BAC Journal (Issue 2, 2021)

BAC

JOURNAL

IUBAC | INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS | ISSUE 2 | 2021

BAC PLAYS KEY ROLE in Expansion Efforts for New York’s Iconic Penn Station Page 3

BAC JOURNAL

CONTENTS

The Official Journal of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (ISSN 0362-3696) | ISSUE 2 | 2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD Timothy Driscoll President Robert Arnold Secretary-Treasurer Carlos Aquin Executive Vice President Jeremiah Sullivan, Jr. Executive Vice President REGIONAL DIRECTORS NORTHEAST Al Catalano IU Regional Director, Northeast 304 Kenwood Avenue, #4, Delmar, NY 12054 (518) 439-6080 SOUTH Ed Navarro IU Regional Director, South 6201 S.E. Beaver View Rd, Lawton, OK 73501 (580) 357-3048 NORTH CENTRAL Keith Hocevar IU Regional Director, North Central 7640 White Pine Ct., Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 534-1108

PAGE 11

Members of BAC Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware made four-year-old Nicholas Esposito’s

CANADA Craig Strudwick IU Regional Director, Canada 2100 Thurston Drive, #3, Ottawa, ON K1G 4K8 (613) 830-0333

dream come true.

1

President’s Message

20

My BAC Story

2

Mensaje Del Presidente

21

Safety and Health

3

Members at Work

24

International Funds

10

Community Service

26

MAP

12

News in Brief

27

Canada

14

IMI/IMTEF

28

Local Compass

18

Legislative and Political

30

In Memoriam

CONTENTS // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

WEST Raymond Keen IU Regional Director, West P.O. Box 230460, Las Vegas, NV 89105 (702) 254-1988

Editorial Staff: Brian Kennedy, Yin Yin 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

Success is Where Preparation and Opportunity Meet

A

s we enter summer, the promise of coordinated vaccine delivery programs across both our countries and the subsequent improving economic conditions provide reason for optimism. Over 50% of Americans and more than 60% of Canadians have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. And on the work front, the American Institute of Architects reports that design firms are experiencing their strongest growth in over a decade. Consequently, the work outlook for the coming years is positive.

Of course, progress is never inevitable. We must continue to follow best practices for combatting the Covid-19 virus in its various forms. On that front BAC is engaged in print, social media, and online campaigns to ensure that accurate and timely information is available to BAC members so that they can make informed healthcare decisions. (Pages 22–23) While on the work front BAC must be prepared to capture the work opportunities that will flow from a resurgent economy as we emerge from the pandemic. That will mean continuing our efforts to remain the premier source for trained and skilled trowel trades craftworkers across North

America. BAC members recognize that training and learning their craft is a lifelong commitment in an evolving construction industry.

(Page 17) We also have an obligation to organize the un-organized. That applies to both workers and contractors engaged in our industry.

BAC must demonstrate the benefits of union membership and union craftsmanship to those outside the union. And there is no better spokesperson or example of those benefits than you, the BAC craftworker. I encourage all members to assist their local unions in their efforts to grow our membership and our market share. Whether it is mentoring a young apprentice, welcoming newly organized members, or participating in local campaigns, your involvement and your voice are critical to our success.

BAC must be actively engaged in our communities as well, prepared to work with those elected officials dedicated to furthering the interests of working people, and opposing those that seek to diminish the rights of union labor.

Recently, the members and officers of BAC Local 3 MA/NH/ME/ RI did just that and successfully fought an effort in New Hampshire to enact so called “Right to Work”

(RTW) legislation. (Page 19) While our attention at the national level now turns to fighting for a robust infrastructure plan that will help rebuild the roads, schools, airports, public housing, transit systems, hospitals and more that enable our communities to flourish. (Page 18) The improving health conditions across both our countries and the subsequent economic upturn provides reason for optimism, but it will be those prepared to meet the demands of a surging construction industry that will reap the benefits of this recovery. Our Union will engage all its resources to ensure that BAC members are at the forefront of this resurgence.

Stay healthy and stay safe brothers and sisters!

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 1

MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE

El éxito es donde la preparación y la oportunidad se encuentran

A

medida que entramos en el verano, la promesa de programas coordinados para la entrega de vacunas en nuestros dos países y la consecuente mejora de las condiciones económicas proporcionan motivos para el optimismo. Más del 50 % de los estadounidenses y más del 60 % de los canadienses han recibido su primera dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Y en cuanto al tema laboral, el American Institute of Architects informa que las empresas de diseño están experimentando su mayor crecimiento en más de una década. Por consiguiente, las perspectivas laborales para los próximos años son positivas.

Evidentemente, el progreso nunca es inevitable. Debemos continuar con las mejores prácticas para combatir el virus de la COVID19 en sus diversas formas. En ese aspecto, el Sindicato Internacional de Albañiles y Oficios Afines (The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, BAC) participa en campañas impresas, en las redes sociales y en línea para garantizar que sus miembros dispongan de información precisa y oportuna para que puedan tomar decisiones de atención médica fundamentadas (páginas 22 a la 23).

Mientras que, en el tema laboral, el BAC debe estar preparado para

aprovechar las oportunidades laborales que surgirán de una economía resurgente a medida que salgamos de la pandemia. Eso significará continuar nuestros esfuerzos para seguir siendo la principal fuente de artesanos de oficios especializados y entrenados en toda América del Norte. Los miembros de BAC reconocen que capacitar y aprender su oficio es un compromiso de por vida en una industria de la construcción en desarrollo (página 17).

También tenemos la obligación de ordenar lo desorganizado. Eso se aplica tanto a los trabajadores como a los contratistas que participan en nuestra industria. BAC debe demostrar los beneficios de la membresía sindical y la destreza sindical a quienes no pertenecen al sindicato. Y no hay mejor portavoz o ejemplo de esos beneficios que usted, el artesano de BAC. Animo a todos los miembros a ayudar a sus sindicatos locales en sus esfuerzos por aumentar nuestra membresía y nuestra participación en el mercado. Ya sea asesorando a un joven aprendiz, dando la bienvenida a miembros recién organizados o participando en campañas locales, su participación y su voz son fundamentales para nuestro éxito.

BAC también debe participar activamente en nuestras comunidades, estar preparado para trabajar

2 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

con los funcionarios electos dedicados a promover los intereses de los trabajadores y oponerse a aquellos que buscan disminuir los derechos del trabajo sindical. Hace poco, los miembros y funcionarios de BAC del local 3 MA/NH/ME/RI hicieron precisamente eso y lucharon con éxito en un esfuerzo en New Hampshire para promulgar la legislación llamada “Derecho al trabajo” (Right to Work, RTW) (página 19). Mientras tanto, nuestra atención a nivel nacional ahora se centra en luchar por un plan de infraestructura sólido que ayudará a reconstruir las carreteras, escuelas, aeropuertos, viviendas públicas, sistemas de tránsito, hospitales y más, que permitan que nuestras comunidades prosperen (página 18).

La mejora de las condiciones de salud en nuestros dos países y la recuperación económica subsiguiente proporcionan motivos para el optimismo, pero serán aquellos que estén preparados para satisfacer las demandas de una creciente industria de la construcción los que cosecharán los beneficios de esta recuperación. Nuestro sindicato empleará todos sus recursos para garantizar que los miembros de BAC estén al frente de este resurgimiento. ¡Manténganse saludables y seguros, hermanos y hermanas! //

MEMBERS AT WORK

BAC Plays Key Role in Expansion Efforts for New York’s Iconic Penn Station

J

oe Bond still remembers the little voice inside his head that continually repeated the call to arms his team was asked to follow every day as they headed to their jobsite on 31st and 33rd streets between 8th

and 9th avenues in New York City.

“The time slots are the time slots— stick to the schedule.”

As a foreman for BAC signatory contractor Miller Druck Specialty Contracting, and Tile Mechanic

A view of Penn Station from the 6th Ave in 1912.

Today’s Penn Station from the 6th Ave.

of BAC Local 7 New York/New Jersey, Bond oversaw a crew that worked seven days a week on Moynihan Train Hall—the monumental civic project that connects the architectural past through adaptive reuse of the existing, nearly abandoned, James A. Farley Building. With 25 BAC members on the weekdays and 35 on the weekends, Bond’s team was tasked with strictly adhering to the schedule, including daily deliveries that started at 5:30 a.m. and ended at 7:30 a.m. sharp.

BAC Local 7 NY/NJ members in four lifts starting from left, Marble Mechanic Christopher Nolan Sr., Marble Apprentice Alec Beahm, Marble Finisher Wayne Bernard, Marble Mechanic Darvil Sheshi, Marble Finisher Karamo Yock, Marble Mechanic Abdul Noory, Marble Finisher Moustapha Yock, and Marble Mechanic Grzegorz Kurdziel.

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 3

MEMBERS AT WORK

Standing from left, BAC Local 7 NY/NJ members Ilir Ibrahimi, Vangjel Bido, David Hey, Nestor Agudelo, Christopher Nolan Sr., Moustapha Yock, Grzegorz Kurdziel, Micheal Goedtel, Dritan Gjoshi, Karamo Yock, Jason Dilthey, Alec Beahm, Peter Kinley, Robert O’Brien, Lukasz Dec, Fation Gjoka, Francesco Bosa, Wayne Bernard, Anthony Oddo, and Joseph Famigetti.

Kneeling from left, Joseph Marconi, Field Superintendant; Barbara Cohen, Owner of Miller Druck; Joseph Bond, Foreman; and Darren Morran.

Working in the epicenter of one of the most affected areas of the country for COVID-19, eerily defined by uncharacteristically empty New York City streets, the job was not like any other BAC members had seen before.

The plan was clear cut: Amtrak, in partnership with Empire State

Development (State of New York), set out to recapture the original spirit of 1910 Pennsylvania Station train travel by connecting the architectural past through adaptive reuse of the city’s former existing, nearly abandoned post office, James A. Farley Building.

Dubbed the “new gateway to the

4 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

city,” Moynihan Train Hall, which opened Jan. 1, 2021, is highlighted by four catenary vaulted skylights that traverse the entire space.

The building—named after Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the U.S. Senator who had originally championed the plan—is part of a mixed-use redevelopment of

the entire block. The project also includes eight new train tracks, expanded ticketing and baggage check-in areas, a Metropolitan Lounge area for premier customers, a business center, casual waiting space with high top tables and retail and food shops, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

For its part, some 90 members of BAC Local 1 NY and Local 7 NY/ NJ worked on the Moynihan the

the training hall project from July 2019 through December 2020, which included the Phase II and Phase III efforts. That translates into approximately 70,000 BAC hours, all of which coincided with a call to strict deadlines and an even deadlier virus.

“The contractors wanted every deadline hit, so that’s what we did,” Bond says. “Everything and everyone followed us, so we had

to stay on schedule. It was a lot to keep up with, especially when you factor in a pandemic. Some may have decided to stay home, but not my crew. They could have taken the paid leave option, but they came to work every day.”

The BAC work included supplying and installing stone walls—arches, stairs and floors— throughout the entirety of the new Penn Station, including the

BAC Local 1 NY Stone Setters Matt Fitzpatrick, left, and Jessy Iavazoli.

Bruno Zappavigna, Tile Mechanic of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ.

Jade Venson, Tile Apprentice of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ.

Manuel Pimentel, Tile Finisher of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ.

Francis Coughlin, Tile Finisher of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ. ISSUE 2, 2021 // 5

MEMBERS AT WORK Moynihan Train Hall and grand stair. Overall, they worked on 98,388 square feet of space, installing 26,563 pieces of marble.

“It is simply beautiful,” Bond says. “To be a part of it—to be able to learn the history of the building and what it stands for—is something that I will never forget. I will say this, iconic or not iconic, our BAC

team came to work every day. It is the job we do. I could not have been prouder of the effort that every man and woman put into this.”

One of those BAC members on the front lines was bricklayer Oliver Heron of BAC Local 1 NY, who said that after 30 years in the business, he still cannot think of anything so striking. “I feel as old

From left, BAC Local 7 NY/NJ members Jimmy Delazzero, Martin Picinich, and Vinny Fazio.

6 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

as the building. We were building glazed brick to match the existing brickwork on the interior of the building on the 4th and 2nd floors.

We had to build back around the windows with bullnose brick on the corners of the window jambs.

On top of the windows, there were bullnose arches, which are always a challenge, but are always

interesting to build. I am proud to say I got a chance to work there. It was a good team of workers, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

Christopher Nolan Sr, a Marble Mechanic with Local 7 NY/ NJ, took time to document his team’s progress with his camera—an experience that was made even more interesting as the city’s

barren landscape played in the background. “Every day we came to work, we made sure that each of us was protected on the job. Our team is a diverse group of workers from all walks of life, but we worked together like a family.”

For an Apprentice Bricklayer like Jonathan Cruzado of BAC Local 1 NY, just being on site for such a

BAC Local 7 NY/NJ Tile Mechanic Bruno Zappavigna, left, and Tile Apprentice Jason Dilthey, install the signed piece of tile.

Barbara Cohen, Owner of Miller Druck, signs her name on the to-be-installed tile.

I am proud to say I got a chance to work there. It was a good team of workers, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

Finished interior of the Moynihan Train Hall.

— Oliver Heron, Bricklayer, BAC Local 1 New York

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 7

MEMBERS AT WORK monumental project like Moynihan Train Hall helps solidify the work he continues to put into learning his craft. For this job, even though Cruzado spent time on the wet saw and washing down walls—all important parts of the process—he was in awe of the work his colleagues performed. “Even though I came in at the tail end of the bricklaying aspect, it was amazing to see how everything fits into place. Being able to work on such an iconic structure in the city I grew up in was amazing.”

Overall, for every BAC member who labored in such unprecedented circumstances, the takeaways are many. Perhaps one of the most memorable was led by Miller Druck President Barbara Cohen, who is a legend in the New York City building community. A constant source of inspiration for the workers on site—oftentimes Facetiming with project leaders when she could not be there in person—Cohen spearheaded the group signing on the back of the large medallion tile insignia that prominently displays

Grzegorz Kurdziel, Marble Mechanic of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ.

The tile floor installed by BAC Local 7 NY/NJ members.

BAC Local 7 NY/NJ Marble Finisher Ralph Delgado, left, and Marble Mechanic Adam Grabczak.

Alec Beahm, Marble Apprentice of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ.

Brick walls inside the Moynihan Train Hall completed

by BAC Local 1 NY members.

8 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

BAC members on the job. Standing from left, Anthony Oddo, Damian Matuszewski, Joseph Famigetti, Karamo Yock, Alec Beahm, Abdul Noory, Vangjel Bido, Wayne Bernard, Darvil Sheshi, and Dritan Gjoshi. Kneeling from left, Darren Moran, Samantha Gonzales, Joseph Bond, and Ilir Ibrahimi.

BAC Local 1 NY Bricklayers Keithroy Mason, left, and Oliver Heron.

the Moynihan Train Hall logo to the world.

“The project will be timeless,” Cohen says. “It is something that will be there for at least a century— like the Grand Central terminal. It is a beautiful and swift re-creation of the glory of the original terminal.”

“Members of BAC Local 7 NY/ NJ showed off their skills performing the installation of this iconic

Jonathan Cruzado, Bricklayer Apprentice of BAC Local 1 NY.

station,” Secretary-Treasurer of Local 7 NY/NJ Matt Guy says.

“When union labor and their signatory contractors join forces, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Bill Hill, President of BAC Local 7 NY/NJ, agrees and says, “The project is an exemplary collaboration between the Union and signatory contractors. I would like to take the opportunity to

recognize our dedicated signatory contractors — Barbara Cohen of Miller Druck Specialty Contracting and Bill Zonca of Zonca Terrazzo — just to name a few.”

For BAC members of Local 7 NY/ NJ and Local 1 NY, the experience is one for the ages—a chance to be part of a reborn icon structure that will continue to serve the Northeast corridor for generations to come. // ISSUE 2, 2021 // 9

COMMUNITY SERVICE LOCAL 1 HAWAII

Apprentices Help Build “Yellow Fruit Road” for Elementary School Students

S

tudents at Kalihi Waena Elementary School in Honolulu will no longer walk in muddy roads to school, thanks to a new concrete walkway built by apprentices of BAC Local 1 Hawaii.

The 250-foot-long road, which stretches between campus and the Kūhiō Park Terrace public housing complex, enables the kids to avoid traveling across an underdeveloped field that became a literal mud pit on rainy days during winter. In addition to the road, volunteers also plan to cover the path with pergola, as well as plant lemon, lime and other citrus trees alongside the route.

Ikaika Castillo, Training Coordinator of BAC Local 1 HI, told local reporters that volunteers felt wonderful to give back to the community.

“It is not only for the community, but for the strength of the Union to help apprentices learn.”

BAC Local 1 Hawaii apprentices build a 250-foot-long walkway to help students safely walk to and from school.

The first stage of “Yellow Fruit Road” has been completed

by BAC Local 1 Hawaii apprentices.

In addition to BAC volunteers, Honolulu Construction & Draying Co. Ltd donated the concrete; the Elks Club covered the cost of the pergola; Honolulu Aina provided native kaula ropes for the pergola’s

10 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

joints, and the AFL-CIO took care of lunches for volunteers. “This is an exemplary project built for the community, and by the community,” says BAC Local 1 HI Business Manager Mel Silva. //

LOCAL 1 PENNSYLVANIA/DELAWARE

BAC Helps Make Four Year Old’s Wish Come True a special certificate, mini-tractor and a bag of toy bricks to take home.

“We are privileged to be part of this meaningful project that helped make his dream come true,” says BAC Local 1 PA/DE Dennis Pagliotti. “When a wish comes true, it creates hope and transformation in a child, and also in a community.” // Volunteers from BAC Local 1 PA/DE. From left, John Forbes, Field Representative Rich Newcomb, Mike Shoemaker, Field Representative Justin Scarinci, Steve Wolfinger, and Field Representative Matthew Stafford.

O

ver the past two years, fouryear-old Nicholas Esposito has battled neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that temporarily stripped away his ability to walk and nearly ended his life. From his bed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Nicholas would gaze out the window fixated on a nearby construction site. Through 16 months of treatment, including several rounds of agonizing chemotherapy, he watched the project go from start to finish.

His parents say that Nicholas’ fascination with construction gave him strength during his recovery.

As his situation progressed, they were able to get Nicholas to walk by showing him nails and giving him a hammer.

Learning that Nicholas knew his way around his Legos’ set at home, BAC Local 1 PA/DE, union contractor EDA Contractors, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation concocted a plan—they gave him a real foundation with cement and bricks.

So, wearing a hard hat, orange vest and a fully stocked tool belt around his tiny waist, the four-year -old became a Bricklayer on a real jobsite. Following a safety protocol briefing led by one of his favorite construction cartoon heroes, Nicholas was able to mix cement and learn to lay bricks on a mini wall. He even recruited his younger twin siblings, Lily and Luca, to join in on the fun, including taking a ride on a big red construction truck. When the job was finished, Nicholas was awarded

Nicholas Esposito getting a trowel full of mortar.

Nicholas Esposito lays bricks under the supervision of BAC Local 1 PA/DE member John Forbes.

BAC International Field Representative Matthew Stafford presents a bag of toy bricks to Nicholas Esposito.

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 11

NEWS IN BRIEF

BAC Announces 2021 U.S. Bates Scholarship Recipients

T

hanks to the 2021 US Bates Scholarship program, six college-bound students from BAC families will be receiving a little help. Each year, BAC awards three scholarships to the students of parents or step-parents who are BAC members in the US. The stipends are $5,000 per year for up to four years—up to $20,000 total.

The program, previously administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), has been redesigned and is now administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS). Due to an overlap in administration, there are six recipients of this year’s scholarship. We sat down with the three winners of the program administered by NMSC to get a peek into what the honor means to them. The other three winners through the program administered by ISTS will be announced at a later date and featured in our next BAC Journal.

ZACHARY DUCHARME Attending: Northeastern University Major: College of Engineering Family/IU Info: Todd DuCharme, BAC Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island

What does this recognition mean to you?

It’s an honor to have been selected as one of the winners among a vast pool of talented individuals. I am appreciative of the scholarship, but also of the spotlight that it shines on a very dedicated and hard-working group of men and women in the Bricklayers Union community.

What does the Union mean to you and your family?

The Union is like a supportive family; it gives each member the job security and confidence that they will 12 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

be protected and cared for by others within their community. They are dedicated to their work and their families. These are important core values to me moving forward into the collegiate and working world of co-op at Northeastern University.

What advice would you offer your peers and younger students?

Ambition can get you a long way. It really doesn’t feel like work if you really want something.

Zachary DuCharme and his father Todd DuCharme, a member of BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Don’t worry about solving the problem—have an open mind and be concerned about the progress toward a solution that may change our views.

Who would you like to give a shout-out to?

My AP Physics teacher Mr. (Alan) Chuckran, and my AP Calculus teacher and internship mentor, Dr. Cummings. I’d also like to give thanks for all the support of my friends and family

ELISSA SCHEEL Attending: Gannon University Major: Occupational Therapy Family/IU Info: Robert Scheel, BAC Local 5 Ohio

What does this recognition mean to you?

It is an opportunity. With this financial assistance, I will be able to attend the college of my choice, while pursuing my dream of becoming an occupational therapist.

What does the Union mean to you and your family?

The Union has provided financial stability and excellent health benefits for my family, which we are very grateful for.

What advice would Elissa Scheel and her father Robert you offer your peers Scheel, a member of BAC Local 5 OH. and younger students?

I would recommend working hard in school, while also enjoying your life. My work ethic in school has set me up for success and an exciting future in college. Additionally, there is a limited amount of time as a teenager, so create memories you will always remember and be grateful for those around you.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

To be the best that you can be and to not compare yourself to others.

Who would you like to give a shout-out to?

I would like to give a shout-out to my friends and family for supporting my academic and athletic activities, especially my Mom, Dad and sister. I’d also like to recognize my cross country and roller-skating coaches for shaping me into the hard-working individual I am today.

recently that I’ve fully realized how much they sacrifice for me and those around them. My whole life I’ve been blessed with an amazing support system. They challenge me and are always proud of and accepting of where I land. This recognition means so much to me because it’s in a way of displaying the support they’ve given to me.

What does the Union mean to you and your family?

The Union really is like family. Since I was a kid, there have been summer picnics where my family and I get to gather with other Union members. It is always a great time. I’ve always felt they care for me and my family even though I do not see them often.

What advice would you offer your peers and younger students?

I recommend allowing yourself to be proud of your own feats. Oftentimes, we strive for greatness and forget to reflect on what we’ve accomplished along the way. We are young and courageous and sometimes we make mistakes, but to be proud of who you are allows you to become your best self moving forward.

Family/IU Info: Peter Paul Ferro/BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best piece of advice was from my older sister. She always reminds me to not take myself, and life too seriously. She shows me how to loosen up and slow down.

It makes me a better person, and helps me recognize and appreciate others, too.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this recognition. I always knew growing up how loving and hard-working my parents were, but it has been only

Who would you like to give a shout-out to?

I’d like to thank my Dad for always being there for me.

He loves my family unconditionally and is a rock in my life, even when he is away at work. I love you, Dad. //

MARINA FERRO Attending: Bucknell University Major: Sociology

Marina Ferro and her father Peter Paul Ferro, a member of BAC Local 5 PA.

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 13

IMI & IMTEF

BAC Members Advance Their Careers as Certified Welders at the International Training Center

A

t the BAC/IMI International Training Center, members are learning a new aspect of the trade and advancing their careers as certified welders. Though they come from different parts of the country and even different crafts, they have one thing in common: the drive to increase their work opportunities and value to contractors by learning a specialized skill like welding.

Take Tyler Fairweather, BAC Local 1 Washington/Alaska journeyworker bricklayer. “I wanted to have this under my belt to make myself more valuable to the company,” he says. Fairweather, a bricklayer by trade, works for the family business, Fairweather Masonry. He knew having a certified welder on the crew would

allow them to bid more work — work that’s currently getting subbed out, like precast.

Tirhas Gebrus, PCC apprentice, also from Local 1, will put her welding skills to use when she travels back to Seattle to continue work on the I-5 with signatory contractor United Professional Caulking & Restoration, Inc. (UNIPRO).

“I love this class,” she says, noting Welding Instructor Kay Whigan’s skill. “Kay, from day one, has been a great teacher. He’s very nice and such a professional and is always right beside us showing us how it’s done.”

Gebrus loves her job and appreciates the opportunity to learn and grow with the crew. “I couldn’t be with a better company,” she says.

“They’re very inclusive and very fair. All you have to do is show

up with a good attitude, ready to work.” She credits Wayne Belcher, co-owner of the minority women-owned business, for fostering such a welcoming environment.

Gebrus got her start in the trade through ANEW, a local pre-apprenticeship program that connects women with good-paying union construction and manufacturing jobs.

Fellow apprentice and classmate Logan Yerger, from BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania, got his start a little differently. While he was still in high school learning masonry at Berks Career and Technology Center, he approached a bricklayer working on a retail project in his neighborhood. That bricklayer just happened to be Randy Eberly, a Field Representative for his Local. Forming that

Though they come from different parts of the country and even different crafts, they have one thing in common: the drive to increase their work opportunities and value to contractors by learning a specialized skill like welding.”

14 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

From left to right: Gebrus, Jean-Mistilien, Yerger, and Fairweather after a day in the welding shop at the BAC/IMI International Training Center.

connection helped get him into the union upon graduating.

“Being in the union, to me, means opportunity and being set with a good career for life. Honestly, the union was my end goal,” he says. “I never thought I’d get here so soon.”

Yerger is preemptively seeking certification to open up more job opportunities in the future. “I wanted to make myself more wellrounded, so that if brick and block work slows down in my area, I can do welding,” he says. “I want to get as many certifications as I can.”

Andre Jean-Mistilien, refractory bricklayer apprentice from BAC Local 8 Southeast, shares the same

mentality. For him, welding will be the first of many certifications and advanced training to come. In fact, he looks forward to learning blueprint reading and taking IMI’s foreperson certification — important steps on his ultimate career goal to open his own union shop.

Jean-Mistilien made a career change during the pandemic after years working as a chef. He was inspired by his father, who’s worked in the masonry field for 30 years.

The high pay didn’t hurt, either.

“I like the teamwork in the field.

It’s like a family,” he says.

Jean-Mistilien has found that same familial bond at the training

center. “Kay is the type of person who will stay right by your side to make sure you get it right. He’s not going anywhere until you do.”

As for the International Training Center? All the students loved seeing and experiencing the grandscale of the 25-acre campus. “I’m really impressed,” says Gebrus.

“I’ve never seen something like this. It lives up to the hype.”

The BAC/IMI International Training Center is open for training on demand and offers both virtual and hybrid programming (part online, part in-person). For a complete list of the latest offerings, visit imtef.org/training. // ISSUE 2, 2021 // 15

IMI & IMTEF

Masonry Remains Affordable as Construction Material Costs Skyrocket

A

cross the country, construction material costs continue to escalate as masonry product prices remain stable. In light of price surges, the International Masonry Institute (IMI) is working hand-in-hand with design professionals and owners to help them take advantage of BAC-installed materials, which continue to be affordable, efficient, and timeless building options.

From April 2020 to April 2021, lumber and plywood prices surged 85.7%, and steel mill products 67%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Indexes (PPI). In the same time frame, concrete block and brick saw only a 4.2% increase, while brick and structural clay tile rose just 3.8%.

Supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic, coupled with tariffs on imported construction materials like steel, have contributed to the rising material prices.

One of the reasons that masonry remains affordable is that it’s produced locally — and therefore, readily available for U.S. construction projects. Further, 93% of rebar used on domestic construction projects is sourced in the U.S. and made primarily from recycled material.

Here are some of the advantages of structural masonry in

comparison with structural steel that IMI promotes to encourage more architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to use concrete masonry:

CMU ATTRIBUTES: + Locally produced + Locally available stock + No fabrication drawings + No tariffs + Simple foundations + Lateral resistance available

STRUCTURAL STEEL ATTRIBUTES: + Mostly imported + Long lead time + Fabrication drawings and review + Tariffs + Complex foundations + Expensive moment frame All these benefits mean that CMU is not only significantly more affordable but can get off the ground much more efficiently than structural steel. A CMU foundation can be laid while steel fabrication drawings are still under review.

Plus, structural masonry coalitions led by IMI across the country offer free engineering services to

16 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

firms to make it easy for them to choose CMU on projects.

To ensure BAC signatory contractors and craftworkers have as many work opportunities as possible, IMI also educates AEC professionals on a wide variety of loadbearing systems, including single-wythe CMU and structural clay brick, cavity walls, proprietary systems like Insultech, hybrid structures, and prefabricated elements.

Through all these efforts, IMI holds up BAC craftworkers and contractors as the most qualified, well-trained, and suited professionals to install structural masonry. At the end of the day, that contributes to more union masonry workhours. //

BAC Local 1 OR/WA/ID/MT Excels at Fostering Successful Job Corps Grads

F

rom apprentices just getting their start to long-time journeyworkers, BAC Local 1 Oregon/ Washington/Idaho/Montana is a great landing place for successful Job Corps graduates.

That includes people like Xavier Wilson, PCC apprentice and Curlew Job Corps grad. As a first year, he’s already worked on exciting projects like the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Puget Sound Plaza, a 21-story skyscraper.

Before Job Corps, Wilsen made minimum wage working at fast food restaurants. “Coming from Job Corps and getting into the union? That was massive,” he says.

“The second I did bricklaying, I fell in love. All my good habits were formed at Job Corps. I pretty much owe that program everything.”

Wilsen earned his GED at Job Corps — much like fellow Angell Job Corps graduate David Vongkoth, a 24-year member with expertise in both bricklaying and restoration. Over his career, Vongkoth has run jobs as a foreperson and worked on memorable projects like Hazel Dell Towne Center and a host of schools, senior living facilities, shopping centers, condos, and more.

“Job Corps made me the man I am today. It allowed me to focus

on what I wanted to do with my life. When you pick up something you love, you’re driven to be the best you can be, and I found that at Job Corps.”

Wilsen’s classmate, Robert “Bubba” Brown, also found his passion and focus through the program. Brown says after getting kicked out of school, he found

Robert “Bubba” Brown, Job Corps grad and 25-year BAC member, stops to show off his work.

himself sleeping on the floor of a friend’s house, working at Office Max. That’s when he realized something had to change, and he enrolled in Job Corps.

“It’s a great gig for people who are ready to make a life change.

That’s how I became a success,” he says. And indeed, he has. Brown recalls a memorable job he worked

on — a water park with slides and a lazy river. When it opened, he took his twin boys, then 8, and as they were standing in line, his son turned to the child behind them and said, “my dad built this.” It was a moment of pride for Brown, much like when he got to return to his alma maters to build new middle and high schools.

BAC Local 1 President Matthew Eleazer credits the quality of IMI’s Job Corps instructors with his Local’s recruitment success. “We select Job Corps instructors that are excellent at their craft, good union men or women, who want to teach and are willing to pass the trade on to the next generation,” he says.

The trade provides family-sustaining careers to so many, like Brown. “I’ve invested myself into this trade and it’s given me back so much. I was able to provide for my twin boys, and last year, I bought a house. I’ve travelled and met people from all over. And the people I work with, I consider them family.”

“Job Corps is a free tool that employs our craftspeople and gives us the opportunity to mold and train pre-apprentices to have the skills we need for them to be successful,” says Eleazer. “If you’re not utilizing Job Corps, you’re doing a disservice to your Local.” // ISSUE 2, 2021 // 17

LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL

A Comprehensive Infrastructure Package Would Create Good-Paying Jobs for BAC Members

A

s this BAC Journal goes to print, the White House and Congress are continuing to negotiate a Comprehensive Infrastructure package. President Joe Biden released the American Jobs Plan that proposed an investment of $1.9 trillion over the next 10 years to meet our infrastructure needs, rebuild our economy and create good-paying union jobs. The American Jobs Plan includes: + $621 billion to repair highways, rebuild bridges, upgrade ports, airports and transit systems, including an investment of $25 billion to bring airports to 21st century standards;

+ $213 billion to build, preserve, and retrofit more than two million affordable and sustainable homes. It will help address the growing cost of rent and create jobs that pay prevailing wages, including through project labor agreements with a free and fair choice to join a union and bargain collectively;

+ $100 billion to upgrade and build new public schools, through $50 billion in direct grants and an additional $50 billion leveraged through bonds.

18 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

These funds will first go toward making sure our schools are safe and healthy places of learning for our kids and work for teachers and other education professionals; and

+ Significant investment for public transit, ports and waterways, rail, electric vehicles, clean water, broadband, power infrastructure and government buildings.

Bipartisan negotiators appear to be nearing an agreement with White House on a smaller

infrastructure package — about $1 trillion. This smaller package is unlikely to include some BAC priorities including investments in schools, housing and government buildings. We will continue to fight for these priorities to be funded in this package or later in the year as Congress goes through the budget process. Comprehensive investment in our nation’s infrastructure is long overdue. Now is the time to renew, modernize, and invest in our infrastructure to maintain our international competitiveness. //

We will continue to fight for these priorities to be funded in this package or later in the year as Congress goes through the budget process.

New Hampshire House of Representatives Reject “Right to Work”

O

n June 3, the New Hampshire House voted 199-175 to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61, a bill that aimed to make the Granite State the first “Right to Work” state in the Northeast. All Democrats and 20 Republican members voted against the bill.

For more than six months, members of BAC Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/ Rhode Island and other union

brothers and sisters across the state, rallied and contacted their representatives about the dangers of the bill. “The so-called rightto-work bill does not guarantee anyone a right to employment.

It weakens unions, makes jobsites more dangerous, and lowers workers’ wages. New Hampshire is better off without it,” says Chuck Raso, President of BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI. //

Dozens of brothers and sisters gathered outside of the New Hampshire Sportsplex in Bedford, where the House was hosting its final session, to protest the so-called Right To Work. Pictured, BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI Vice President and Organizer Jim Pimental, left, and Field Representative Mike Sara.

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 19

MY BAC STORY

From Apprentice to Foreperson, Jana Ashton Tells Her BAC Story

W

hen Jana Ashton joined BAC almost 20 years ago, she had no idea this was going to be her lifelong career. She was a 26-year-old single mom of two young children, working in a lab seven days a week, and was desperate for a job with regular work hours. “Luckily, several people in my town where I grew up are bricklayers, so I called the Union Hall and a few months later, I joined the Union,” says Ashton of Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska.

Ashton’s luck did not stop there. At Local 15, she met supportive Local leaders, instructors, and BAC brothers and sisters, who helped her become a successful tradeswoman. “There are so many mentors throughout my career. Local 15 President Don Hunt, who was then Training Director, took me under his wings and made sure that I was treated right on the job,” says Ashton. She was journeyed out in 2004, three years after graduating from her apprenticeship.

Her confidence in the trades and pride in her crafts was built through years of support from the Union.”

In addition to bricklaying, she took advantage of BAC’s training courses and equipped herself with skills in PCC and Refractory. Thanks to her multi-craft skills and BAC Job Network, she was able to work on a variety projects throughout the country. Her latest gig, as this BAC Journal goes to print, is building an elementary school in Prosser, Washington, where for the first time in her career, she was appointed by 20 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

signatory contractor Bratton Masonry Inc. to serve as a foreperson on the job.

“For more than 20 years working on the job, I am just in charge of it now,” says Ashton who is excited about her new role as a foreperson. “I love it. They gave me a nice job with about 40,000 bricks. It’s a big responsibility, but they trust me to do that because of my work ethics and years of training. I feel confident, proud and humbled at the same time.”

Her confidence in the trades and pride in her crafts was built through years of support from the Union.

She was brought in as a judge for the 2015 Apprentice Contest by then IMI National Training Director Bob Arnold, who is now BAC Secretary-Treasurer. “Being asked to be a judge was such a great honor. It was unbelievable that I was given that opportunity to serve my Union,” says Ashton. “Not only that, experience like going to the Women Build Nations conference and meeting other women on the same path with myself is very inspiring and empowering.”

For more than six years, Ashton has been working with the Local and other sisters in the trades on Mentoring a Girl In Construction (MAGIC) Camp in Kansas City to help high school girls learn about different trades. By doing that, she hopes that more women would consider bricklaying as a career option.

“I did not go to college, but I made the right decision for me and my kids who were only 6 and 8. My Union provides me with pensions, a health insurance, and a rewarding career. I would never walk away from that,” says Ashton. //

SAFETY & HEALTH

Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness in the Construction Industry

T

ogether, in just over four months, we’ve seen incredible progress being made in fighting against COVID-19 through nationwide efforts to get Americans vaccinated quickly, efficiently, and equitably. Across the country, COVID-19 cases are down over 90 percent and deaths are down over 85% since January 20, 2021. Nearly 170 million Americans have gotten at least one shot, including 65 percent of all adult Americans. Today, more than 52 percent of adult Americans are now fully vaccinated, including nearly 75 percent of seniors.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible due to the level of protection it provides, and with BAC members

Replace with your organization’s logo

GET A COVID-19 VACCINE TODAY How to get vaccinated Everyone age 12 and older in the United States can now get a free COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of your immigration or health insurance status.

You have three easy ways to find vaccines near you: Go to vaccines.gov Text your ZIP code to 438829 Call 1-800-232-0233

Get vaccinated to protect yourself and the people around you.

Why you should get a COVID-19 vaccine •

Getting vaccinated is the best way to defeat this virus and get back to normal— safely gathering with family and friends, indoor dining, weddings, concerts, sporting events, and travel.

•

The vaccines are effective. They prevent nearly 100% of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19.

Encourage others to get vaccinated and learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Local 13 Nevada members receive COVID-19 vaccines at the Local Union Hall.

being busier than ever, it is critical to keep everyone safe at work. Not only do things like working close to others or poor ventilation put our members at risk on the job, but in

a study examining the construction workforce, roughly 60% were found to have at least one underlying condition or risk factor, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, ISSUE 2, 2021 // 21

SAFETY & HEALTH or being over 65, which increased their risk for severe illness from COVID-19. (https://blogs.cdc.gov/ niosh-science-blog/2021/03/09/ construction_covid/).

“Together, we are protecting ourselves and our communities against the virus,” says BAC Executive Vice President Jerry Sullivan

Jr. “Thanks to our members and Local leaders who have taken the vaccines and support on the ground to organize and educate others in their communities, we can see that the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter each day.”

CPWR — The Center for Construction Research & Training,

The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), and university researchers have developed several resources to answer your questions about vaccines (in English and Spanish). Visit https://www.cpwr.com/ covid-19-resources/covid-19vaccine-resources/ for details. //

Industry Data & Trends: New CPWR Data Reports and Interactive Dashboards

T

he Data Center at CPWR — The Center for Construction Research & Training works to share timely, relevant, and data-driven information with the construction industry. This data helps improve safety and health efforts by identifying priority hazards to address,

tracking workplace injuries and illnesses over time, isolating risk factors, and recognizing high-risk populations. Approximately six times a year, the Center publishes a Data Bulletin focused on different hazards, types of injuries, workforce segments, or time periods.

Recent Data Bulletins (https:// www.cpwr.com/research/data-center/data-reports/) include:

FATAL AND NONFATAL STRUCK-BY INJURIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, 2011–2019 Key findings include: + In 2019, struck-by injuries caused 170 deaths in construction, of which 47% involved transport vehicles.

+ Between 2011 and 2019, the rate of fatal struck-by injuries in construction from objects/ equipment and transport vehicles declined by 15% and 23%, respectively.

+ During that same time period, the rate of nonfatal struck-by and struck against injuries in construction declined by 20% and 47%, respectively.

22 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

FATAL INJURY TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Key findings include: + The number of fatal injuries in construction reached 1,102 in 2019, the highest level since before 2011.

+ Falls to a lower level caused 401 fatal injuries in 2019, a 25% growth from 2018.

+ Nearly two-thirds of fatal con-

but was still 29% higher than all industries combined in 2019.

+ In 2019, 79,660 lost workday injuries were reported in construction, of which nearly one-third were due to contact with objects or equipment.

+ In 2019, the injury rate among construction companies with 11-49 employees was five times the rate for companies with 1,000+ employees.

+ The injury rate in construction was highest among workers under age 25.

The Data Center also released a new, interactive version of CPWR’s fatality mapping project — an effort to categorize and track fatal injuries in construction geographically and over time. Learn more at https://www.cpwr.com/research/ data-center/construction-fatalitymap-dashboard/. //

struction injuries in 2019 were caused by the Construction Focus Four hazards.

+ Hispanic employment in construction rose 55% from 2011 to 2019. But during that same time period, Hispanic construction fatalities have surged nearly 90%

NONFATAL INJURY TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Key findings include: + The injury rate in construction has declined steadily since 2003 ISSUE 2, 2021 // 23

INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INTERNATIONAL PENSION FUND — IPF

Track Your Monthly IPF Benefit with the Estimator on Member Portal

W

ith the Estimator you can see your current Normal Pension and project your benefit at a future date. If you are a member of a Local Union that participates in the BAC SAVE Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), you can monitor your

current and hardship account balances on the Member Portal, which also includes RSP and IPF publications and annual statements. Registered participants can review their IPF and RSP hours/contribution history and access an application to apply for

WATCH FOR THE IPF RETIREMENT BLUEPRINT

benefits under IPF or BACSave.

Instant access to the Portal is available whenever and wherever an Internet connection is available via a PC or laptop. You can also access this information on tablets or smartphones with the BACMobile App for both Android and iOS users.

Over 18,000 members have registered on the Portal. You can join too by following these simple steps: + Visit BAC’s website at bacweb.org + Have your IU Number ready,

As shown in the chart below, hours for the IPF decreased by 12% during 2020 as compared to 2019, totaling 51 million hours due to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Further information is available in the Spring IPF Retirement Blueprint which was mailed and sent through the Member Portal. //

which is located on the upper left of your Union card

+ Have the address of your active e-mail account ready

+ Click on “MEMBER PORTAL” located on top of the website

HOURS REPORTED TO THE IPF (IN MILLIONS)

+ Click on “Create an Account” and follow the instructions

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

+ Sign up for the receipt of IPF/BAC SAVE materials electronically

+ Record your username and password for future use

0

10

20

30

40

24 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

50

60

70

80

90

Note: BAC SAVE 401(k) Plan participants have similar access to their 401(k) accounts through Principle at www.Principle.com. //

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH FUND — IHF

American Rescue Plan Provides Temporary COBRA Relief

P

resident Joe Biden continues to stand by his commitment to helping working families. On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) into law. This important legislation includes essential financial relief to BAC brothers and sisters that experienced an involuntarily termination or reduction hours during the COVID-19 pandemic through fully subsidized COBRA premiums.

Members that experience an involuntarily termination or reduction of hours are offered continuation of coverage through COBRA, which typically upon election requires a premium payment equal to 102% of the total premium.

This cost is often prohibitively expensive, especially if you are also experiencing a change in income due an employment status change.

In understanding the financial hardship that COBRA can cause and the need for continued health coverage, President Biden fought to include a 100% COBRA subsidy in the ARP. Through ARP, members and their families may be eligible for this COBRA premium assistance during the period of April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

To be eligible for subsidized COBRA premiums through ARP, individuals must first experience a COBRA qualifying event of either a reduction in hours

or involuntary termination of employment. Eligible individuals fall into several categories - those that experience this qualifying event during the subsidy period, those that previously elected COBRA that have not reached their maximum period for COBRA coverage, as well as individuals who experienced a qualifying event back to November 1, 2019 that did not elect COBRA continuation coverage when it was initially offered. Lastly, you are eligible for premium assistance if you are not eligible for Medicare or any other group health plan coverage through your own or spouse’s employment.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you would be eligible for this premium assistance through ARP. This means that you would be able to continue coverage under COBRA, without having to pay any premiums for the period of April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Plans were required to issue COBRA Notices to eligible individuals by May 31, 2021. The IHF issued these notices to participants in early May 2021. If you believe you meet these criteria for COBRA premium assistance, please reach out to your Local Fund Office for more information, or if you are an IHF participant, you can contact the Fund Office at 1-888-880-8222. //

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 25

MAP

Stand Up to Stigma!

W

hen it comes to seeking professional counseling, times are changing for the better. Amidst the COVID pandemic, when there are universal crises negatively impacting our lives and most feel increasingly high levels of stress, there is more empathy, awareness and understanding about the need to reach out for help. Further, there is growing momentum to stand up against the stigma of seeking professional help. Humanitarian sentiments unite us in a desire to extend a helping hand, and to weather problems together instead of alone.

With news reports that completed suicides and opioid overdose deaths are not only skyrocketing, but are worse than ever before in history — there is a common push to end any shame and stigma that prevents those suffering from reaching out for help. Common sense and good judgment, along with human decency, tell us that seeking treatment for mental health and substance use problems should be viewed no differently than getting help for physical health ailments. Just as we do not criticize those with diabetes as being “at fault” for their condition, we should refrain from using pejorative labels against those with emotional or substance use concerns.

Mental health and substance use problems are treatable illnesses, not character flaws.

UNDERSTANDING COUNSELING Modern professional counseling is akin to coaching.

People from all walks of life seek counseling, not just the chronic severely mentally ill. Therapy is about skill building, enhancing coping strategies, and receiving education and encouragement to heal. Further, there’s a new-found, firm awareness that being in counseling doesn’t mean you’re weak or crazy. Instead, it signifies having the courage to partner with a professional to work towards achieving self-improvement and personal growth.

26 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING HELPS PEOPLE HEAL FASTER AND STAY WELL LONGER Here’s why: + The coping skills learned and practiced in counseling become a permanent part of the people’s coping repertoire, helping them maintain healthier lives now and in the future.

+ People are empowered to remain accountable for their problems and prevented from sinking into apathy, complacency, and despair.

People benefit from opening up about problems in a safe, confidential, professional atmosphere. Talking with a professional about private concerns helps keep problems from spiraling further out-of-control and reduces urges to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Therapy is about skill building, enhancing coping strategies, and receiving education and encouragement to heal.”

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) supports members and their families working to achieve “whole health,” which consists of attending to one’s emotional well-being as well as physical health. The BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) offers active and retired members and their families free professional assistance and guidance by licensed mental health and substance abuse professionals. MAP can be reached toll-free at 1-888880-8222 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.

All calls are strictly confidential. We’re here to listen, guide, and support confidential access to care. //

CANADA

BC Building Trades Launches #GetFlushed Campaign Amid COVID-19

A

new campaign focused on health and safety regulations is taking on a decades-long issue for construction workers. The BC Building Trades’ #GetFlushed campaign calls on occupational regulators to enforce health and safety regulations and support flushable washrooms on today’s job sites.

The #GetFlushed campaign centers on a recent BC Building Trades’ report that shows non-plumbed, portable washrooms are wholly inadequate in providing readily accessible, safe hand hygiene and washroom facilities, sufficient illumination, and consistent clean and sanitary conditions overall. The danger of illness and disease from using these facilities were further worsened with the advent of COVID-19.

BAC supports the premise that for too long, construction companies have been allowed to evade the rules and use non-plumbed washroom facilities that aren’t cleaned regularly, are often housed on unstable ground, and have no hand wash stations. “BAC joins brothers and sisters at BC Building Trades in support of this campaign,” says BAC Regional Director Craig Strudwick. “Construction workers should be afforded this most basic element of workplace hygiene to help ensure both their personal dignity and their health and safety at work.”

To learn more about and support the #GetFlushed campaign, visit the campaign website and sign the petition at getflushed.ca. //

LES MÉTIERS DE LA CONSTRUCTION DE LA COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE LANCENT LA CAMPAGNE « #GETFLUSHED » AU MILIEU DE LA PANDÉMIE COVID-19

U

ne nouvelle campagne ciblant la règlementation en matière de

santé et de sécurité est en marche à propos de problèmes depuis des décennies pour les travailleurs de la construction. La campagne « #GetFlushed » des métiers de la construction de la Colombie-Britannique sollicite les législateurs du travail à appliquer les lois de santé sécurité et de seconder la demande de toilettes à chasse d’eau sur les chantiers actuels.

La campagne « #GetFlushed » est centrée sur un rapport récent des métiers de la construction de la Colombie-Britannique démontrant que les installations sanitaires

modulaires sans chasse d’eau sont complètement inadéquates pour procurer sur le chantier des toilettes et des lavabos parfaitement sécurisés, c’est-à-dire avec un éclairage suffisant et un bon état d’hygiène général. Le danger de maladies relatif à l’utilisation de ces installations sanitaires s’est aggravé avec l’avènement de la pandémie de COVID-19.

Le BAC seconde l’énoncé que durant trop longtemps, les entreprises de construction ont pu évader les lois et offrir seulement des installations sanitaires sans chasse d’eau qui ne sont pas nettoyées régulièrement, sont souvent

montées sur des sols instables, et sont sans poste de lavage des mains. « Le BAC se joint à ses frères et sœurs des métiers de la construction de la Colombie-Britannique pour soutenir cette campagne, » a déclaré Craig Strudwick, directeur régional du BAC. « On devrait toujours fournir aux travailleurs de la construction cet élément de base le plus essentiel qu’est le service de salubrité personnelle pour garantir leur santé et sécurité et préserver leur dignité au travail. » Pour en apprendre plus et seconder la campagne « #GetFlushed », visitez le site de la campagne et signez la pétition à getflushed.ca. //

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 27

LOCAL 8 SOUTHEAST

Local 8 SE Gold Card member Gerard Darensbourg.

LOCAL Compass

Local 8 SE Gold Card member Bobby Dalton.

Local 8 SE Gold Card member Don Lowery.

Local 8 SE Gold Card member J. C. Thames.

Local 8 SE Gold Card member Richard Brown.

Local 8 SE Gold Card member Willie H. McCloud.

James Fleming, a 25-year member of Local 8 SE, receives his service award from Local 8 SE President Glenn Kelly.

Gold Card member Eddie Fournier receives his service award from BAC Local 8 SE President Glenn Kelly, left, and Field Representative Robert Baker.

28 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

LOCAL 3 MASSACHUSETTS/MAINE/NEW HAMPSHIRE/RHODE ISLAND Seated from left, Gold Card members John Marcotte, Orlando Lafrate, Lawrence Reardon, Francis Lacey, Pasquale Minichillo, Lorenzo Almonte, and Otis Ellerbee Jr. Standing from left, Vice President Jim Dailey, 40-year member Jeffery Hartwell, Gold Card member Robert Boyle, 40-year members Leo Graham and Bruce Labbate, President Chuck Raso, 40-year member Paul Oslin, Boston Chapter Chairman Tony Antonuccio, and Executive Vice President Chuck Raso Jr.

Seated from left, Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI 25-year member Mark Davis, 40-year member Ronald Marvin, Gold Card members Norman Paquette and Raymond Lafaille, 40-year member Michael Ferriter, and 25-year member James Ciras. Standing from left, Field Representative Mike Gagnon, Springfield Chapter Chairman Anthony Russo, Executive Vice President Chuck Raso Jr., President Chuck Raso, Lowell Chapter Chairman Toby Ducharme, and Vice President Joe Grenham.

Seated from left, 25-year members William Rich, Warren Curry, Daniel Brosnahan, James DiMare, Robert Davenport, Joseph Cunningham, and Keith Costantino.

Standing from left, Vice President Jim Dailey, Boston Chapter Chairman Tony Antonuccio, David Van Buren, Edward Stasz, Andrew McDevitt, Todd Hadayia, President Chuck Raso, Edward Parolin, Scott Yeo, and Executive Vice President Chuck Raso, Jr.

Seated from left, Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI Vice President and 25-year member Jim Pimental, 40-year member Clifton Lopes, Gold Card member Antonio Borges, 40-year members Lynn Donohoe and Douglas Ferguson. Standing from left, Field Representative Chris Medeiros, Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI President Chuck Raso, and Executive Vice President Chuck Raso Jr.

Seated from left, Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI 25-year member Michael Picerno, Gold Card member Robert Andrea, and 25-year member Michael McNichols. Standing from left, Executive Vice President Chuck Raso Jr., Vice President Richard Pacheco, President Chuck Raso, and Field Representative William Beaudry.

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 29

IN MEMORIAM — JANUARY

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

Death Benefit Claims for January 2021 Total Amount Paid

$168,700.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$3,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$165,700.00

Total Number of Claims

95

Average Age

78.78

Average Years of Membership

53.12

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Adkins, Talmadge E. - 09, WV Alefeld, Walter D. - 04, NJ Arena, Giuseppe - 03, NY Arndt, Don M. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT

B B, CM, P B B

80 76 95 96

60 52 55 73

Babcock, Sr., Robert L. - 04, IN/KY Baez, Angel L. - 01, MN/ND/SD Barber, Michael J. - 05, PA Blythe, Roy D. - 08, IL Bowman, Robert L. - 08, IL Boze, Jr., Arthur E. - 08, IL Bradley, Harold - 05, OH Bradley, Sr., Hansel - 21, IL Bradshaw, Max B. - 04, CA Brahm, John L. - 08, WI Brown, Eddie C. - 15, MO/KS/NE Brune, Frederick E. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Burger, Raymond G. - 06, OH Butt, Afran - 01, NY

B B B B B, CM B B B B B B PC, CH, CM B, W PC

91 36 70 69 88 77 74 88 86 89 80 71 84 33

69 2 51 48 54 61 52 61 40 68 54 34 55 4

Calcado, Joaquim F. - 01, NY Campbell, Walter - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Carpentier, George B. - 04, NJ Carrozzi, Augusto - 01, NY Castro, Abel - 01, NY Cevoli, Carlo R. - 15, MO/KS/NE Costello, Daniel F. - 05, OK/AR/TX Craven, Richard L. - 03, OH

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

92 89 93 82 61 87 84 73

64 65 52 56 2 35 54 23

Danculovich, George D. - 04, IN/KY Davidson, Albert G. - 21, IL Dias, Jr., Alfred J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI DiGiulio, James M. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Downes, David W. - 05, OK/AR/TX Dutra, James - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B TL B, CM FN B, M B

88 91 64 35 92 79

48 73 44 8 47 52

Gadberry, Jimmy L. - 08, WI Gagnon, Leonard J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Giancaterino, Pierino - 01, NY Grimaldi, Armand B. - 01, PA/DE Gruett, Alan L. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B B B B B

78 66 87 86 73

56 27 63 63 51

Hartman, Richard G. - 03, NY Hoots, Delmar E. - 08, IL

B, M CM, M, P, B

92 82

66 63

Iacovitti, Kevin J. - 01, MD/VA/DC

FN

42

3

30 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Jeffers, Donald - 01, PA/DE Johnson, Allen L. - 01, MN/ND/SD Johnson, Edward O. - 21, IL

B B B

86 83 89

64 65 63

Karns, Timothy - 04, IN/KY King, Brian J. - 56, IL Koteras, Jr., Marcelle J. - 05, OK/AR/TX Krauthaker, Frank - 01, MB Kruger, Harry - 01, MB Kusky, Robert J. - 05, OH Kusnir, Sr., Thomas M. - 08, OH

PC B, M PC B B B B

60 69 76 72 78 88 84

41 52 54 39 61 54 60

Lipperman, Donald M. - 09, OH Lorber, Ronald A. - 21, IL Luna, Remijio - 06, IL

B PC FN

91 90 83

67 66 32

MacDonald, Hector D. - 02, BC Marker, George F. - 22, OH McCracken, Edgar I. - 01, MO McGivern, Michael - 06, WI McMath, Jr., Hugh - 02, MI Meade, Michael K. - 08, IL Mills, Ernest E. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Mills, Ronald E. - 01, MD/VA/DC Monsees, John G. - 01, NY Morgan, Jr., Ronald E. - 15, MO/KS/NE Morrison, Edward - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT

B, M B B, M B, M B B, M, W B B B, CM B, M CM

80 97 85 82 86 75 91 84 90 83 97

53 74 66 60 69 54 63 46 61 66 68

Naert, Henry E. - 15, MO/KS/NE Napier, John W. - 04, IN/KY Nelson, William J. - 56, IL Ness, Jr., Lester E. - 02, MI Noren, Jr., Robert E. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT

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

79 72 71 92 77

62 55 52 71 23

Peterson, Steven R. - 21, IL Pietsch, Donald K. - 03, NY

TL B, CM

57 89

32 58

Ramey, Elmer L. - 04, IN/KY Rayment, Douglas C. - 02, MI Roberts, Jerry R. - 08, SE

TL, B B, CM B

88 85 83

57 64 65

Sagaert, Jr., Cyril C. - 02, MI Sanders, Lester C. - 05, OK/AR/TX Sanflippo, Jr., Louis - 05, NJ/DE/PA Scalzo, Eugene J. - 09, PA Shafer, Donald V. - 08, OH Shilts, Leonard E. - 08, WI Smith, Jr., Clinton L. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Smith, Ronald E. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Stewart, Billy R. - 05, OK/AR/TX Stiller, John R. - 09, PA Stinner, Eugene J. - 05, PA Swansick, Donald J. - 03, CA Swetz, Jan M. - 08, IL Sysak, Jr., John - 02, MI

B B, M B FN B B, M B B, M B B B B, M B CM

76 86 82 90 89 73 85 96 79 87 82 90 84 89

57 64 54 31 62 52 60 73 51 62 64 68 64 57

Thomas, Edward L. - 01, MO Tobitsch, Rudolf - 08, SE Toelke, Delmar - 01, MO

B B, MM, TL B

81 82 92

42 35 67

VanAudekerk, Michael J. - 01, NY

B

95

73

Wegner, Burnell D. - 08, WI Wendt, Harold - 01, MN/ND/SD

B, M TW

75 90

54 60

Ziglinski, Jeffrey J. - 05, WI

TL

77

51

IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.

IN MEMORIAM — FEBRUARY

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

Death Benefit Claims for February 2021 Total Amount Paid

$205,700.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$4,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$201,700.00

Total Number of Claims

111

Average Age

84.29

Average Years of Membership

56.48

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Adsluf, Gordon - 07, NY/NJ Albert, Edward J. - 03, CA

MM FN

85 84

63 30

Battel, Angelo - 02, MI Beese, Larry W. - 21, IL Bittermann, Sr., William J. - 05, OH Bodine, Michael E. - 01, MN/ND/SD Bommarito, Cosimo - 08, SE Borries, Roger G. - 08, IL Bowles, Robert - 08, SE Brandt, Michael - 21, IL

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

94 72 89 76 96 91 99 91

36 47 70 51 74 72 81 64

Civitillo, Jr., John M. - 01, CT Colomonico, Joseph - 01, CT Colussi, Americo - 02, MI Corbitt, Shannon - 05, NJ/DE/PA Costanzo, Joseph - 05, OH Cucchiarella, William - 01, NY

B FN TL B B B

90 88 92 86 91 81

69 32 65 40 51 61

Davis, Frank A. - 01, MD/VA/DC Dierolf, Herbert - 03, NY DiSante, Vincenzo O. - 55, OH DiStasio, Oreste - 01, CT Ditzler, Terry C. - 05, PA Dockler, Harold L. - 01, MO

B, M B TW, TL B B, M B

73 92 87 82 74 83

56 64 55 60 50 65

Eksten, Sven - 01, MN/ND/SD Elfering, Jr., Leo G. - 21, IL Emerson, Eugene E. - 01, MN/ND/SD Emmons, Kim M. - 15, MO/KS/NE Erdahl, Glenn S. - 01, WA/ID/MT

B M, B CB, M, B B, M TL

90 89 88 66 83

73 54 65 44 42

Filippelli, Giovanni - 05, OH Florea, Joseph - 03, NY Foley, Thomas J. - 02, MI Franklin, John J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B B B B, CM, P

72 93 84 91

41 67 64 66

Gainer, Jr., Allen E. - 03, CA Gaudet, Alcide J. - 08, NB Gomez, John I. - 01, HI Greene, Sr., Bernard - 09, PA Griffin, William F. - 02, MI Griskell, Leonard A. - 21, IL Guerra, Albert - 07, NY/NJ Gunderson, Elroy A. - 13, WI

B, CM, P B M B B B FN B, M

69 79 92 88 89 89 83 84

27 55 58 69 69 72 31 63

Hardy, III, Curtis S. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Hession, William P. - 02, NY/VT Hilliard, Luther E. - 02, MI Hornitschek, Josef - 08, WI Huskey, Jack F. - 08, SE

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

77 77 75 91 92

58 22 56 60 56

Iacobucci, Joseph F. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B, M

93

72

Juricich, Joseph - 09, PA

B

96

60

Kammlott, Robert O. - 04, NJ

B, CM, M

87

67

IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Kapaku, Sr., William L. - 01, HI Kivela, Leo - 01, MN/ND/SD Klama, Anthony F. - 21, IL Koch, Duane E. - 06, IL

TL B B B

92 91 81 83

63 67 65 61

Leeson, Anthony J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Lemon, Jr., Cleve - 08, SE Luchetti, George J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B B, CM, RE B

56 94 91

35 53 71

Marando, Amerigo V. - 01, PA/DE Martini, Jr., Victor - 01, CT Maruszewski, Thomas - 02, MI Masterson, Sr., Edward - 01, CT Matchett, Jr., Lee M. - 03, CA Mattiuz, Pietro - 21, IL McCauley, Sr., Martin D. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI McLeod, Gordon C. - 02, MI Meise, Walter - 05, NJ/DE/PA Monticchio, Romeo A. - 04, NJ Morrison, Kendell W. - 05, OK/AR/TX Murer, Aldo D - 21, IL Murphy, James E. - 04, IN/KY

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

94 82 92 86 73 81 93 96 66 82 85 80 86

72 63 42 59 43 59 36 70 38 64 54 56 64

Nandor, Sr., Robert J. - 04, IN/KY Nierengarten, Francis J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Norton, Robert W. - 05, OH Norvell, Jerry, - 01, MO

B B, M B B

84 101 83 86

64 73 65 66

Orndorff, Charles H. - 04, IN/KY Oyer, Thomas N. - 55, OH

B TL

84 79

66 56

Parent, Andre J. - 04, QC Parobek, Jr., Paul - 21, IL Paternostro, Pasquale - 01, CT Perre, Charles - 01, NY Peters, Edward J. - 02, MI

B, CM, P TL P B B

58 91 82 93 101

16 65 65 48 69

Reimche, Mervin N. - 03, CA Revis, John L. - 01, WA/AK Ricciuti, Giovanni - 01, ON Robinson, Roy W. - 08, IL Russo, Alfred - 01, CT

TL B B B, CM, P P

87 88 94 80 95

44 59 61 31 74

Sams, Louis S. - 05, OH Schaff, William S. - 09, PA Schaffer, Daniel M. - 02, MI Shuh, Francis - 01, MO Silva, Alfred W. - 03, CA Simonetti, John L. - 04, NJ Smith, Robert S. - 21, IL Sorensen, Wesley D. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Spuria, Umberto - 01, ON Steingrabe, Charles L. - 09, PA Stoff, Charles A. - 01, MO Strehl, Karl R. - 21, IL Stroo, Cornelius W. - 11, WI Sturm, Ronald J. - 21, IL Syperski, Michael R. - 21, IL

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

93 85 73 87 81 86 95 84 84 93 88 85 99 63 66

64 67 55 61 48 68 68 36 58 62 55 54 61 37 44

Tarascio, Sebastian - 01, CT Thomas, Howard W. - 04, IN/KY Tucci, John - 05, NY

B B B

90 92 82

62 65 64

Vaccarella, James V. - 03, NY Van Stedum, Richard - 21, IL Vaudreuil, Gerald B. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Venier, Carlo - 05, OH

B, M B B FN

96 85 91 93

59 67 68 31

Wallace, Edward C. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Ward, Sr., Van L. - 21, IL Warmbir, Terry F. - 21, IL Wikert, Tommy L. - 05, OK/AR/TX Winburn, Eddie - 22, OH Wirtz, Robert N. - 21, IL

CM, PC, B, CH TL B B B B

56 91 73 61 94 90

6 52 52 41 69 71

ISSUE 2, 2021 // 31

IN MEMORIAM — MARCH

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

Death Benefit Claims for March 2021 Total Amount Paid

$223,750.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$3,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$220,750.00

Total Number of Claims

127

Average Age

83.09

Average Years of Membership

56.11

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Agnini, James A. - 21, IL Anderson, Jr., Roy M. - 21, IL Arenas, Ulises E. - 03, CA Augeri, Salvatore J. - 01, CT

B PC FN B, CM

90 89 58 94

68 70 31 66

Barton, Robert E. - 03, CA Baugher, Jr., Edward L. - 08, IL Beeler, Clyde E. - 08, SE Bell, Theodore A. - 21, IL Bizzotto, Bruno - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Brown, Raymond - 03, NY

B B B B B, CM B

79 99 67 103 95 91

24 75 46 69 56 38

Carr, Roger B. - 01, NY Charles, Ronald L. - 08, IL Ciavardone, Arthur - 05, NJ/DE/PA Cillo, Americo - 01, NY Claus, Othmar - 01, NY Cooper, Daniel J. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Cowan, Thomas C. - 05, OH Criscuolo, Paul - 01, CT Crossley, Harold H. - 08, SE

B B B M, MM B B B, CM, M, MM, P CS CM

80 66 96 85 89 56 74 84 93

60 50 68 65 65 37 55 49 65

Deitchel, John P. - 55, OH Del Pup, Gino - 02, MI Dice, Thomas E. - 04, IN/KY DiGiacomo, Anthony L. - 08, OH DiLorenzo, Dennis H. - 02, MI DiMinico, Vittorio - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Doucet, Leon J. - 01, ON Dragotto, Anthony - 01, NY Dreste, Dennis M. - 01, MO Dulude, Robert L. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B B B B B TL, B B PC B P

71 81 80 83 77 89 87 91 65 94

51 62 60 64 50 60 59 58 42 74

Edwards, Terry L. - 04, IN/KY

B

69

44

Ferrara, Aldo - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Foeppel, Kenneth W. - 05, PA Fontana, Eugenio B. - 01, NY Fratamico, Arthur W. - 05, PA

B B, CM B CM

84 84 85 83

34 57 58 19

Gardner, Thomas G. - 21, IL Gough, Arnold - 04, IN/KY Griesmeyer, Julian A. - 21, IL Groh, Donald R. - 03, WI Gustaf, Francis R. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B B PC B, CM B

89 88 88 80 94

69 72 60 35 64

Heck, Sr., Martin C. - 01, MO Henson, Orvle L. - 02, MI Herrick, Louis P. - 01, WA/AK Higgins, Patrick - 01, NY Holt, Dale W. - 15, WV Hudson, Floyd L. - 07, CO/WY

B M TL B B PC

81 92 85 87 79 91

65 65 57 62 47 54

32 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Huizenga, Sr., Robert - 04, IN/KY Hurst, Craydon D. - 01, PA/DE Hyatt, Sr., James L. - 02, MI

B B PC, CM

89 93 84

63 76 58

Ignagni, Mario - 02, ON Ireland, Robert C. - 18, OH/KY Iskierka, James R. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B B, CH, PC TL

90 77 78

59 55 51

Jenkins, Darrell A. - 04, CA Jones, Ernest - 05, OK/AR/TX Julian, Leonard - 09, PA

B B B

89 90 101

63 71 69

Kaneshiro, Kenneth I. - 01, HI Krueger, Kyle H. - 46, OH

M TL

84 39

55 5

LaFramboise, Charles J. - 02, MI Lago, Vincent J. - 01, CT Lauing, Donald T. - 21, IL Lazzaretti, Gilio - 09, PA Lerma, Miguel - 15, MO/KS/NE Lewis, DeVonne - 04, IN/KY Longnecker, Ronal P. - 02, MI

B B, CM B B B B B

90 88 90 91 93 88 86

70 64 71 72 63 65 59

Maheux, Richard - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Marchese, Joseph J. - 05, OH Marchi, Egidio - 03, CA Mauro, Eugene C. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI McKie, Sr., Willie J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Melocchi, Dominic A. - 09, PA Miller, James T. - 09, OH Mills, Donald H. - 01, MD/VA/DC Mills, Jr., Emery L. - 07, CO/WY Moll, Sr., Henry L. - 1, MD/VA/DC Motroni, Glauco L. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Murrin, Edward J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Muscarello, Joseph - 01, NY

PC B TW, M CM B, CM B W, B B B B B, CM TL B

77 83 82 88 92 84 82 98 84 88 87 81 99

53 64 57 67 36 64 65 68 64 55 55 51 80

Nolan, John M. - 21, IL Nunes, Robert L. - 03, CA Nussey, Stanley W. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

TL TL B

71 89 82

35 65 53

Orlando, Salvatore A. - 01, MO

B

81

59

Parker, Dale E. - 02, MI Petersen, Eugene L. - 07, CO/WY

P, CM B

91 86

55 61

Rapanaro, Peter - 01, NY Ressler, Eugene S. - 05, PA Ronczkowski, Jr., Philip J. - 21, IL Rowan, Donald A. - 01, NY Rubio, Robert - 05, OK/AR/TX Ruengert, Kenneth - 18, MO Russell, James G. - 04, NJ

B B, CM B PC TL TL P

85 93 89 86 88 49 92

64 62 71 59 56 20 62

Salvaterra, Nazareno - 04, NJ Salzbrunn, James E. - 56, IL Sartor, Valentino - 04, QC Schell, Fred J. - 02, BC Schroeder, Kenneth - 01, MN/ND/SD Scogin, Jerry L. - 06, IL Scrivanich, Giovanni - 07, NY/NJ Slade, William J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Smith, Larry M. - 08, SE Smith, Peter T. - 03, NY Spencer, Sr., Leroy J. - 15, WV Stanchina, Michael A. - 03, CA Suder, Jack E. - 09, PA Sujak, Becir - 04, NJ

B B B B B B FN B B B, CM B B B B

87 83 86 87 89 81 87 80 80 81 75 67 92 35

57 63 62 54 63 62 31 63 55 63 50 35 69 1

Tattersall, William A. - 03, OH Teel, Charles T. - 05, OK/AR/TX Tenbrink, Marvin G. - 02, MI

B B B, CM, RE

83 86 96

64 64 68

IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Tickner, William E. - 01, PA/DE Tomita, Hiroyuki - 01, HI Tucker, Donald W. - 02, MI Turoldo, Edward C. - 03, NY Tyler, Sr., Charles L. - 21, IL

B M B, CM B, M B

80 86 88 84 87

63 58 64 66 52

Vaci, Angelo T. - 21, IL Vallis, Edward T. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B CM

93 81

68 26

Wagner, Edward F. - 05, OH Weaver, William C. - 06, OH Weiss, Manfred A. - 05, OH Weltman, Carl G. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B B, W B TL, M, MM

92 88 70 68

67 64 41 38

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Wiater, Stanley J. - 02, NY/VT Williams, Joey E. - 04, IN/KY Williamson, Robert L. - 01, WA/AK Wood, Billy E. - 18, MO Woods, Jr., Reese J. - 07, NY/NJ Wright, Jr., William R. - 03, NY

B, M, P TL PC FN FN B, M, P, TL

83 63 77 77 83 88

59 3 46 31 32 70

Yamamoto, Larry S. - 01, HI

M

83

56

Zimmermann, Ambrose - 01, MN/ND/SD Zimont, Richard V. - 21, IL Zunker, Emil H. - 08, WI

B B B, M, P, TL

90 98 90

69 68 72

IN MEMORY OF PAUL JOHN SONGER SR.

P

aul John Songer Sr., a 70-year BAC member and World War II veteran, passed away on May 20, 2021 at the age of 92. A proud bricklayer and stone mason by trade, Brother Songer was a seminal figure in the union refractory industry throughout his career.

After serving four years in the Navy during World War II, brother Songer was honorably discharged. He joined then BAC Local 45 New York in 1950 as a journeyworker for Andco and International Chimney Corporation, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a foreman, general foreman, project manager, and general superintendent.

Throughout his career, Brother Songer strived tirelessly for the best in the business and for the industry. He went on to found Furnco Construction Company, Serstel Corporation, and Songer Construction, as well as Songer Steel Services, where he served as CEO and Chairman until retirement.

He was a founding member and president of The Association of Union Contractors, member of International Masonry Institute, International Council of Employees, American Institute of Structural Engineers, American Iron and Steel Institute, and Eastern States Blast Furnace and Coke Oven Association.

“Paul’s commitment to the union refractory industry was unparalleled,” said President Tim Driscoll. “His reputation for delivering the highest quality work and his respect for the thousands of bricklayers employed by his various companies over the decades was unmatched. The industry is indebted to Paul.”

Brother Songer is survived by his wife Shelley Elizabeth, 11 children, 30 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. //

REMEMBERING BROTHER ROD DUCHEMIN

B

AC Life Member Rod DuChemin passed away on May 14, 2021 at the age of 81. A BAC member for over 65 years, he was widely recognized across the building trades for his extensive contributions to apprenticeship and training programs and the advancement of labor relations for union construction.

Brother DuChemin joined BAC Local 22 Ohio as an apprentice bricklayer in 1955. He later transferred to then Local 31 Florida, where he became the Local’s first fulltime apprentice coordinator. His apprenticeship and training expertise later brought him to the nation’s capital to serve as Assistant Director at the national AFL-CIO’s Human Resource Development Institute (HRDI).

IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.

He continued to excel while sharing his expertise and loyalty within the labor community as IMI’s Deputy Training Director, then BAC’s Assistant to the Executive Vice President for Operations, followed by Director of Labor Relations at the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT).

“Rod was a fourth generation Bricklayer,” said President Tim Driscoll. “Dedication to his craft, trade unionism, and service to others were hallmarks of his career. Rod understood the transformative power of union apprenticeships that provide careers, not just jobs; and the inherent dignity and value that union construction brings to the communities we build.”

Brother DuChemin is survived by his wife, Beth Brent of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and their son, Ryan Whittemore, as well as his brother, Paul DuChemin of Batavia, Ohio. // ISSUE 2, 2021 // 33

BAC SPORTING LIFE Love sports?

Play or coach a sport? If the answer is “yes” please share your story along with photo(s) to: BAC Journal, 620 F Street NW, Washington D.C. 20004 or email: askbac@bacweb.org

BAC TOOL SALES HH1 - "UNION YES" HARD HAT DECAL

F10 - BAC FLAG

HH2 - SQUARE WITH BAC LOGO

US2 - 4"X7" "LIVE BETTER WORK UNION" BUMPER STICKER

HBST - ROSE SEWER TROWEL (REFRACTORY)

TD3 - 2 1/2" HARD HAT DECAL- AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF TRADES TRADES: BRICKLAYERS, STONE MASONS, CEMENT MASONS, MARBLE MASONS, PLASTERERS, MOSAIC WORKERS, TERRAZZO WORKERS, TILE LAYERS, TILE SETTERS, PCC, FINISHERS, TILE FINISHERS, TERRAZZO FINISHERS, MARBLE FINISHERS, REFRACTORY

Visit bacweb.org and click on the “Member Benefits” menu then “Tool Sales”.

Or, order by phone toll-free: US: 1-888-880-8222 Canada: 1-800-388-8395