Ree, Walter C. - 01, MN/ND/SD Rinehart, Charles E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Ryan, Bernard - 01, NS

TL B B B

95 91 91 95

65 70 73 74

Fittpaldi, Silvio - 01, NY Flinchbaugh, Ronald I. - 05, PA French, James R. - 05, OK/AR/TX

B B B, CM

92 83 62

71 55 26

Gravelle, Donald A. J. - 01, ON Gugliotti, Michele - 01, CT

B CM

79 81

59 58

Sabatini, Raymond - 05, PA Schuler, Carl E. - 03, IA Sierens, Randolph - 03, NY Smits, Richard L. - 02, MI Spanos, Michael N. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

CM, P B, M B B PC, W, GU

88 92 66 90 66

21 72 32 67 11

Hall, Sr., Ronnie E. - 02, NY/VT Hanson, Dale P. - 01, MN/ND/SD Herbert, Michael J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Hillesheim, James B. - 08, IL Holz, Thomas C. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Hopple, Jr., Albert C. - 01, PA/DE

B, CM, M, P, TL B PC B B B, M

71 92 77 89 80 80

36 71 54 70 60 55

Talarek, Paul H. - 02, BC Taylor, James - 05, OK/AR/TX Terry, Clifford L. - 15, MO/KS/NE Tomlin, William R. - 04, CA

B B B, M B

88 69 99 65

59 50 76 41

Ulm, Terry L. - 04, IN/KY

B

80

57

Iacobucci, Primo - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Iannacci, Angelo G. - 01, NY Isidori, Gaetano - 02, ON

B, CM, M B B

93 92 85

72 71 63

Van Wagner, Stuart F. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Viscuso, Paul A. - 01, PA/DE

B, P B

89 85

69 65

Johnson, Roger D. - 04, CA Jones, Dean M. - 05, PA

B B, M

80 87

54 61

Walls, Richard A. - 04, IN/KY Webb, Arthur C. - 01, AB Westfield, John E. - 03, NY Wismann, Lawrence W. - 03, CA

FN B B, M B

64 82 97 100

9 59 78 84

Kemper, David F. - 05, PA

PC, CM

82

24

ARTICLE XIX OF THE IU CONSTITUTION REQUIRES THAT DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF A MEMBER'S DEATH. MEMBERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD UPDATE THEIR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FOLLOWING ANY MAJOR LIFE CHANGES (MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, DEATH OF A SPOUSE, ETC.).

ISSUE 2, 2024 // 37

THE OUTDOORS AND UNIONS HAVE A DEEP-ROOTED HERITAGE IN OUR GREAT COUNTRY.

If you’re like so many of your union brothers and sisters, being part of a union and the outdoor culture is at the heart of who you are.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) connects the union and outdoor way of life, uniting outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen to stand together to preserve our outdoor heritage for future generations.

N TO JO A I C

N

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And BAC members can join at no cost!

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•J

OIN

O PE

C

AM

UNIONSPORTSMEN.ORG

E RA

• S CA N C

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ACTIVATE YOUR NO-COST USA MEMBERSHIP AND MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE MYUSAMEMBERSHIP.COM