Issue 2, 2025

BAC

JOURNAL

IUBAC | INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS | ISSUE 2 | 2025

CONVENTION

SPECIAL EDITION

BAC JOURNAL

CONTENTS

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

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(ISSN 0362-3696) | ISSUE 2

The BAC Journal is a great resource for in-depth information on key issues, campaigns, members in action and victories across our union. The fastest way to stay informed though is through our social media channels. That’s where you’ll get updates first on what both the International Union and locals/ADCs are doing in real time. If you haven’t yet, follow us today on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and X or Bluesky at our handles: @IUBAC   @BAC_tok   @IUBAC   @IUBAC   @Bricklayersunion

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CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION | 2025 EXECUTIVE BOARD 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 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

The International also sends out texts with information about upcoming events, safety and other resources. To join our list, text JOURNAL to 50607 today!

CANADA Craig Strudwick IU Canada Regional Director, Ottawa, ON Email: cstrudwick@bacweb.org Office: 613-830-0333

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. Non-Profit postage paid Washington, DC, and additional mailing offices.

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President’s Message

20

IMI and IMTEF

3

Mensaje Del Presidente

24

In Memoriam

5

Convention

CONTENTS // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

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

Editor’s Note: This column is an edited down version of President Driscoll’s keynote speech to the convention delegates on September 29. To view the entire speech, go to bacweb.org.

Building Tomorrow Together

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rothers and sisters, friends and guests—look around this hall. We are a union that has been ‘Building Tomorrow Together’ for generations. Our predecessors fought for safe working conditions, fair pay, benefits to support their families, and a voice on the job. They built the foundation upon which we stand today. Now, it is our turn to pick up the tools and continue that work. At its heart, our union’s core mission is to provide the leadership, resources, support, and community that empowers BAC members to thrive in all aspects of their lives, not just on the jobsite.

THE POWER OF SOLIDARITY The challenges we face—whether it’s a rapidly changing economy, or a hostile political climate—are immense. But we are not facing them alone. When we stand together, we are a force of unity. Every time we negotiate a contract, organize a contractor, or defend workers’ rights, we are building a stronger, more just future—together. Solidarity is the fundamental source of our strength—the simple, but powerful principle that we can achieve together what would be impossible alone. As craftworkers, we know firsthand that no single person builds a school, hospital, or office building by themselves. Successful projects demand coordination and collaboration among many skilled hands, all working toward a common goal. The same is true for our union. Our ability to shape and build a better future for BAC members requires the active support and participation of our entire membership.

UNIONS BUILD COMMUNITIES BAC members are not just workers; we are sons and daughters, parents, neighbors, and citizens. The gains we win at the bargaining table ripple out to strengthen

entire communities, helping to build schools, support local businesses, and create a more equitable society. That’s why it’s essential that our union helps shape the policies and legislation that affect workers. BAC’s mission to protect and advance workers’ rights is guided by a commitment to our members, not party loyalty. However, while we can’t afford to be partisan, we also can’t afford to be apolitical. When evaluating our support for candidates, we recognize that a public leader’s support of unions must be measured by their actions, not just their words. We must scrutinize their stances and their records on the right to organize, the right to bargain collectively, the right to affordable healthcare, and the right to a dignified retirement after a lifetime of work. Conversely, we have a special duty to call out those impostors who claim to support workers with one breath, while attacking unions and the institutions that protect workers with another. We need to call out that hypocrisy for what it is and unmask their effort to distract us from real policies and programs that would improve the lives of workers and their families. BAC will always persist, without apology, in fighting for the rights of workers and their unions against those who attempt to undermine our hard-won gains.

REJECTING DIVISION, STRENGTHENING UNITY Worker solidarity has been challenged for as long as trade unions have been in existence. In the 19th century, robber barons sought to pit worker against worker. Today, we’re seeing a similar playbook—including turning native-born workers against immigrants. ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The real solution is not to pit worker against worker, but to focus enforcement actions on those low-road contractors that profit from their abuse of workers. We are a union whose establishment, growth, and continued success has always relied upon our ability to attract and integrate successive generations of immigrant workers. BAC stands ready to assist those workers seeking lawful employment in our industry and who want to experience the benefits of being in a union.

GROWING OUR PRESENCE Generations of BAC leaders have recognized that the power of our voice, and the strength of our collective bargaining agreements is a function of union density in a local market, and that speaks directly to the importance for growth across our union. Sustaining that growth in membership requires that we expand market share for BAC members and our contractors. We need to capture more projects by converting non-union masonry and tile work into BAC work hours. In turn those expanded work opportunities require that we organize new members. Our apprenticeship programs are a crucial part of that strategy. We’ve always trained apprentices and improvers to replace retiring members, but our training programs are also a key incentive for the prospective contractors that we seek to organize. They need access to a skilled and available workforce that can expand as needed to meet their project demands, and we have the best programs in the industry.

EXPANDING MARKET SHARE / NEW TECHNOLOGIES Organizing and training new craftworkers alone won’t be enough though if we want to regain the work hours that BAC members were performing prior to the pandemic. We also need to focus on expanding BAC’s share of the construction dollar. Ultimately, we can only build the industry together when our industry partners share and value an

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enduring commitment to our trades. So, as we build tomorrow together, by engaging with our contractors and organizing the next generation of workers, what will that tomorrow look like? Well, the future of work is not predetermined; it is a choice. Technology itself does not guarantee progress. It’s our responsibility to actively engage in shaping how technology is developed and how it’s implemented in our industry, ensuring that workers’ interests are at the very center of the evolving workplace. We will support those technologies that are introduced with our input—those innovations that reduce the physical toll of our labor, that make our jobs safer, and that responsibly and equitably increase production. Conversely, we will combat the introduction of those technologies or systems that only seek to displace workers, monitor and control our activities, weaken our negotiating power, and suppress wages.

STANDING STRONG, TOGETHER We are BAC, a union of builders from diverse backgrounds across North America. Our union is an enduring enterprise dedicated to empowering BAC members to thrive in all aspects of their lives. The challenges we face are significant, but never insurmountable. When we stand together, united in purpose, we are a force to be reckoned with. Let’s build a future where every worker has dignity and respect. Let’s build a future where every family can thrive. And let’s do it the only way we know how—by working together, shoulder to shoulder, for a common cause. Brothers and sisters, let’s Build Tomorrow TOGETHER!

MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE

Nota de la redacción: Este artículo es una versión resumida del discurso del presidente Driscoll pronunciado ante los delegados de la convención el 29 de septiembre. Para ver el discurso completo, visite bacweb.org

Construir juntos el mañana

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ermanos y hermanas, amigos e invitados, miren a su alrededor. Somos un sindicato que lleva generaciones en la línea de “Construir juntos el mañana”. Nuestros predecesores lucharon por unas condiciones de trabajo seguras, un salario justo, beneficios para mantener a sus familias y el derecho a expresarse en el trabajo. Fueron ellos quienes construyeron los cimientos sobre los que nos mantenemos hoy. Ahora nos toca a nosotros levantar las herramientas y continuar esa labor. En esencia, la misión principal de nuestro sindicato es proporcionar el liderazgo, los recursos, el apoyo y la comunidad que permita a los miembros del BAC prosperar en todos los aspectos de sus vidas, no solo en el lugar de trabajo.

EL PODER DE LA SOLIDARIDAD Los retos a los que nos enfrentamos (ya sea una economía que cambia rápidamente o un clima político hostil) son inmensos. Sin embargo, no los afrontamos solos ya que cuando nos mantenemos unidos, somos una fuerza unificada. Cada vez que negociamos un contrato, inicializamos a un contratista o defendemos los derechos de los trabajadores, estamos construyendo juntos un futuro más firme y más justo. La solidaridad es la fuente fundamental de nuestra fuerza, y es el principio simple pero poderoso de que juntos podemos conseguir lo que sería imposible por separado. Como artesanos, sabemos de primera mano que ninguna persona construye sola una escuela, un hospital o un edificio de oficinas. Los proyectos exitosos exigen la coordinación y colaboración de muchas manos expertas, todas ellas dedicadas a la consecución de un objetivo común. Lo mismo ocurre con nuestro sindicato. Nuestra capacidad para dar forma y construir un futuro mejor para los miembros del BAC requiere el apoyo activo y la participación de todos nuestros miembros.

LOS SINDICATOS CONSTRUYEN COMUNIDADES Los miembros del BAC no somos solo trabajadores, somos hijos e hijas, padres, vecinos y ciudadanos. Los beneficios que obtenemos en la mesa de negociación se extienden para fortalecer comunidades enteras, y contribuyen a

construir escuelas, apoyar a las empresas locales y crear una sociedad más equitativa. Por eso es esencial que nuestro sindicato contribuya a configurar las políticas y la legislación que afectan a los trabajadores. La misión del BAC de proteger y promover los derechos de los trabajadores está guiada por un compromiso con nuestros miembros, no por la lealtad a un partido. Sin embargo, aunque no podemos permitirnos ser partidistas, tampoco podemos permitirnos ser apolíticos. Al evaluar nuestro apoyo a los candidatos, reconocemos que el respaldo de un dirigente público a los sindicatos debe medirse por sus acciones, no solo por sus palabras. Debemos escudriñar sus posturas y su historial sobre el derecho de sindicalización, el derecho a la negociación colectiva, el derecho a una atención médica asequible y el derecho a una jubilación digna tras toda una vida de trabajo. Por otro lado, tenemos el deber especial de denunciar a los impostores que afirman apoyar a los trabajadores por un lado, mientras atacan a los sindicatos y a las instituciones que protegen a los trabajadores por otro. Tenemos que denunciar esa hipocresía sin tapujos y desenmascarar su esfuerzo por distraernos de las políticas y programas reales que mejorarían la vida de los trabajadores y sus familias. El BAC siempre persistirá, sin excusarse, en la lucha por los derechos de los trabajadores y sus sindicatos frente a quienes intentan socavar los logros que tanto nos ha costado conseguir.

RECHAZAR LA DIVISIÓN, REFORZAR LA UNIDAD La solidaridad de los trabajadores ha sido cuestionada desde que existen los sindicatos. En el siglo XIX, los terratenientes ladrones intentaron enfrentar a trabajadores contra trabajadores. En la actualidad, estamos asistiendo a una estrategia similar, que incluye poner a los trabajadores nativos en contra de los inmigrantes. La verdadera solución no es enfrentar a unos trabajadores contra otros, sino centrar las medidas coercitivas en las contratistas de carreteras de baja calidad que se benefician de sus abusos contra los trabajadores. ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 3

MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE Somos un sindicato cuyo establecimiento, crecimiento y éxito continuado han dependido siempre de nuestra capacidad para atraer e integrar a sucesivas generaciones de trabajadores inmigrantes. El BAC está dispuesto a ayudar a aquellos trabajadores que busquen un empleo legal en nuestro sector y que quieran experimentar las ventajas de pertenecer a un sindicato.

CRECIENDO NUESTRA PRESENCIA Generaciones de lideres de BAC han reconocido que el poder de nuestra voz y la fortaleza de nuestros acuerdos de negociación colectiva son una función de la densidad de la unión en un mercado local, y eso habla directamente de la importancia del crecimiento en toda nuestra unión. Para sostener este crecimiento de membresía, es necesario ampliar la participación de mercado de los miembros de BAC y nuestros contratistas. Necesitamos captar más proyectos convirtiendo los trabajos de albañilería y azulejo que no están sindicalizados en horas de trabajo para BAC. Y, a su vez, estas mayores oportunidades laborales requieren que organicemos a nuevos miembros, y nuestros programas de aprendizaje son una parte crucial de esa estrategia. Siempre hemos capacitado a aprendices y a personas de perfeccionamiento para reemplazar a los miembros que se jubilan, pero nuestros programas de capacitación también son un incentivo clave para los posibles contratistas que buscamos organizar. Necesitan acceso a una fuerza laboral calificada y disponible que pueda expandirse según se necesario para satisfacer las demandas de sus proyectos, y nosotros tenemos los mejores programas de nuestra industria.

AMPLIAR LA PARTICIPACIÓN DE MERCADO/NUEVAS TECNOLOGÍAS Organizar y formar a los nuevos obreros no será suficiente si queremos recuperar las horas de trabajo que los miembros del BAC hacían antes de la pandemia. También tenemos que centrarnos en ampliar la participación que corresponde al BAC en la comisión de la construcción. En última instancia, solo podemos construir juntos el sector cuando nuestros socios comparten y valoran un compromiso duradero con nuestros oficios. Así pues, mientras 4 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

construimos juntos el mañana, comprometiéndonos con nuestros contratistas y organizando a la próxima generación de trabajadores, ¿cómo será ese mañana? Pues bien, el futuro del trabajo no está predeterminado sino que es una elección. La tecnología por sí misma no garantiza el progreso. Tenemos la responsabilidad de participar activamente en el desarrollo de la tecnología y en su aplicación en nuestro sector, para garantizar que los intereses de los trabajadores ocupen un lugar central en la evolución del lugar de trabajo. Apoyaremos las tecnologías que se introduzcan con nuestra aportación: las innovaciones que reduzcan el costo físico de nuestro trabajo, que hagan nuestros empleos más seguros y que aumenten la producción de forma responsable y equitativa. Por el contrario, combatiremos la introducción de aquellas tecnologías o sistemas que solo busquen desplazar a los trabajadores, vigilar y controlar nuestras actividades, debilitar nuestro poder de negociación y recortar los salarios.

MANTENERNOS FIRMES, TODOS UNIDOS Somos el BAC, un sindicato de constructores de diversos orígenes de toda Norteamérica. Nuestro sindicato es una empresa duradera dedicada a empoderar a los miembros del BAC para que prosperen en todos los aspectos de sus vidas. Los retos a los que nos enfrentamos son importantes, pero nunca insuperables. Cuando permanecemos juntos, con un mismo propósito: somos una fuerza con la que hay que contar. Construyamos un futuro en el que todos los trabajadores tengan dignidad y respeto. Construyamos un futuro en el que todas las familias puedan prosperar. Lo conseguiremos de la única forma que conocemos: trabajando juntos, hombro con hombro, por una causa común. Hermanos y hermanas, ¡construyamos JUNTOS el mañana!

Decoration in the Huntington Place atrium outside the Convention hall

President Tim Driscoll

BAC Convention Delegates Set the Course for Building Tomorrow Together Hundreds of BAC delegates from across North America came together in Detroit from September 29–October 2 to deliberate, formulate policies, attend workshops, and commit to “Building Tomorrow Together” — the theme of the 2025 International Union Convention.

That theme came into focus as delegates considered resolutions, heard from various presenters, and engaged in workshops throughout the convention. Resolution 3, which was adopted unanimously by the delegates, conveyed the body’s strong commitment to collective action as central to shaping the future that BAC members demand — “where a shared vision of justice on the job and in our society” will prevail.

“It’s solidarity — it’s workers standing together — that powers union campaigns to combat the developers, contractors, and corporations that seek to extract extreme profits at the expense of the fair wages and respect that workers in our trades deserve,” President Tim Driscoll said in his keynote address (for more see page 1).

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CONVENTION LABOR SOLIDARITY Labor leaders from the US and Canada were straightforward with delegates about the challenges of the current political moment, but expressed confidence that BAC and the rest of the labor movement would prevail if we stand strong in solidarity and organize.

Top: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Middle: NABTU President Sean McGarvey Bottom CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland

“Building Tomorrow Together captures exactly what is at stake,” North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey told delegates. “None of us can build the future alone. Not unions. Not contractors. Not industry leaders. It takes all of us pulling in the same direction.” McGarvey hailed labor’s “historic wins” of the past five years, but warned that “today, too many of those gains are slipping away,” pointing to the repeal of $480 million in clean energy credits and the cancellation of major projects around the country. The first way to answer these threats, he said, is for the delegates to communicate with their members. “Each of us in this room needs to be the one explaining that PLAs, prevailing wages, and apprenticeship requirements are not talking points. They are the foundation of our paychecks as union construction workers,” McGarvey explained. “We need to be constantly pointing out which politicians are canceling projects and killing jobs, and who is standing with union families. Our fight is not about partisan politics. It is about economic reality.” Just as BAC workers in the US have seen projects canceled in recent months, Canada’s Building Trades Unions, too, are facing uncertainty caused by US economic policies, most notably the

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imposition of huge tariffs. CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland offered appreciation for the resolutions brought forward by the Committee on General Good on facilitating US-Canada cooperation, and offered good news about Canada’s response to the current difficult relationship with the US. “It’s presenting a tremendous opportunity in Canada for us to build our country in a way we’ve never built it before,” he said. Strickland identified some big wins for building trades members in recent legislation. Canada’s new Investment Tax Credit includes prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, while Prime Minister Carney’s One Canadian Economy Act explicitly includes not just good jobs — but union jobs. “We’re going to continue to build our nation,” Strickland said. In the US, where the government is less friendly to labor, McGarvey and Shuler called on delegates to continue building solidarity and expanding the pool of apprentices through new avenues of recruitment. “The fight is at our front door, isn’t it,” Shuler asked as she described what works face: a hostile White House, federal actions that are slashing jobs, assaulting immigrants — including those here legally speaking out about workplace issues — and new technologies like AI, robotics and automation. “The

only answer is to meet this moment with urgency and solidarity.” Shuler then reported on a recent poll that found unions had support from two-thirds of Americans — far more than any political party, Congress, the media or the Supreme Court. This popular support is a foundation for building a better future for workers. “The single most important thing we can do is keep building solidarity,” Shuler said, challenging BAC delegates to make a commitment to share their stories and recruit new members from every corner of

our communities. “Are you ready to meet this moment with urgency? Are you ready to organize and grow this work?”

BUILDING A STRONGER TOMORROW FOR TROWEL TRADES WORKERS An essential aspect of Building Tomorrow Together is working with union contractors and other industry leaders to open doors to more work opportunities. As Resolution 48, from the Committee on Industry Advancement, emphasized: “Strong labor-management partnerships are essential

Top: Bob Thomas, CMHA President and CEO Bottom: Eric Astrachan, TCNA Executive Director

BUILDING A SAFER TOMORROW TOGETHER The Committee on Safety offered its report to the delegates on October 1 and referred four resolutions to the Convention Floor, hammering home BAC’s commitment to safety for all its workers.

of state- and provincial-level heat stress standards, and other policies to protect BAC members and other workers from “the increasing threats posed by climate-related hazards.”

According to the Committee report, Resolution Number 64 is about OSHA’s silica standard. With progress on that important policy stalled, the Resolution “urges OSHA and MSHA to effectively resource and enforce their respective silica safety rules.” Additionally, it calls on BAC training programs and BAC affiliates to promote training and education about the risks of silica exposure.

Resolution Number 67 promotes a “comprehensive safety culture,” including training at all levels.

Resolution 65 “reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to defending and strengthening occupational health and safety protections and calls on all BAC affiliates to fight for fully funded safety agencies at the local, state, provincial and federal levels.” The Committee report reminded delegates that this fight has been “central to BAC’s mission for 160 years.” Resolution 66 focused on climate change as “a defining issue of the 21st century,” calling for a comprehensive national heat stress standard as well as the expansion

“The delegates’ unanimous adoption of the resolutions shows how important safety is to every BAC officer, and how dedicated we are prepared to be at the International and local levels,” Secretary-Treasurer Sullivan said. “As we do the work Building Tomorrow Together, safety will continue to be a top priority of our union.” //

Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan addresses the delegation

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CONVENTION to advancing the shared interests of BAC and its signatory contractors in securing market share, protecting jurisdiction, growing industry influence, and achieving long-term stability and prosperity.” Beyond our partnership with union contractors, BAC needs to regularly engage with material manufacturers and others who

share our commitment to the masonry and tile industries. In that vein, the second day of the Convention focused on the future of masonry and tile, including several speeches from leaders in the industry. Bob Thomas serves as President and CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

(CMHA) — the voice of North America’s block manufacturers. Addressing the Convention, Thomas commended BAC and IMI’s leadership in promoting the benefits of masonry construction, and provided CMHA’s view on the future of the industry. Thomas noted that while some planned new production plants had been put on

CONVENTION PANEL DISCUSSES IMPORTANCE OF BAC — CONTRACTOR PARTNERSHIP TO BUILDING TOMORROW TOGETHER During the Convention, BAC President Driscoll, International Masonry Institute (IMI) President Caryn Halifax, and International Council of Employers of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (ICE) CEO Matt Aquiline moderated a panel discussion on how BAC’s partnerships with their signatory contractors function, and how they can be strengthened for the future. Brad Maurer, President of Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors; Jelane Raycraft, President of Grunwell-Cashero Company; Kevin Trevisan, Vice President of Roman Mosaic and Tile ; and Ross Lee, President of Schad Refractory, offered management perspectives. The conversation echoed themes in Resolutions 44 and 45, which highlighted the expertise of IMI in “creating and

effectively communicating BAC’s value proposition to key audiences” and the success of the BAC, IMI, and signatory contractors in responsibly embracing new technologies, building materials, and installation practices. Halifax asked the panel about sustainability in material choices. “At IMI, we’re hearing that it’s one of the keyways we can help designers choose materials,” Halifax said. Maurer agreed that he was hearing a lot of demand for information and numbers about the sustainability of masonry. He emphasized the importance of letting designers know more about the lifespan of the materials and how that should be considered when determining sustainability calculations. Halifax suggested this was a topic IMI could partner with managers and owners on.

A panel convened during the Tuesday session to discuss the importance of labor-management relationships for BAC growth. Pictured left to right are President of Schad Refractory Ross Lee, President of Grunwell-Cashero Company Jelane Raycraft, ICE CEO Matt Aquiline, BAC President Tim Driscoll, IMI/IMTEF Director Caryn Halifax, President of Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors Brad Maurer, and Vice President of Roman Mosaic and Tile Kevin Trevisan.

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hold due to tariffs, he sees optimism across the industry, due in part to the establishment of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff — an industry promotion program funded by the block manufacturers to educate and reach out to construction owners, architects, and other stakeholders. Thomas emphasized the steps taken by block manufacturers and

Chris Kraft, Harbison Walker International Senior Director of Projects and Advanced Engineering

Daniel Hogan, CEO of the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee

Tim Driscoll addressing panel

Brad Maurer

Trevisan likewise stressed education, saying that the tile industry had been particularly involved in sustainability efforts: “you might save money in building with vinyl flooring, but are you going to replace it every three or four years? What’s the cost of putting that material in a landfill six times?”

Jelane Raycraft

Matt Aquiline

to continue to work with apprentices to develop these and other “soft” skills. “Mentorship has definitely been a theme we’ve seen a lot of locals picking up and running with, and it is an obligation we have,” Driscoll agreed.

The panel next discussed manpower, with Driscoll asking about the ability of BAC to help contractors by providing highly skilled workers. Lee answered that when he faces a challenging deadline — like a company deciding to shut down five refractory furnaces at once for maintenance — he relies heavily on his contacts in the BAC to find the masons he needs.

The panel identified a keyway that BAC and management must work together as they are Building Tomorrow Together is in marketing the union advantage to potential customers. Raycraft and Trevisan noted the importance of having workers with certifications and educating customers about the distinction between the kind of high-quality certifications their workers have and what they might find with low-road contractors.

Maurer turned the conversation to apprentice preparation — not just to do the physical labor of masonry but to have the work ethic and responsibility needed. He urged the union

“Our job is to constantly push the value,” Maurer said. “As a union contractor, we’re paying everyone a living wage… we’re doing it because they’re trained, and because they’re safe. // ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 9

CONVENTION

CMHA to highlight the sustainability and environmental advantages of masonry. Just as the block manufacturers have CMHA to advocate for their interests, North America’s ceramic tile producers have the Tile Council of North America, or TCNA. And like Thomas, Eric Astrachan, longtime Executive Director of TCNA, emphasized sustainability in his remarks, contrasting vinyl tile’s impact as a source of pollution with ceramic tile’s environmentally friendly profile. “The plastics people [who manufacture vinyl tile] want you to think of embodied carbon as being defined as only what comes

from manufacturing, without considering lifespan or maintenance,” Astrachan said. The changing face of manufacturing and power generation is altering the types of demand for refractory materials. But as Chris Kraft, Senior Director of Projects and Advanced Engineering for Harbison Walker International — the world’s largest manufacturer of refractories — assured delegates, the future of the industry is bright. Kraft explained that declines in the US aluminum market have been offset by increased production — and therefore, demand for refractory installation and

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maintenance — in steel, refining, and energy. Kraft further emphasized that in every industrial sector demanding refractories, skilled craftworkers are the backbone of the industry. A substantial portion of BAC’s refractory work is performed in plants where all craft work is performed by union contractors under the National Maintenance Agreement, a partnership between unions, contractors, and industrial owners. Daniel Hogan, CEO of the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee, works every day to ensure that more US manufacturing and power plants go wall-to-wall

CANADIAN LABOUR SECRETARY ZERUCELLI ADDRESSES DELEGATES Canadian Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli came to speak to the 2025 BAC Convention delegates on the first day. “My dad was a bricklayer,” he said. “I am proud and admire all the work you do.” A member of the Liberal Party administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Zerucelli listed a series of proworker measures the government has passed or plans to move forward. “This government is on a mission to build Canada’s economic strength in the face of change,” he said. Zerucelli thanked the BAC for its support of the One Canadian Economy Act, which promotes major infrastructure projects and removes barriers to trade between Canadian provinces. “You fought for it, you made it happen, and we thank you,” he said.

union with their industrial maintenance. He and laid out a challenge for the delegates. This is a moment of “unprecedented opportunity,” he said, “but only if we are able to keep our promises and deliver highly skilled labor to our existing owner-clients as well as to future and new ones.” BAC must continue to “attract the next generation of union craftworkers” to fulfill that demand, Hogan continued, commending the skill and resourcefulness of both BAC members and leadership. The plenary session ended with a labor-management partnership discussion highlighting how

cooperation can lead to growth within the industry. To read more about the panel, see page 8.

A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR WORKERS Throughout the Convention, many lawmakers pledged their continuing support for the labor movement and BAC. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (I) offered a warm Michigan welcome to delegates. In both speeches, they emphasized the central role unions, like BAC, played in the remarkable 21st century revival of Detroit.

The Canadian government is expanding its support for apprenticeships through the Union Training Innovation Program, and is committed to increasing housing starts. “Like you, talking about Building Tomorrow Together, in Canada, we are talking about Building Canada Strong,” Zerucelli said. “We won’t be able to do it without you.” //

Canadian Labour Secretary John Zerucelli

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 11

CONVENTION for better pay. We believe that our state only does well when our people are doing well.” A bipartisan delegation from the US House of Representatives — Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Chris DeLuzio (D-PA-17), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) — addressed the Convention, as did former Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH-13) and former Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Many highlighted the proworker policies they had fought for, including: + The Butch Lewis Act, which has saved pension benefits for hundreds of thousands of workers in multiemployer plans, including thousands of BAC retirees. Top Left: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Top Right: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan Bottom Left: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Bottom Right: Former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown

Mayor Duggan spoke about the importance of union labor in rebuilding the city of Detroit, from the airport terminals to the stadiums. For the McNamara airport terminal, “we got together with our building trades,” Duggan said, “and we signed a project labor agreement to build out over eight years, $2 billion, 100% union work. Everything done on-time, and on-budget.” “We owe our city’s success to the hardworking men and women who rolled up their sleeves to rebuild the city’s iconic landmarks,” said

Gov. Whitmer. “Like Detroit, you all deserve to stand proud.” Gov. Whitmer laid out the vision for Michigan that she has sought to make a reality, one in which workers can afford homes and see their children receive great educations. “We know that workers are the foundation of what makes Michigan special,” she explained. “And that’s why we fought like hell to bring back prevailing wage, ensuring that our workers get paid what they deserve. It is why we became the first state in 70 years to repeal ‘Right to Work,’ making sure all workers can bargain

12 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

+ Infrastructure and construction investments, including those made through the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.

+ Support for Project Labor Agreements for public and private projects.

Rep. Fitzpatrick updated delegates on his continuing work on the PRO Act, which would dramatically strengthen the right to organize and win first contracts at newly organized contractors. “We’ve passed it multiple times in the House, and it’s gotten hung up in the Senate because of the filibuster,” he said. “Our goal is now to build a Senate strategy to get that

vote across the finish line. I am very, very confident that hopefully sooner rather than later the PRO Act will become law.” The members of Congress also highlighted the threats to infrastructure investments as the Trump administration and the current Congress roll back the Biden-era legislation and cancel projects. “I am not going to let the ideologues come after our labor unions,” Rep. Stevens pledged. “I’m going to continue to talk about the importance of having OSHA and workplace safety. We’re going to continue to tell the story together of the beauty of the programs and the beauty of the locals that all of you represent. And we are going to point to your work with pride and joy.” “Every worker in America is better off when the unions are out there fighting for them,” Rep. Dingell said.

Rep. Chris DeLuzio

“At times like this, our jobs are more important than ever. They’re coming for us, they want to screw us, and we’re not going to let them do it.” “We’re in the economic fight of our lives,” Rep. DeLuzio emphasized. “We’ve got to have a pro-worker — and to me that means a pro-union — mentality down in Washington.” While elected officials are important allies in that fight, Brown emphasized that wins come through the work of unions like BAC. “It’s your activism; it’s your commitment to justice; it’s your commitment to fair play,” he explained. Employers “don’t just give you fair wages. They don’t just give you benefits. They don’t just give you safe workplaces. No! You go out there and take it.”

TIME TO BUILD TOMORROW TOGETHER Delegates left the Convention armed with new information and

Rep. Debbie Dingell

Former Rep. Tim Ryan

training from workshops they attended, and with resolutions providing detailed plans to build their locals for the future — from protecting democracy to supporting women in the trowel trades to support for expanded certificate and certification programs through IMI and IMTEF to consolidating collective bargaining agreements. After conducting the union’s business — including a new election of International Union Officers (see page 14) — delegates went back to their locals to start the work of Building Tomorrow Together across North America. They left inspired by the conviction of speakers and fellow delegates alike, knowing that, though times are difficult, BAC and its members will build tomorrow together, through solidarity and commitment to our shared vision of a better future. //

Rep. Haley Stevens

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 13

CONVENTION

The Election Committee on stage overseeing the International Union Officer elections.

International Union Executive Board Re-Elected by Acclimation

O

n Monday, September 29, 2025, delegates to the International Union Convention reelected International Union President Timothy Driscoll, Secretary Treasurer Jeremiah Sullivan, Jr., and Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar by acclamation.

‘HIGH STANDARDS’ “Brother Driscoll possess all the necessary attributes to effectively deal with the many issues facing our International Union,” BAC Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/ New Hampshire/Rhode Island President Chuck Raso said when nominating President Driscoll. “He is a man with very high standards, and his reputation inside and outside the labor movement is impeccable.” “Brother Driscoll never forgot where he came from,” Raso continued. “He is well acquainted with the peaks and valleys of the trade… Without question, Brother Driscoll is the most experienced and

qualified person to lead our International Union into the future in the face of much anticipated adversity.” “The confidence that you have placed in me — and my fellow Board members — to lead our great union needs to be earned every day, ” President Driscoll said in his acceptance remarks. “You have my pledge that I’ll do my utmost to continue to earn that trust.”

‘LEAD BY EXAMPLE’ Secretary-Treasurer Sullivan was nominated by Local 1 New York President Jack Argila. “There are few people with Jerry’s experience and knowledge in running a construction labor union, and no one is better for the job,” Argila said. “Jerry will always continue to work very hard for the members of our great union. Jerry’s outstanding record of accomplishment speaks for itself.” When seconding the nomination, Eastern Missouri ADC Director Brian Jennewein spoke

14 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

of Sullivan’s dedication to building an organizing culture since coming to the IU in 2020. “I’ve been deeply impressed by his intelligence, hard work, and commitment to the BAC,” Jennewein said. “He doesn’t just come in to open a conference and say a few words. He’s deeply involved throughout. He hits the streets every day, just like all the others. Jerry leads by example.” “I cannot begin to express how humbled and honored I am that you have again placed your trust in me to serve our great union as Secretary-Treasurer,” Sullivan said in his acceptance speech. “We must lead by example with understanding and compassion for the struggles of all working people. We must ensure our union is on the right side of history as we lead our organization into the future. We pledge to stand side-by-side with you to ensure we are providing the members with the absolute best representation possible, because that’s what they are entitled to and deserve.”

NEW INTERNATIONAL UNION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ELECTED ‘CREATIVITY, DETERMINATION, AND A CLEAR VISION FOR THE FUTURE’ “Keith is a proven leader who combines experience and innovative strategies that have strengthened our union and delivered results,” said Local 23 Ohio/West Virginia/ Kentucky/Maryland President Danny Musacchio when endorsing Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar. “He brings creativity, determination and a clear vision for the future of this membership. Keith has the drive and the leadership we need to keep moving forward.” “I think right now the BAC is positioned like no other time,” Vice President Hocevar said in his acceptance speech. “I’ve met your new recruits coming through — new organizers and field reps — and they are ready. We are ready to go and fight.” “Our commitment to each other, as brothers and sisters, is going to lead us in a direction that quite honestly, not too many unions can follow,” Hocevar continued. “I promise to you today to fulfill all my responsibilities as Vice President of this great union with pride and commitment to representing you, in my fullest capacity, to build the best BAC we can possibly build.” // Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/ New Hampshire/Rhode Island President Chuck Raso endorsing President Tim Driscoll for another term.

On Thursday, October 2, President Driscoll reported the results of the elections of the Regional Vice Presidents who will serve on the Executive Council for the next five years. Delegates from the Northeast Region elected Jack Argila of Local 1 New York, John Capo of the New Jersey ADC, Scott Garvin of Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/DC, Charles Raso II of Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/ New Hampshire/Rhode Island, Norman Ringer of Local 9 Pennsylvania, Justin Scarinci of Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware, and Pat Tirino of Local 2 New York/Vermont.

and Lowell Glodowski of Local 1 Washington/Alaska.

Phillip Husband of Local 8 Southeast was elected to represent the South Region.

• S tone Masonry: Tom Smith of Local 5 Pennsylvania

Delegates from the North Central Region elected Danny Musacchio of Local 23 Ohio/West Virginia/Kentucky/Maryland, Brett Gierak of Local 2 Michigan, Dustin Himes of Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska, Brian Jennewein of the Eastern Missouri ADC, Steve Knowles of Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky, Doug Schroeder of Local 1 Minnesota/North Dakota/ South Dakota, Jim Vick of the Wisconsin ADC, and Mike Volpentesta of ADC 1 of Illinois

•M arble Masonry: Richard Crawford of the Mountain West ADC

• T ile Laying and Mosaic Work: William Hill of Local 7 New York/New Jersey • P ointing, Cleaning, and Caulking: Larry Crovatto of Local 1 New York

Delegates from Canada elected John Leonard of Local 1 Newfoundland to serve as Canadian Congress Co-Chair, and Brothers Jean Robitaille of Local 6 Ontario, Ken Coghill of Local 1 Alberta, and Derek Halldorson of Local 1 Saskatchewan to serve as Regional Vice Presidents. Delegates from the West elected: Andy Gerber of Local 4 California, Troy Garland of Local 3 California,

Delegates to the convention also considered and approved the Executive Board’s appointments for the Craft Vice Presidents to serve on the Executive Council. Those appointed are:

• T errazzo: Rick Williamson of Local 3 New York • P laster: Gerry Marotti of Local 1 Connecticut • Cement Masonry: Patrick Coronas of Local 1 Hawai’i • C raft Support Work: Shawn Lenczowski of Local 1 Oregon/Washington/Idaho/Montana The following At-Large members of the International Union Executive Council were also confirmed by the Convention delegates: • K ristine Azzoli of Local 1 New York •M att Braun of Local 8 Illinois • L iliana Calderon Castillo of ADC 1 of Illinois • G lenn Head of Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky • A ngela Henderson of Local 1 Washington/Alaska •M ike Petritis of ADC 1 of Illinois • C huck Raso of Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island • Hector Arellano of ADC 1 of Illinois

The current Executive Council is always posted on bacweb.org/leadership // ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 15

CONVENTION

Bringing the Spirit of the Convention Back Home Not all the work of the Convention took place in the main hall. Just as important as the Convention resolutions, and just as inspiring as the speakers, were the Convention workshops that provided delegates and guests with actionable information and ideas to take home to their local unions and ADCs. Experts from the IU, other unions, government, and more shared their expertise on key issues that affect our members, locals, and the industry everyday — and gave participants the tools to keep Building Tomorrow Together for years to come. BUILDING BETTER LOCAL WEBSITES As important as the BAC Journal and local newsletters can be, today it’s the union website that often represents the first place that prospective members and contractors encounter BAC. Moreover, local websites can be a valuable resource to current members and contractors. However, a website is only as good as the work that goes into designing and maintaining it. In this workshop, participants learned from communications experts at the AFL-CIO about everything it takes to build and keep up a website as strong as our union.

Jhon Sanchez of BAC Local 8 Southeast said the workshop is important for all Locals/ADCs. “The Union Hall template for local websites is a very good tool because nowadays everything is powered by digital platforms,” Sanchez said. “This training helps us better our website and get our messaging out to current and prospective members.”

BUILDING POLITICAL & ADVOCACY POWER FOR THE BAC Whether we like it or not, politics shape the decisions that run our cities, states, provinces, and countries — and the laws that govern

our jobsites. For the BAC, political action is often key to securing good jobs and fair wages. As attacks on labor have increased, the need for a well-organized political program has never been greater. Participants in this workshop learned how successful locals and ADCs maximize their political influence, including best practices for lobbying and building an effective local political program. BAC Local 7 Colorado/Wyoming President Jerome Gondek expressed his excitement about applying what he has learned to his local. “We are taking what we have Building Political Advocacy presenters: The Century Foundation contributor Mark Zuckerman, BAC Legislative Director Brian Kennedy, and BAC Political Director JeanPaul Itz.

AFL-CIO presenters Audrey Edmonds and Jeff Mann

16 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

learned back to our state legislators and letting them know who we are and what we do, including how many lives we are impacting with our training programs and the benefits that our union provides,” he said.

BUILDING STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY WITH PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS Recent studies showing alarming rates of construction worker suicide and opioid overdose fatalities have led to a call to action among industry leaders. One important way that BAC can fight back against this epidemic is by building local union peer support programs — groups where members help members with the challenges that too many of us have gone through. The workshop highlighted successful examples from BAC and other unions of mental health and substance use peer support programs, and provided a framework and incentive for locals and ADCs to build or strengthen their own programs. “The peer support program taught us to bring awareness of

Executive Vice President Keith Hocevar leads the membership development training.

mental wellness to the field,” said Michele Riley, a delegate from Local 2 Michigan. “If I see someone who is having a bad day, I will have a genuine conversation with them and encourage them to reach out and point them towards the right direction and resources.”

DATA-BASED, PURPOSE DRIVEN ORGANIZING TO BUILD TOMORROW BAC local unions and ADCs have resources — but they’re not infinite. If we want to maximize our financial and staff resources to get the most from our organizing efforts, we need to collect and analyze critical data about our markets to

make smart, strategic decisions about how and where to target. This workshop explored what data is needed to make those decisions, how to collect it, and — most importantly — how to analyze that data to develop sustainable and effective plans for growth. “This workshop is a must for anyone looking to maximize success in organizing our future members and contractors,” said Local 9 PA Organizer Kevin Cogley.

DEVELOPING THE MEMBERS WE WANT Most new BAC members have never been part of a labor union

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 17

CONVENTION with them, and pointing out safety and health hazards are the best strategies to keep our jobsites safe,” said BAC Local 5 Pennsylvania Field Representative Tony Morrow after attending the workshop.

MAXIMIZING BENEFITS OF INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS

before joining. Their development begins with how the union interacts with them when they walk through the door, and it lasts throughout their careers. If we want them to be the kind of members who make BAC a strong force, we need to show them what makes the union strong. Participants in this workshop learned how to develop an educated, engaged, and committed membership through utilizing BAC’s freshly developed New Member Development program, as well as mentorship programs, career development training, and solidarity groups. For Scott Porter of BAC Local 1 Oregon/Washington/Idaho/ Montana, lessons learned from the workshop were, “having a positive attitude towards our membership, being a good mentor, and always being willing to learn new skills to grow as a leader.”

EMPOWERING THE RANK AND FILE: ENGAGING BAC MEMBERS AND SUPERVISORS IN JOBSITE SAFETY AND HEALTH No one knows better than BAC members what the dangers are on our jobsites — but we don’t always know how to put that knowledge to use. This workshop focused on equipping rank-and-file members and frontline supervisors with the knowledge, tools, and motivation needed to improve health and safety on job sites. Participants discussed the need for greater engagement, worker empowerment, and supervisor accountability. Through hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and peer discussions, participants learned how to promote a culture of safety from the ground up. “Speaking with our members about safety on the job by visiting the jobsite, having a conversation

18 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

The new Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for the 21st century clean Canadian economy are finally here. From wind and solar to carbon capture and sequestration, generous incentives are available for companies who are building the clean economy and creating good jobs. Sean Strickland, President of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, and his staff showed participants from locals across Canada how BAC can create more union jobs from the ITCs. “The workshop was very educational,” said Peter Traverse, BAC Local 1 Newfoundland/Labrador. “This is going to lead to more work for unions. It’s going to make organizing a little easier as well. I

ITCs workshop participants

think the investment tax credits are going to be great for Canada, great for the union, and great for the labor movement.”

RECRUITMENT THAT WORKS: USING ONLINE STRATEGIES & HELMETS TO HARDHATS TO GROW BAC Recruiting new apprentices into the trade can be difficult, but investing in online recruitment is a proven way to boost our efforts. Participants in this workshop learned practical tools and strategies to strengthen BAC’s digital presence and kickstart our online recruitment. And since one of the best places to look for new apprentices is among military service members returning to civilian life, the workshop also explored how to maximize our participation with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) to attract more veterans into BAC. “The Helmets to Hardhats program is an invaluable tool. It not only puts our highly respected veterans on a career path with our trade, but with their background

and skill sets the transition can be relatively easy for them,” remarked Local 5 New Jersey Field Representative Mario Cerrito, Jr. “Locals 4 and 5 NJ are always looking for reliable, dedicated apprentices to go through our program and become top-notch journeypersons in the future. We’re thrilled to have the veteran servicemen and servicewomen working side by side with our members out in the field.”

VISUAL MEDIA IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND: USING YOUR CELLPHONE TO CREATE ENGAGING CONTENT Whether we’re recruiting new members, opening doors with non-union contractors, or engaging government officials, a picture of the amazing work that BAC members do can say a thousand words. Likewise, if we want to show where non-union work falls short, or highlight unsafe jobsites, a picture can make our case. Taking a good photo is often easier said than done. In this workshop, participants learned best practices for

Recruitment That Works presenters: BAC Local 1 Alberta Director of Training Nick Peters, BAC Local 2 Michigan Veterans Representative Jesse Stevens, BAC Local 9 Pennsylvania Apprentice & Training Coordinator Anthony Joseph, BAC Local 2 Michigan Director of Training Howard Hipes, Helmets to Hardhats Michigan State Representative Sam Dougherty, and International Masonry Institute Communications Director Elizabeth Kekeris.

capturing photos and videos using their smartphones, how to share the high-resolution files, and how to use photos for social media content and flyers. After attending this workshop Ignacio Amoles of BAC Local 2 Michigan is ready to apply his new photography skills to jobsites. “I really like what they were talking about, that people like to see themselves on social media,” he expressed. “Obviously if I’m out there, it’s pretty cool to see yourself on the website itself. So, I think that’s what we’re going to be trying to do a little bit more of, taking pictures on the jobsites — the reality of what we’re doing, day-in and day-out, and exposing that a little bit more.” The skills and strategies gained from the Convention workshops will not stay in the conference rooms. Members returned to their Local Unions/ADCs with a renewed sense of purpose and new tools to build a stronger union together. //

Workshop participants discuss phone camera settings with each other while they practice taking photographs.

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 19

IMI & IMTEF

BAC Apprentices Showcase Passion for the Craft at 2025 International Apprentice Contest

T

he future of the skilled trades was on full display at the 2025 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest (IAC), where 80 apprentices from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) showcased their talents in a bid to be crowned champions of their craft. The event, held September 26–27 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, attracted the top one percent of the union’s apprentices from across the United States and Canada. To qualify, apprentices had to place in local and regional skills contests. First, second, and third place were awarded at the IAC in brick, restoration/pointing-cleaning-caulking, stone, tile, marble, terrazzo, cement, and plaster. “It means a great deal for me to place and see how I did amongst my peers,” said Michael McKee, Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, who won first place in brick. “I love that bricklaying offers something new every day. It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding to see a building come from nothing.”

20 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

McKee and his fellow contestants raced to build complex mockups that reflect real-world construction projects in less than 8 hours. They’re scored on criteria like layout, craftsmanship, neatness, safety, and aesthetics by a team of judges who are all industry and craft experts. “We got the blueprints the night before the competition,” said John Deslippe, Local 1 PA/DE, who took home first in restoration/PCC. “It was fun to compete. Every apprentice here is so good. I knew I wanted to win from the time I first heard about the competition, and it feels good to represent my Local.” Union officers, representatives, instructors, and signatory contractors from across North America came out in support of their apprentices. “There are a lot of people in my corner supporting me,” said Madelynn Bryant, WI ADC apprentice, who took home second in restoration/PCC. “Being in the union means job security and having a career for the rest of my life.”

Mike Schmerbeck, President of the International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and IMI/IMTEF Co-Chair, echoed that message. “These apprentices made a great career choice. They’ll make a livable wage, get great benefits, and enjoy the pride that comes with working on projects in their communities.” Past winners of the IAC go on to enjoy long, fulfilling careers with BAC. Many advance into leadership roles, ranging from forepersons to union officers, contractors, and instructors. “The apprentices competing here today are the future of our industry,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll. “We have an unparalleled training system that’s the envy of the industry, and it doesn’t exist without great labor-management cooperation.” “Hopefully, this will open up some doors for me,” said Anthony DiCristofano, ADC 1 of IL apprentice, who won first in terrazzo. “It feels great to win, and

this has been such a nice experience. I’ve met a lot of people, so we’ll see where the wind takes me.” Ashton Sollars, Local 3 CA apprentice who won second in brick, is also dreaming about his future. “Hopefully, I’ll become a foreman in the future, and maybe even have my own business — you never know.” At the awards ceremony, the mood amongst the winning apprentices was triumphant. “I wanted this so badly, and I did it! I’m speechless,” exclaimed Bryant. “It feels so great to win. I’m so happy,” said Mariusz Sarat, ADC 1 of IL apprentice and first-place tile winner. Caryn Halifax, IMI/IMTEF President, recognized the success of all the competitors. “For an apprentice to make it to the International Contest means that they’ve really put extra time and effort into building their skills. Everyone here today walked in the door as winners and has a bright future ahead of them.” Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 BAC/ IMI International Apprentice Contest.

Contestants at the 2025 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest with the BAC Executive Board and IMI/IMTEF Co-Chairs.

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 21

IMI & IMTEF BRICK

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1 PLACE: MICHAEL MCKEE, LOCAL 23 OH/WV/KY/MD ST

2ND PLACE: ASHTON SOLLARS, LOCAL 3 CA 3RD PLACE: NATHANIEL NOBLE, ADC 1 OF IL

RESTORATION/PCC 1ST PLACE: JOHN DESLIPPE, LOCAL 1 PA/DE 2ND PLACE: MADELYNN BRYANT, WISCONSIN ADC 3RD PLACE: ISAIAS BELTRAN, ADC 1 OF IL

TILE 1 PLACE: MARIUSZ SARAT, ADC 1 OF IL ST

2ND PLACE: NEIL HOUGH, ADC 1 OF IL 3RD PLACE: RANDALL WILLIAMS, LOCAL 1 PA/DE

TERRAZZO 1 PLACE: ANTHONY DICRISTOFANO, ADC 1 OF IL ST

2ND PLACE: LEONARDO CASTRO BETANCUR, LOCAL 4 IN/KY 3RD PLACE: DEVIN SISSON, LOCAL 3 CA

22 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

STONE

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1ST

2ND

3RD

1 PLACE: TRENTON LAMPKIN, EASTERN MO ADC ST

2ND PLACE: MICHAEL WAHLBERG, WI ADC 3RD PLACE: STEWART TURNER, JR., ADC OF NJ

MARBLE 1ST PLACE: IRVINE ACEVEDO, LOCAL 4 CA 2ND PLACE: JORGE GUZMAN CRUZ, LOCAL 1 MD/VA/DC 3RD PLACE: THOMAS VENTURA, LOCAL 7 NY/NJ

CEMENT 1 PLACE: TYLER DEISS, WI ADC ST

2ND PLACE: AARON SWIFT, ADC OF NJ 3RD PLACE: MICHAEL CUMMINGS, LOCAL 1 CT

PLASTER 1 PLACE: SAMUEL LOPEZ, ADC 1 OF IL ST

2ND PLACE: CARLOS VALADEZ SANCHEZ, ADC 1 OF IL 3RD PLACE: OCTAVIO OROZCO, ADC 1 OF IL

ISSUE 2 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 23

IN MEMORIAM — JANUARY Death Benefit Claims for January 2025 Total Amount Paid Total Union Labor Life Claims

$108,000.00 $2,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$106,000.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Adell, Thomas E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Amidei, Emo - 21, IL Andrews, Joseph M. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Bamber, Edward J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Berndt, William A. - 08, WI Boegemann, Fredrick P. - 01, MO Brennan, Timothy F. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Byrne, Richard F. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Caldemeyer, Gary L. - 04, IN/KY Chapman, Eugene C. - 21, IL Coates, John C. - 02, MI Cook, Larry T. - 01, MN/ND/SD Croke, Robert J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Eickmeier, III, Robert J. - 01, MO Fontaine, Robert J. - 01, CT Foswold, Robert E. - 21, IL Giacinto, Ernesto P. - 01, NY Giaime, Vincent - 01, NY Gorecki, Richard J. - 21, IL Graves, Sr., Norman - 21, IL Halasz, Dennis W. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Harris, Robert O. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Hart, James J. - 05, PA Janiak, Kevin J. - 21, IL Jeffery, Donald B. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Kirschner, Sr., Dennis W. - 01, PA/DE Korrie, John J. - 02, NY/VT Kuitems, Ralph G. - 03, NY Larose, Gerry - 01, AB Lauer, Larry L. - 01, MN/ND/SD

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

76 87 64 77 84 76 88 76 66 92 80 77 76 69 90 87 93 93 82 89 80 97 68 63 93 74 86 93 67 88

52 56 18 45 61 47 65 60 47 69 52 50 59 48 66 69 54 75 54 56 62 58 22 40 50 52 66 74 35 61

60

Average Age

83.78

Average Years of Membership

55.78

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

LeBlanc, Ernest A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Lenz, Leroy A. - 01, MN/ND/SD Lerza, Antonio - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Lewis, Ronald E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Luebbers, Orville F. - 21, IL Martin, Sr., Donald E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Martin, Sr., Edwin C. - 03, NY Martin, Harold W. - 08, SE Mead, Thomas W. - 08, IL Medeiros, Joaquim - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Minervini, Gaetano - 04, NJ Montano, Luigi - 01, NY Montarsi, Sestilio - 04, IN/KY Myers, Dillard A. - 15, MO/KS/NE O’Bleness, Albert - 03, IA Palmisano, Michael - 08, IL Pardo, Thomas E. - 18, MO Perry, Leonard S. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Prestia, Michael P. - 21, IL Recidivi, Egidio J. - 01, CT Reifsneider, Jr., Robert N. - 01, PA/DE Rush, Charles R. - 08, SE Salerno, Patrick R. - 07, NY/NJ Scileppi, Jr., Frank - 04, CA Smith, Mark A. - 01, MN/ND/SD Strick, Sr., Walter E. - 01, NY Swensen, Cyrus D. - 01, MN/ND/SD Testa, Alfred J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Warner, James F. - 01, NY Wood, Joseph R. - 15, MO/KS/NE

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

95 92 87 83 85 82 85 84 89 83 95 88 96 95 94 102 87 85 64 81 88 85 94 67 65 92 88 96 76 93

76 73 62 63 63 26 36 25 64 57 74 46 68 79 74 73 35 58 42 53 68 59 36 45 42 73 59 71 57 67

IN MEMORIAM — FEBRUARY Death Benefit Claims for February 2025 Total Amount Paid

$132,750.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$0

Total Death Benefits

$132,750.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Anagnos, James - 21, IL Alderson, III, James W. - 09, PA Anderson, Joseph P. - 02, BC Audette, Joseph A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Balduzzi, Gino - 02, ON Balzano, Giuseppe - 04, NJ Barillaro, Albert S. - 08, IL Barnes, Frederick J. - 04, NJ Beail, James D. - 01, PA/DE Beaudry, Rheal - 07, CN Brunozzi, Americo - 05, NJ/DE/PA Campbell, James M. - 79, IL Cannariato, Lawrence - 04, NJ

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

92 82 86 92 89 92 98 86 93 88 82 91 96

69 59 49 68 64 63 75 40 69 72 45 69 72

24 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

72

Average Age

85.60

Average Years of Membership

59.08

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Cano, Edward E. - 03, AZ/NM Cardinal, Jackie G. - 04, IN/KY Ciampa, George - 09, PA Clemons, Shawn A. - 02, NY/VT Collins, Frank C. - 04, CA Crupe, Carmen J. - 02, NY/VT Custer, Clyde H. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B PC B PC B B, M B

93 92 101 40 88 91 92

66 66 73 1 62 64 61

De Anna, Fredrick A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Fazio, Angelo - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Fitzgerald, Charles R. - 05, OK/AR/TX Foster, James W. - 09, PA Gagnon, Gerald A. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B B, M B B B, M

91 95 75 94 90

74 64 57 56 60

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

Gaia, Jr., Camille C. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Garofalo, Alfonso - 01, CT Gorton, James H. - 19, WI Gray, Jr., William P. - 01, NY Greenhouse, Bernard - 05, OK/AR/TX Herman, Joseph - 04, NJ Hodson, Brad M. - 04, IN/KY Humm, Jr., Edgar M. - 08, IL Jenkins, Jr., William R. - 04, IN/KY Johnson, Delbert N. - 02, MI Kish, Robert J. - 03, NY Krafve, Kenneth - 01, MO Kula, Johann - 07, CO/WY Laruffa, John R. - 01, NY Latty, Chester R. - 02, MI Lawson, Jr., Jess W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Lee, Valentine T. - 01, HI Loncar, Robert P. - 04, CA Lucksinger, Paul L. - 05, OK/AR/TX Marino, Samuel J. - 21, IL Marme, Sr., David F. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Martino, Ido G. - 04, NJ McCabe, Robert J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Mirarchi, Anthony V. - 05, PA

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

90 96 72 82 92 88 57 80 79 91 86 70 87 91 96 72 76 91 86 90 93 97 88 61

66 64 53 64 75 59 32 49 58 72 67 45 66 74 70 47 49 69 70 69 69 67 68 32

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Mroz, John - 05, NJ/DE/PA Mueller, Dale C. - 21, IL Nicolai, John A. - 01, NY Novelli, Michele - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI O’Connell, Gerald B. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Orr, Louis W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Petlikau, Rudolf - 02, BC Petrosh, Jackie L. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Poole, Edward A. - 03, NY Roberti, Joseph F. - 02, NY/VT Santo, Ernest J. - 01, CT Schramm, Jr., Harry W. - 02, NY/VT Sicoli, Antonio - 07, CN Slugocki, Stanislaw 01, NY Smith, Richard J. - 08, SE Soto, Edward C. - 04, CA Tabora, Raul - 02, NY/VT Thomas, Sr., Robert G. - 05, OK/AR/TX Toffolo, Blasé - 09, PA Triplett, James G. - 07, CO/WY Tyler, Marvin A. - 04, NJ Wells, Gary S. - 03, NY Wotka, John A. - 02, MI

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

81 87 92 85 69 85 92 82 89 86 93 74 88 86 91 96 91 74 91 87 70 79 75

58 57 74 56 40 68 70 45 36 65 75 52 57 40 58 69 57 56 73 50 46 34 46

IN MEMORIAM — MARCH Death Benefit Claims for March 2025 Total Amount Paid Total Union Labor Life Claims

$117,000.00 $1,000.00

Total Death Benefits

$116,000.00

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Argila, Salvatore - 04, NJ Baker, Brendan T. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Balega, Sr., Amel - 04, NJ Barberio, Arduino R. - 04, NJ Barila, Jr., Rosario - 04, NJ Barton, David L. - 04, IN/KY Bell, Johnnie W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Bliewert, Gerhard - 02, BC Boyce, Jr., Donald L. - 09, PA Brummer, Sr., John F. - 03, NY Carrico, Manuel A. - 01, MD/VA/DC Chiarvesio, Mario - 07, CN Christman, Kirby C. - 02, MI Corrigan, Terrance J. - 79, IL D’Agostino, Carl D. - 01, NY Daley, Phillip B. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD DeConge, Sr., Alvin J. - 03, CA DiCurzio, Enzo - 01, CT Dovgin, Edward L. - 21, IL Faison, III, Alexander - 01, NY Fleeman, Dewey C. - 08, SE Frango, Michael J. - 01, NY Frye-Scott, Ryan B. - 04, IN/KY Gallant, Paul - 08, NB/PE Greer, John F. - 09, PA Hoekstra, Kenneth P. - 21, IL Honkonen, David - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Husar, Joseph - 04, NJ Iati, George A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

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

98 92 85 90 71 72 93 94 73 92 81 96 72 75 90 93 88 84 96 55 86 80 42 81 88 91 74 95 100

76 73 50 60 46 51 63 68 43 74 44 67 40 55 74 74 62 61 72 15 35 62 2 58 58 71 55 72 73

66

Average Age

84.12

Average Years of Membership

58.79

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Karlin, Robert A. - 21, IL King, III, William H. - 08, SE LeBlanc, Gerald J. - 08, NB/PE Ludewig, Erwin G. - 07, CN Mackowiak, James S. - 21, IL Magana, Edward - 04, CA Mattessich, Silvio - 07, NY/NJ Maxwell, John F. - 01, WA/AK Mielke, James H. - 09, WI Montross, William J. - 01, NY Moore, Delmar L. - 01, WA/AK Murphy, Thomas J. - 05, PA Occhipinti, Carmelo - 01, NY Ohme, William A. - 02, MI Ortiz, Antonio - 07, CO/WY Orzech, Joseph B. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Pena, Alfred C. - 13, WI Pfoertner, Jr., Leroy J. - 09, PA Pierce, Rhonald J. - 02, MI Pinnell, Darrell A. - 01, MO Qualman, James R. - 02, MI Rehlinger, Andrew - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Robinson, James R. - 04, IN/KY Rowe, Kenneth - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Saenger, Robert H. - 01, MO Salvucci, Loreto - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Santagata, Dominick D. - 01, CT Schehr, Donald H. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Simone, Sr., Joseph A. - 04, NJ

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

88 80 75 90 74 94 82 83 94 87 86 77 96 91 94 90 89 68 98 45 95 85 83 78 96 91 100 89 88

59 61 50 67 56 70 45 60 72 67 62 58 70 71 49 70 61 45 74 24 46 56 62 37 76 66 77 71 69

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 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 25

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Sousa, Florival V. - 01, MB Stastny, Lee E. - 21, IL Sullivan, Sidney L. - 08, SE Taylor, Edwin L. - 02, MI

B TL B B

78 92 82 99

54 46 32 70

Teixeira, Eduardo V. - 03, CA Walker, Florian E. - 04, IN/KY Wilson, William C. - 07, CO/WY Wivell, Frank M. - 01, PA/DE

TL B, M B, M FN

48 60 94 86

83 80 74 36

IN MEMORIAM — APRIL Death Benefit Claims for April 2025 Total Amount Paid

Total Death Benefits

$94,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$94,000.00

Total Number of Claims

$0

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Aiello, Gus P. - 03, CA Amato, Joseph F. - 01, CT Auxt, Gary L. - 05, PA Baker, Eugene R. - 09, PA Beylerian, Jacques L. - 02, MI Bongiorno, Filippo - 07, NY/NJ Brandolisio, Vino - 01, PA/DE Burlew, Anthony G. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Churnovic, Sr., Robert L. - 74, IL Comparsto, Nicholas - 05, NJ/DE/PA Corneliussen, Marvin R. - 01, MN/ND/SD Cryderman, Paul B. - 02, MI DeMeglio, Anthony J. - 01, NY Dexter, Leroy D. - 08, IL Dilbedk, Richard A. - 04, IN/KY Ellithorpe, Paul C. - 08, SE Falada, Eugene L. - 21, IL Flynn, Jr., Joseph M. - 01, MO Fors, Paul A. - 01, MN/ND/SD Gaetano, Francis S. - 02, NY/VT Gaston, George A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Geary, William E. - 21, IL Gobbie, Sr., Arthur J. - 09, PA Gordon, Ronald M. - 02, BC Green, William R. - 09, PA Harnish, James R. - 05, PA Husk, Robert D. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Incarnati, France L. - 02, MI

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

93 99 61 65 92 81 91 82 98 95 90 86 85 90 85 89 94 70 95 94 68 81 91 99 88 66 62 88

55

Average Age

84.64

Average Years of Membership

56.73

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

66 63 26 47 71 51 53 56 67 74 69 59 65 73 68 60 68 47 74 70 26 50 73 72 62 16 1 50

Kimpel, Robert L. - 08, SE Kowalski, Frank W. - 05, PA Kraft, Frank A. - 01, MN/ND/SD Larsen, II, Neil A. - 08, SE Lindner, Raymond E. - 01, MO Locastro, Joseph T. - 02, NY/VT MacGlashing, Richard - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Mallak, Orville C. - 06, WI . Mancini, Orazio - 01, CT Martincic, Sr., Frank J. - 09, PA McDaniel, Michael E. - 04, IN/KY Melgaard, Dennis J. - 01, MN/ND/SD Miller, Robert L. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Montefuscoli, Pietro - 01, CT Mule, Peter J. - 01, NY Myers, Joshua J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Neri, Antonio - 21, IL Palombit, Gary R. - 02, MI Petschl, John H. - 01, MN/ND/SD Primerano, James S. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Ryan, Jackie D. - 03, IA Schwarz, Josef - 56, IL Surginer, Henry E. - 05, OK/AR/TX Washington, Lee C. - 08, SE Williams, Clark F. - 01, NY Wren, James L. - 04, IN/KY Zeller, James E. - 74, IL

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

95 92 96 90 72 98 70 93 84 85 71 88 88 84 92 89 82 81 82 46 90 84 89 91 88 77 80

70 69 65 62 91 67 35 74 57 61 46 57 57 59 68 51 60 56 63 10 33 44 68 72 37 55 56

Total Death Benefits

$133,000.00

IN MEMORIAM — MAY Death Benefit Claims for May 2025 Total Amount Paid

$133,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$0

Total Number of Claims

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Abbott, Jr., Charles J. - 21, IL

TL

79

55

Badolato, Benito - 01, NY Baroni, William P. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Bennett, Graeme M. - 01, MB Bogue, David N. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

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

90 88 71 87

73 71 45 62

26 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

71

Average Age

83.75

Average Years of Membership

57.18

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Botbyl, Howard J. - 04, NJ Bradley, Jackie E. - 04, IN/KY Bright, Stephen W. - 15, MO/KS/NE Butler, Dennis H. - 01, UT

B, M, P MM, M B B

88 76 61 84

68 44 39 52

Carroll, Dale L. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B

84

63

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

Casale, Raffaele - 02, NY/VT Casillas-Garcia, Jose - 21, IL Cejar, Jr., Victor P. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Cicoria, Peter - 03, NY Coreno, Joseph - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Currie, Andrew B. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT

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

76 75 91 100 73 97

45 39 59 67 54 72

D’Agostino, Gaetano - 01, CT D’Ambrosio, Sante G. - 01, NY DiPaola, Felice G. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B PC, B, CM B

87 91 89

54 61 68

Fedele, Frank - 01, NY Figgs, Lee C. - 01, NY Foskett, Richard E. - 13, WI Francescon, Umberto V. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Frank, Raymond E. - 21, IL

B B B, M, P TW, B, CM, M, MM B

68 75 83 94 88

38 49 59 76 69

Garcia, Antonio - 03, AZ/NM Gasperini, Raymond A. - 01, CT Gott, Jr., Glenn W. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Gray, Sr., Thomas L. - 15, MO/KS/NE

B B B B, M, W

83 99 101 90

64 74 77 71

Hardy, David A. - 02, MI Hill, Rodger M. - 07, CO/WY Hillestad, Donald A. - 01, WA/AK

B B B

77 86 90

56 65 70

Jacobsen, Donald R. - 21, IL Julian, Jean - 07, CN

B B

84 82

62 56

Kamrowski, Sr., Ronald A. - 03, NY Kane, Joseph - 01, PA/DE Kanos, Dimitrios - 05, NJ/DE/PA Kanos, Kostas - 05, NJ/DE/PA Kaporch, Richard - 01, NY Kelly, Sr., Joseph - 05, NJ/DE/PA Kelmelis, Gregory S. 01, CT Klecker, Richard B. - 13, WI

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

87 70 89 87 85 84 65 86

58 39 55 58 56 61 41 60

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Krabill, Joseph L. - 03, IA Kruckenberg, Jimmy G. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Kuzmeski, Michael G. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B B, TL B

94 90 76

57 65 56

Lennox, Michael J. - 02, NY/VT

B, CM, M, P

77

52

Manzi, Giovanni - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Marguerite, James M. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Matthews, Joel K. - 04, IN/KY McNichols, James F. - 05, PA Meshot, William T. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Miller, Ronald L. - 04, IN/KY Morales Uribe, Daniel A. - 04, IN/KY Morrow, Jr., Alfred A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Murphey, Jr., Ronald L. - 79, IL

B B, CM, M, P B B, CM, M, TL B TL, TW, M, MM GP B, CM, P, W B, CM

78 83 69 80 92 81 38 92 66

54 60 23 43 74 45 1 74 46

Nogafsky, Richard E. - 02, MI Nolan, Donald J. - 04, IN/KY

PC B

90 91

57 73

Perciballi, Gino - 01, NY Powers, Sr., Thomas A. - 04, IN/KY

B B, CM

100 98

54 76

Reber, Walter - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Reimer, Gregory A. - 01, MD/VA/DC Rivero, Silvio - 08, SE Rogers, William J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Rosencrans, William T. - 79, IL

B B CS, W TL B

88 75 92 78 95

70 51 41 58 77

Schiller, Frank P. - 21, IL Sepelyak, Robert - 05, PA Smialek, John D. - 05, PA Speweike, Merwin E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Stromberg, Charles G. - 21, IL

B TL, TW, CH B B B

93 86 66 87 90

73 58 4 68 72

Timmons, James - 21, IL

B

93

68

Wilkins, Foster - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Williams, Willie B. - 56, IL

B CS, W

83 85

60 45

IN MEMORIAM — JUNE Death Benefit Claims for June 2025 Total Amount Paid

$101,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$2,000.00

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

Adams, Alfred E. - 01, NL Bandini, Adam A. - 01, CT Barge, Mansfield - 02, MI Bauer, John M. - 19, WI Bryant, Raymond D. - 15, MO/KS/NE Burroughs, Daniel R. - 08, IL Byrne, Phillip A. - 15, MO/KS/NE

Total Death Benefits

$99,000.00

Total Number of Claims AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

CM

78

52

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

100 97 77 87 78 89

78 55 56 47 57 66

Cook, Jr., Herbert W. - 01, MN/ND/SD Cordani, Gigino - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B CM, B

94 86

76 62

Donegan, Robert D. - 21, IL Duvall, Sr., Donald D. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

TL B, M

91 87

59 66

Eckert, Lavern D. - 01, MN/ND/SD Elko, Sr., Kenneth G. - 09, PA

B B

89 90

66 55

Fannin, Paul - 02, ON Flaherty, John M. - 09, PA Friberg, Bruce I. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT

B B, M B

98 69 71

63 43 45

Hamlin, Garry L. - 02, NY/VT Higa, George S. - 01, HI Hummel, James E. - 04, IN/KY Hunsicker, John R. - 02, NY/VT Hunter, Michael J. - 08, IL

B M B TL B

83 88 92 66 76

59 56 75 24 58

54

Average Age

85.44

Average Years of Membership

59.17

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Jablonski, Richard - 21, IL James, Leroyt S. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B B

87 83

65 65

Kampf, Philipp - 01, NY Kaneshiro, Roy M. - 01, HI Kollaszar, Kenneth M. - 08, WI Krone, Robert - 21, IL

B M B, M B

89 81 70 98

62 59 46 73

Lieske, Adolf - 02, MI Ligammari, Peter J. - 02, NY/VT Lintner, Beck J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B B, M, P M

91 94 81

62 60 61

Maiers, Arthur C. - 04, NJ Malkowski, Donald S. - 74, IL Martin, Dante - 09, PA McArdle, Delbert L. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B, CM B B B

99 88 90 69

74 61 68 49+

Oestrike, Richard E. - 02, MI

B

90

68

Peak, Sawyer T. - 02, MI

B

22

4

Rallo, Jr., Giuseppe - 01, MO Revelant, Jr., Ferdinand B. - 08, WI Ricci, III, Peter - 07, NY/NJ Rice, Ronald J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Rizer, Harry A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Rodgers, Floyd M. - 15, MO/KS/NE

B B FN B B MM, M

89 50 69 86 82 95

69 97 37 66 58 70

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 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 27

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Sainato, Bernard R. - 09, PA Seich, Jr., George - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Shaw, Robert E. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Smith, Mark A. - 03, CA Soares, Sr., John - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Statham, William J. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B, M B B, PC PC B, M, MM B, M

96 89 71 64 90 86

77 68 48 27 56 64

Troisi, Felice - 01, PA/DE Udijohn, Lewis - 05, NJ/DE/PA

B, M, MM

91

55

CM, P, TW

91

71

Valles, Matteo - 09, PA Vitale, Salvatore - 21, IL

B B

95 82

72 56

Thompson, Jerome E. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B

90

72

Wall, Jimmie L. - 03, CA

TL

86

60

Zaffina, Valentino G. - 21, IL

FN

94

26

IN MEMORIAM — JULY Death Benefit Claims for July 2025 Total Amount Paid

$68,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

$0 BRANCH of TRADE

Total Death Benefits

$68,000.00

Total Number of Claims AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Bildstein, Jr., Leonard M. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD B, CM, PC Botas, Lincoln J. - 01, NY PC, CM

81 70

41 46

Corsaro, Richard C. - 79, IL Cubellis, Jr., John P. - 09, PA

CM B, M

74 80

55 60

Delwiche, Roy R. - 03, WI

B, M

85

Filiputti, Ferrante - 02, MI Fiore, Filippo - 56, IL

TL, TW, CM, P B

Gestl, Sr., Raymond R. - 05, PA Girouard, Michael R. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Gori, Esmano L. - 07, NY/NJ Goudreau, Alfred T. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Gupton, Ronald J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Guzik, Jr., Stanley- 09, PA

38

Average Age

83.42

Average Years of Membership

57.08

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

63

Madden, Carl O. - 03, AZ/NM Mathers, Jack L. - 02, MI Meyer, Robert E. - 08, IL Miller, Sr., Boyd W. - 01, MD/VA/DC Mirolli, Sr., Nicholas F. - 09, PA Moon, Larry J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B B B B, M B B

86 89 75 84 91 76

66 44 57 40 72 51

88 75

66 49

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

95 72 90 94 57 91

72 33 62 63 21 73

Parks, Sr., William M. - 08, SE Petro, James E. - 02, NY/VT

B CB

94 67

73 35

Quasius, Dennis G. - 11, WI

B, CM, M, P

81

61

Rapson, Ronald J. - 02, MI Ritz, Herbert C. - 01, MN/ND/SD Rolstad, Calvin E. - 01, MN/ND/SD

B, CM, RE, W B B

81 94 99

56 67 75

Hamilton, Otts Q. - 08, SE

P

96

66

Kithcart, Jr., George - 01, NY Knight, David L. - 09, PA

P, B, CM PC, CM

90 72

67 45

Lattery, Jr., Robert V. - 01, MN/ND/SD Lintner, Beck J. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Lynn, Robert A. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD

B, M, W M B

83 81 85

60 61 57

Santasania, Carmen J. - 05, PA Schachleiter, Dale E. - 04, IN/KY Shiraishi, George T. - 01, HI Solari, Edward G. - 07, NY/NJ Stewart, Sr., William H. - 02, MI

B, CM B, CM M TL B

88 67 98 89 90

69 27 62 65 73

Walloch, Gerald D. - 19, WI Wirkus, Helmut - 01, MN/ND/SD

B B

76 86

55 61

IN MEMORIAM — AUGUST Death Benefit Claims for August 2025 Total Amount Paid

$93,000.00

Total Union Labor Life Claims

$1,000

Total Death Benefits

$92,000.00

Total Number of Claims

54

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER - LOCAL UNION

Albrecht, Arlan D. - 01, MN/ND/SD Alferone, Jr., Joseph F. - 01, NY Armato, Philip - 21, IL Auch, Eberhard W. - 01, MB

B B PC B

81 85 86 94

58 68 58 69

Bock, Donald F. - 05, PA Bryant, George O. - 04, CA

B, CM B

92 84

66 57

Caires, Alfred L. - 01, HI Capaldi, Isadore - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

TL MN

85 95

52 63

D’Angelo, John - 01, NY Depeiza, Tennyson K. - 01, NY

CM, CB B

93 76

68 46

28 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS

Average Age

84.96

Average Years of Membership

55.22

BRANCH of TRADE

AGE

YEARS of MEMBERSHIP

Dion, John P. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B, CM, P

84

60

Fanders, Mark E. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Fisher, Jerry E. - 02, NY/VT Fry, Edward E. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Fusaro, Antonino - 05, NJ/DE/PA

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

76 77 87 73

37 56 69 53

Gnerer, Donald R. - 01, MN/ND/SD Gold, Arthur L. - 21, IL

B B

85 84

65 65

Haston, Marion - 09, PA Hayashi, Donald M. - 01, HI Horrighs, Sr., Lee D. - 08, IL

B CB, M B

97 93 75

62 63 51

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

Pagnotta, Thomas J. - 01, NY Paulsen, Peter E. - 01, NY Phillips, Edwin - 01, NY

PC M B

59 87 85

21 40 54

Humphries, William E. - 01, WA/AK

B

97

80

Jones, William T. - 02, NY/VT Juers, Richard S. - 23, OH/KY/WV/MD Jung, Alfred H. - 02, BC

B, CM, M, P B B

94 84 85

69 59 43

Kalee, William J. - 02, MI Kavanaugh, James M. - 01, MO Kissman, Alvin R. - 04, IN/KY

B B B

95 87 90

78 71 70

Lane, Gary D. - 15, MO/KS/NE Lauyer, Jr., Robert C. - 01, PA/DE

B, M B, M

83 43

61 1

Malo, Phillip W. - 02, MI McCloskey-Staudinger, Tracey - 01, NY McGee, Anthony E. - 01, MO Monette, Leroy L. - 01, MN/ND/SD Montigny, James A. - 09, PA Moore, Gerald S. - 21, IL

TL M B, CB B B B

94 63 63 91 83 93

59 40 3 68 60 72

Nebelski, James R. - 21, IL

PC

88

59

O’Glee, Sr., Geroge D. - 05, OK/AR/TX

B

95

71

Rogers, Royall J. - 05, OK/AR/TX

B

98

61

Servin, Ignacio D. - 03, AZ/NM Spate, Lee W. - 04, CA Stanley, James A. - 04, IN/KY Stock, James - 04, NJ Stoll, Nikolaus - 05, WI Stroman, Curtis A. - 01, MN/ND/SD

PC B B B, CM FN TL

103 98 75 93 94 96

68 74 30 67 25 60

Tedesco, Joseph - 05, NJ/DE/PA Troupe, William L. - 03, NY Turner, William D. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI

B CM, P, B B, CM

72 95 84

48 59 61

Williams, III, Robert G. - 05, PA

PC, B, CM

74

30

Zelinsky, Edward G. - 09, PA Zetzsche, Lane P. - 01, HI Zink, Raymond A. - 04, CA

B TL, MM TL

92 56 97

57 9 68

IN MEMORIAM REMEMBERING FORMER BAC SECRETARY-TREASURER JERRY CARLISLE Former International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Secretary-Treasurer L. Gerald “Jerry” Carlisle passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 88. Brother Carlisle was a 70-year member of BAC who began his career as an apprentice bricklayer in Tacoma, Washington in 1955. He was elected Business Manager of then Local 1 WA at the early age of 23 and also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington-Oregon State Conference. In 1971, the International Union recognized Carlisle’s many talents and tapped him to serve as an International Representative. Brother Carlisle, a determined advocate for BAC at all levels, was promoted to Director of Collective Bargaining in

1972 where he helped oversee BAC’s participation in the federal government’s Wage Control Program. He was appointed to the Executive Board in 1979, and went on to serve as Secretary-Treasurer, a position he held until 1995. “Jerry was a tireless advocate for BAC over his seventy years of membership, driven by the belief that workers were entitled to work, live, and retire in dignity,” said President Driscoll. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service.”

IN MEMORY OF JOHN WURTENBERG John “Werty” Wurtenberg, a 37-year member of Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware, local officer, and IU PCC Craft Director for over a decade, passed away on September 19, 2025 at the age of 65. A Philadelphia native, Wurtenberg joined Local 35 Pennsylvania as a PCC member in 1988. His skill and leadership qualities were recognized early on, and he was soon tapped as an apprentice instructor. Following Local 35’s merger into Local 1, he became a business agent, and eventually rose to Secretary-Treasurer of the local. In 2007, Brother Wurtenberg was asked to serve as the International Union PCC Craft Director and as a Northeast Regional Representative. For the next twelve years, he

advocated for PCC members and the restoration industry. He was a critical part of successful campaigns to enact façade maintenance ordinances in several cities. “Whether talking on jobsites with craftworkers, working with signatory contractors, or educating public officials about the benefits of union restoration work, Werty’s good humor and deep craft knowledge were always appreciated,” said President Driscoll. “Brother Wurtenberg leaves behind a legacy of union solidarity and devotion to the trade that will resonate for decades to come.” //

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 — CONVENTION SPECIAL EDITION // 29

See the winners of the International Apprentice Contest on page 20!