BAC
JOURNAL
IUBAC | INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS | ISSUE 3 | 2021
FROM THE MIDWEST TO THE SOUTH: S, TI TI S HA ER W TT N: M A C O IT B A Y 25 S- H p. VI D W DA A N
BAC Members Rebuild Communities
BAC JOURNAL
CONTENTS
The Official Journal of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (ISSN 0362-3696) | ISSUE 3 | 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
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“Bringing ideas from BAC organizers and field representatives from around the country is a great step forward unifying the effort to help grow our Union and give the unorganized a chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.” — BAC Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold
1
President’s Message
23
Legislative and Political
2
Mensaje Del Presidente
27
Canada
3
Members at Work
29
MAP
12
News in Brief
31
International Funds
18
Organizing
33
Local Compass
19
IMI/IMTEF
35
In Memoriam
22
Safety and Health
CONTENTS // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
NORTH CENTRAL Keith Hocevar IU Regional Director, North Central 7640 White Pine Ct., Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 534-1108 WEST Raymond Keen IU Regional Director, West P.O. Box 230460, Las Vegas, NV 89105 (702) 254-1988 CANADA Craig Strudwick IU Regional Director, Canada 2100 Thurston Drive, #3, Ottawa, ON K1G 4K8 (613) 830-0333
Editorial Staff: Jake McIntyre, 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
We Rise by Lifting Others
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ur Union is grounded on the principles of mutual aid and protection of all workers engaged in our trades. BAC has long recognized that our strength as a union is directly related to our ability to elevate the standards for all craftworkers. Organizing, training, and collective bargaining are the essential tools that allow us to collectively raise standards for BAC members, their families, and the communities they live in. Ultimately, our strength lies in our ability to lift each other up. There is no better example of the uplifting work that BAC is engaged in than the apprenticeship and training opportunities that BAC local unions across North America provide to groom the next generation of skilled craftworkers. I was fortunate enough to recently visit several local training centers to see firsthand the transformative power that our training programs afford those seeking to realize their potential (page 14). And while training the next generation is central to BAC’s mission, organizing the unorganized, both workers and contractors, is just as critical if we are to truly elevate the standards in our industry (page 18). And there is no better advocate for the value that union construction represents than you,
the BAC craftworker. Your skill and commitment are the best advertisement for BAC, and your support of newly organized contractors and members is central to our effort to improve the lives of all workers engaged in our trades. Today, there are 200,000 fewer construction workers engaged in non-residential construction than there were at this time in 2019. However, with construction activity across both our countries projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels next year, the primary challenge facing the construction industry is addressing this shortage of skilled craftworkers. Those organizations that successfully address this challenge will shape the future of the construction industry for years to come. The task before us is clear, even if the path forward is challenged by greedy developers, unscrupulous contractors, and competing building systems. But none of this is new to BAC — those forces have persisted for as long as our union has been in existence. Our role now, as it has been in the past, is to meet those challenges head on by: + remaining the preeminent source for skilled craftworkers in the trowel trades;
+ working actively with industry partners to advance the role of our trades on the jobsites of tomorrow.
BAC will remain engaged on all these fronts because the right of craftworkers to have a say in how they apply their trade, how they are compensated, and under what conditions they work remains the charge that has been placed upon us. When those things no longer matter to workers, then BAC will have completed its mission. Till then, there is much work before us. Stay healthy and stay safe, brothers and sisters!
+ engaging the public on the benefits of union labor; and ISSUE 3, 2021 // 1
MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE
Nos elevamos al exaltar a los demás
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uestro sindicato se fundamenta en los principios de ayuda mutua y protección de todos los trabajadores que practican nuestros oficios. El Sindicato Internacional de Albañiles y Oficios Afines (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, BAC) reconoció hace mucho tiempo que nuestra fortaleza como sindicato está directamente relacionada con nuestra capacidad de elevar los estándares para todos los artesanos. La organización, la capacitación y la contratación colectiva son herramientas esenciales que nos permiten elevar colectivamente los estándares para los miembros de BAC, sus familias y las comunidades en las que viven. En última instancia, nuestra fortaleza radica en nuestra capacidad de exaltarnos mutuamente. No hay mejor ejemplo del trabajo inspirador que realiza BAC que las oportunidades de aprendizaje y capacitación que brindan los sindicatos locales de BAC en América del Norte para preparar a la próxima generación de artesanos calificados. Recientemente, tuve la suerte de visitar varios centros locales de capacitación para ver de primera mano el poder transformador que nuestros programas de capacitación brindan a quienes buscan desarrollar su potencial (página 14). Y si bien la capacitación de la próxima generación es fundamental para la misión de BAC, organizar a quienes carecen de organización, tanto a trabajadores como a contratistas, es igual de esencial si vamos a elevar los estándares de nuestra industria (página 18). Y no hay mejor defensor del valor que representa el sindicato de la construcción que usted mismo, el artesano de BAC. Sus habilidades y compromiso son la mejor publicidad de BAC y su apoyo a los contratistas y miembros recientemente organizados es fundamental para nuestro esfuerzo en la mejora de las vidas de todos los trabajadores que practican nuestros oficios. 2 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Actualmente, en la construcción no residencial hay 200,000 trabajadores menos que los que había en este momento en 2019. Sin embargo, con la actividad de la construcción en nuestros dos países proyectada para superar los niveles previos a la pandemia el próximo año, el desafío principal que enfrenta la industria de la construcción es abordar esta escasez de artesanos calificados. Aquellas organizaciones que aborden con éxito este desafío moldearán el futuro de la industria de la construcción en los próximos años. La tarea que tenemos ante nosotros es evidente, incluso si el camino a seguir es desafiado por desarrolladores codiciosos, contratistas sin escrúpulos y sistemas de construcción competidores. Sin embargo, nada de esto es nuevo para BAC, esas fuerzas han persistido desde que existe nuestro sindicato. Nuestra función ahora, al igual que en el pasado, es responder a esos desafíos al: + seguir siendo la fuente principal de artesanos calificados en los oficios de albañilería;
+ involucrar al público en los beneficios del trabajo sindical; y
+ trabajar activamente con socios de la industria para promover la función de nuestros oficios en los lugares de trabajo del mañana.
BAC mantendrá su compromiso con todos estos frentes porque el derecho de los artesanos a opinar sobre cómo aplican su oficio, cómo se les compensa y en qué condiciones trabajan sigue siendo la obligación que se nos ha impuesto. Cuando esos asuntos ya no les interesen a los trabajadores, entonces BAC habrá completado su misión. Hasta entonces, queda mucho trabajo por delante. ¡Cuídense, hermanos y hermanas!
MEMBERS AT WORK
‘The place where people want to be’ BAC members help transform Indianapolis’ Bottleworks District into multi-use mecca
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ifting a ceremonial shovel alongside 11 area business and governmental leaders nearly six years ago, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced that “Bottleworks is simply a place where people want to be and will want to be.” Thanks to the skills of BAC Local 4 IN/KY members, the Mayor is being proved right.
Craftworkers of BAC Local 4 IN/KY restoring the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant to its original glory.
Standing in a spot that would culminate in a 12-acre fusion of arts, workspaces, fashions, and foods, Hogsett was presenting a pre-celebratory toast to the multiuse downtown mecca for residents and visitors alike. Featuring 180,000 square feet of office space and 175,000 square feet of retail space, the Bottleworks District’s
first phase opened in spring 2020 amid the initial onslaught of the pandemic. When the entire complex is completed, the seven-year, $300 million downtown hub is expected to attract two million-plus visitors per year and add 4,000 permanent parttime jobs. The second phase, which includes apartments and condos, will take place over the next few years. ISSUE 3, 2021 // 3
MEMBERS AT WORK The revitalization project includes this 139-room boutique Bottleworks Hotel that occupies the top two floors of the historic administration building.
The Bottleworks District involves the transformation of the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant on the northeast end of Massachusetts Avenue. Built during the Great Depression, the plant pumped out two million bottles a week in its heyday. In the ensuing years, it housed the car collection of Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman and served as the transportation hub for Indianapolis Public
School Board’s bus fleet. In its day, the bottling facility was an architectural marvel, featuring a terracotta façade, terrazzo floor, and impeccably designed marble and bronze interior. The decision to transform the 1930s Art Deco building was the brainchild of Isaac Bamgbose, Vice President of Asset Management for Hendricks Commercial Properties, who envisioned the Bottleworks District to become a destination the
likes of New York’s Chelsea Market or Seattle’s Pike Place Market. But the Bottleworks’ revitalization would be just a dream without the BAC craftworkers entrusted with making the transformation a reality. As Local 4 Indianapolis Chapter Field Representative David Murray explained, the job was tailor made for BAC. “The Bottleworks District project in Indianapolis encompassed many aspects of our trade, including terra cotta restoration, red brick, tile and terrazzo,” Murray said. “We had three signatory brick contractors (Broady-Campbell, Purdy LLC and Hagerman Construction) and two TMTs (Blakely’s and Santarossa) on the project.” The total BAC manpower logged on the first phase of the Bottleworks’ project clocked in at an amazing 77,400 hours. The teams working on the project included Broady Campbell (terra cotta restoration), 34,800 hours; Purdy LLC (brick/block), 12,500 hours; Hagerman Construction (brick/block), 8,100 hours; and
From the estimating side to the material allocation, this project was a challenge in every way. Managing the project brought many hurdles, but with the good team we have here, we did not have any issues to overcome what was thrown at us.” — Nick Purdy, Project Manager, Purdy LLC 4 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Santarossa and Blakely Corp. (tile/ terrazzo), 22,000 hours. Nick Purdy, Project Manager for Purdy LLC, says his team’s work on the Bottleworks Hotel is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon, as it was fraught with challenges. The revitalization project included the Bottleworks Hotel and Garage dining facility. The hotel features 139 guest rooms, and 12,000 square feet of event space and boutique
retail shops. “From the estimating side to the material allocation, this project was a challenge in every way. Managing the project brought many hurdles, but with the good team we have here, we did not have any issues to overcome what was thrown at us. We are very proud to have been a part of this project.” The North Pittsboro, Indiana firm played an instrumental role in the project, working on the
restoration of interior glazed brick wall, concrete masonry units, adding new brick veneer, glass block restoration and thin brick installation, and the installation of 53 new windows in the courtyard windows. “This project ran through every aspect of masonry at one time,” Purdy says, “whether it was new veneers, masonry restoration, structural CMU walls, glass block, shoring or demos.”
An exterior wall before (above) and after (below) its restoration.
BAC members of Local 4 IN/KY on the job, including Thad Smith, Nick Montoya, Justin Tucker, and Tom Parlmer.
ISSUE 3, 2021 // 5
MEMBERS AT WORK One of the tasks on Purdy LLC’s to-do list was the restoration of interior glazed brick walls, which was made even more challenging as they had to match the original building’s look. The original building was constructed with green glazed brick on all the interior walls. In total, there were roughly 70,300 square feet of glazed brick that had to be restored. The restoration consisted of 100% restoration cleaning, tuckpointing, patching and rebuilding many sections that had been damaged over time. The new design also required new window and door openings—all of which had custom shaped brick from the jambs, head and sills. Many of the building’s areas had to be demoed to modify the walls to the new configuration. “We had a team of guys salvaging the glazed brick and cleaning them for reuse,” Purdy says. “The original building had three different colors of glazed brick. Due to the lack of custom shapes (bullnose/ sill shapes), we had to order three different custom-colored bricks with multiple shapes to match the vintage units.” Purdy says the task required much time and effort working with the Indiana Brick Corp. to find matches for all three colors, as well as matching the existing shapes. The time-consuming process required a production time of 25 weeks. His team hit the same issue during the installation of the brick
veneer on the addition of the third floor. Because the original building had multiple additions, Purdy LLC had to use three different bricks, once again working with Indiana Brick Corp. to match the material.
The new brick work consisted of 17,000 modular units in three different colors. For the glass block restoration, the Bottleworks’ designers did their best to restore the windows’
BAC Local 4 IN/KY member Joe Page on the job.
6 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Exterior of the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant before (left) and after (right) restoration performed by BAC Local 4 IN/KY members.
BAC Local 4 IN/KY member John Foradori painting the exterior wall of the historic building.
BAC Local 4 IN/KY members on the job, from left, Justin Tucker, Joe Page, Nick Montoya, Joel Matthews, Abel Rojas, Ty Dickerson, and Andrew Page.
looks, keeping as much of the existing glass block as possible. All the original glass block windows were ground out and repointed to match the original look. During the construction process, the designers also decided to use thin brick on the new penthouse, which Purdy says was no easy task. “The walls are 30 feet high, and all of the material had to be moved by hand. This part of the project consisted of 40,000 thin bricks with the use of the Tab TI system. This system utilizes continuous insulation with the Air Barrier system.” To a craftworker, working to keep the look of such a historic landmark was both rewarding and confounding. “Honestly the most challenging part was trying to match the original work,” says Brian Bandy, Purdy LLC’s Project Superintendent and BAC Local 4 IN / KY member. “Taking demo and salvaged brick to patch and repair walls for a seamless finish. It was
BAC Local 4 IN/KY member Andrew Page adding the final touch on the exterior wall.
a fun and challenging project that took coordination of all trades.” Another one of the construction crews on the project was Hagerman Construction in Louisville, Kentucky, which assisted in the remodel and small additions. To work on such an iconic building was a thrill for Hagerman President Tim Norton and his team. Norton employed four BAC Members during the
project, who worked for six months on the project, generating 4,000 work hours. The team used 14,000 CMUs and 72,000 bricks. “The owner did not want a perfectly finished project,” Norton says. “Understanding the level of rustic feel they wanted was a challenge, but in the end, it was a one-of-a-kind project with amazing results and finish.” // ISSUE 3, 2021 // 7
MEMBERS AT WORK
BAC Local 8 Southeast bricklayer Dustin York laying brick at Vanderbilt.
Preserving history BAC Local 8 Southeast’s role in Vanderbilt University’s innovative FutureVU initiative
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illiam Andy Sneed, Jr. calls the masonry work atop the newly constructed buildings in Vanderbilt University’s West End and Peabody neighborhoods among the most gorgeous he has ever been a part of. The interesting part is—that without getting a bird’s eye look from a drone—few will ever see it.
Sneed, President and CEO of WASCO Inc., and his team, which included 54 BAC Local 8 Southeast members, racked up a total of 80,833 work hours from 2019 to mid-2020 as part of the university’s largest capital project ever. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Vanderbilt University campus is home to an eclectic blend of late 19th and
8 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
early 20th-century architecture, including the iconic Kirkland Hall, originally completed in 1875. The building that WASCO and its bricklayers made a reality is a residential college, a type of on-campus student residence in which the academic experience is integrated into residential life. Often associated with Ivy League schools, there are more
This was a once in a lifetime honor— one that was able to really show off what BAC craftspeople working for WASCO Inc. are capable of doing.” — William Andy Sneed, Jr., President & CEO, WASCO Inc. than 30 universities in the US that house these types of structures. The as-yet unnamed building features an iconic 20-story tower, two interior courtyards, dance practice rooms, an art gallery, a library, and dining facilities. The facility and its distinctive tower will house student residences, programming and educational space, and a series of visiting apartments for distinguished scholars and visitors. “This was a once in a lifetime honor—one that was able to really show off what BAC craftspeople
BAC Local 8 Southeast members Rick Qualls and Jorge Villagrana on the job.
working for WASCO Inc. are capable of doing,” says Sneed, whose son, Trey, a fifth-generation mason contractor, also served as project manager on the job. “This will be a Nashville landmark for years to come. I’m incredibly proud of what our team did there.” Inspired by the passion of the work, Sneed says that one of the herringbone patterns created by a BAC apprentice on the Gothicstyle tower even went viral after he posted his handy work on social media.
The tower of Nicholas S. Zeppos College, a part of Vanderbilt University’s innovative FutureVU initiative. ISSUE 3, 2021 // 9
MEMBERS AT WORK The love given to the herringbone work online did not surprise Glenn Kelly, President of BAC Local 8 Southeast, who marveled at the entire scope of work BAC members did on the project, especially the tower. “It was such a super tight site that we had to shuttle materials to and from as needed because there was no lay down area. We used tower cranes to feed scaffolds. Part of the challenge was the height of the tower, which reached heights of 330 feet with an occupied building underneath. The tower has some of the fanciest work on it, too.” In 2014, Vanderbilt released a strategic plan—the “Undergraduate Residential Experience”—which has become a key pillar in escalating the importance of building a residential college system. The FutureVU initiative has set out to replace all of its aging residence halls with innovative residential colleges, as well as add four new residential buildings between the Kirkland Hall Esplanade and 25th Avenue along West End Avenue. As WASCO and the BAC members who worked on the project
BAC Local 8 Southeast members Tyshawn Pettaway, Jorge Villagrana, and Jeff Tompkin.
Part of the challenge was the height of the tower, which reached heights of 330 feet with an occupied building underneath. The tower has some of the fanciest work on it, too.” — Glenn Kelly, President, BAC Local 8 Southeast 10 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
can attest, the FutureVU initiative has deep and deliberate roots to the Nashville and Tennessee area. Some 300 local craftsmen and craftswomen worked on the project, including 85% of the subcontractors. In addition, 10% were from minority and womenowned enterprises. Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, whose name adorns one of the campus buildings, said that
the commitment to enhancing the physical representation is a testament to the university’s mission to educate the whole student and develop future leaders. “The big and bold significance of the reimaging is an ode to the immersive undergraduate experience students have outside the classroom.” The entire project is slated to be finished by the university’s 150th anniversary in 2023. //
BAC Local 8 Southeast bricklayer Rudy Simplican laying brick on the job.
Vanderbilt University’s E. Bronson Ingram College, a LEED Gold certified brick building, features state-of-the-art accommodations inside stunning Collegiate Gothic-style architecture.
BAC Local 8 Southeast member Rick Qualls on the job. ISSUE 3, 2021 // 11
NEWS IN BRIEF
BAC Congratulates 2021 U.S. Bates Scholarship Recipients
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he 2021 US Bates Scholarship program awarded each of six college-bound students from BAC families with a stipend of $5,000 per year for up to four years — up to $20,000 total. Three winners were featured in the last BAC Journal, and the other three are featured below.
ISABELLA KRAMER Father: John Kramer, Local 5 Pennsylvania Attending: Pennsylvania State University Major: Political Science
What does this recognition mean to you? Personally, this recognition means everything to me. It is allowing me to pursue an education at my dream school and become one step closer to accomplishing my goals. This recognition also means that there are people who believe in me. Everything I have done up until this point in my life was significant and meaningful and being granted this award truly reinforces that. Being awarded with this scholarship proves to me that kindness is everything, and without it, I would be nothing. What does the union mean to you and your family? My father being a part of this union keeps my mind at ease. Just knowing that there is an organization that will support my father and have his best interest in my mind, keeps me sane especially after such trying times this past year. The union allows myself and my father to live comfortably without worry which is not always a given to some folks. I will forever be grateful 12 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
for such an amazing union continuously being there for my family. Who would you like to give a shout-out to? I would like to give a shout-out to my family, especially my dad. Without their support and motivation behind the scenes, I have no clue where I would be. Thank you for teaching me the values of hard work and dedication and for never giving up on me.
SOPHIA CIVITELLA Father: David Civitella, Local 4 New Jersey Attending: Montclair State University Majoring: Earth and Environmental Science
What does this recognition mean to you? It obviously means the world to not only me but to my dad because it’s nice to see my work in high school go towards something like this and also see my dad recognized for his work in the union and it takes a big financial burden off of us for college, which is really good. What does the union mean to you and your family? My dad has been part of the union for quite a long time, I want to say over 30 years. And it means we’ve been able to have good health insurance, dental, vision, all that stuff. Because I went to the doctors a lot as a kid. It meant I never had to worry about paying for that.
CALLEN HALDORSEN Father: Kurt Haldorsen, Local 8 Illinois Attending: Lake Land College Major: Psychology
What does this recognition mean to you? Well, to me the only way that I got this scholarship was because my dad was a member of the Union so it was sort of a tribute to him and all his hard work that he had done and then it benefited me and all my hard work I had put into my schooling and everything.
What does the union mean to you and your family? The union has provided a lot of benefits and opportunities for my dad. It has provided him with his trade, and with jobs that he loves, and with wages that ensure our financial stability in our family. And then in return it has also given me a great opportunity by awarding me this scholarship that I received. Who would you like to give a shout-out to? I would probably just give a shout out to my entire family, my parents and sibling who have been my rock through all of school and my entire life. They are my best friends. And they have pushed me as hard as I could be pushed so I can be amazing in every area of life. //
BAC Congratulates New AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Her Leadership Team
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n August 20, the Executive Board of the AFL-CIO unanimously elected Liz Shuler as President of the federation, filling the vacancy left by the death of President Richard Trumka. Shuler, an IBEW member who was elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer in 2009, is the first woman to serve as President of the organization. Fred Redmond, previously the International Vice President of the United Steelworkers, was elected to succeed Shuler as Secretary-Treasurer of the federation, and became the first African
American to hold the AFL-CIO’s second-highest office. BAC President Tim Driscoll congratulated AFL-CIO’s newly elected officers, and said that BAC looks forward to working with the new leadership team. “Sister Shuler’s commitment to strengthening the voice of union labor — from the workplace to the halls of Congress — is second to none. Her passion and work ethic have been rewarded by her peers in electing her as the sixth President of the AFL-CIO, and the first woman to hold that position,” President
Driscoll said. “On behalf of our Union, I want to congratulate Liz, Fred, and Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre. They are a diverse and dynamic leadership team that will work tirelessly to provide a brighter future for all working families.” // ISSUE 3, 2021 // 13
NEWS IN BRIEF
BAC Delegates Attend LCLAA 23rd Convention
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ed by BAC Executive Vice President Carlos Aquin, a group of delegates representing BAC attended the 23rd convention of Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) held in Las Vegas, August 4–6. The convention outlined the issues most important to Latino workers, including an equitable pandemic recovery, sweeping and fair immigration reform, solidarity with brothers and sisters in Latin America, and the importance of organizing to grow the labor movement. Delegates approved resolutions supporting “a fair and just Puerto Rico,” the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Restoration Act. “Working together with LCLAA, we champion better policies for all working families,” Aquin said. “Like LCLAA, our members at BAC come from every walk of life. Our diversity makes our Union stronger. We will continue to deepen our commitment to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive membership with world-class training and skills to succeed.” //
BAC delegates to the 23rd convention of LCLAA. From left, Raul Zamarron of Local 2 Michigan, BAC Executive Vice President Carlos Aquin, Eduardo Zavala, Jacob Gonzalez, and Richard Crawford of Mountain West ADC, Juan Tapia of Local 1 Washington/Alaska, Karina Jaramillo of Local 5 Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas, Hector Arellano of ADC 1 of Illinois, Cesar Torres of Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska, Juan Cuellar of ADC 1 of Illinois, Jairo Cabrera of Ohio-Kentucky ADC, BAC Field Representative Mark Davis, Arnaldo Martinez and Esteban Carrion of Local 1 New York, and BAC Political Director Jean-Paul Itz. 14 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
BAC President Tim Driscoll Visits Local Training Centers
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n August 5th, BAC President Tim Driscoll visited Local 1 Connecticut training center and met with apprentices, training coordinators, instructors, and officers. “Apprentices are the lifeblood of our Union and the industry,” BAC President Driscoll said. “For decades, BAC has been focusing on the value of developing a skilled workforce for tomorrow through its quality training programs.” Steve Carney, Apprentice Coordinator of Local 1 CT, said, “Our staff and students at the training
From left, BAC Local 4 NJ President Ken Simone, ADC of NJ Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Duncan, BAC President Tim Driscoll, Director of ADC of NJ John Capo, and Local 5 NJ President Leon Jones.
BAC President Tim Driscoll, right, and Director of NJADC John Capo standing in front of a 3.5-yard ready-mix concrete truck used by NJADC for training cement masons.
BAC President Tim Driscoll, left, speaking with Apprentice Coordinator Tom Doherty at the NJADC training facility.
facility were excited and grateful for the visit of President Driscoll. It’s a wonderful morale booster for us all.” President Driscoll also visited BAC Local 4 New Jersey’s union hall and the Administrative District Council of New Jersey’s training facility on August 24th in Fairfield, NJ, where he met with apprentices, training coordinators, instructors, and officers.
“On behalf of officers and staff of NJADC and staff of apprenticeship and training program, we thank President Driscoll for his visit and time. In addition to a tour of our training facility, union hall, and benefits fund offices, we had productive conversations discussing issues that matter the most to our members.” //
From left, Local 4 NJ Instructor Eric Doherty, BAC President Tim Driscoll, apprentices Wesam Shaabna, Marin Aguilera-Ramirez, Joseph Hnatko, and Chris Garcia, and Director of NJADC John Capo.
Local 1 CT President Gerald Marotti, right, presents BAC President Tim Driscoll with a trowel dated 1894 and a delegate pin dated 1912. Standing from left, BAC Local 1 CT Apprentice Coordinator Steve Carney, apprentices Brandon Boyea, Travis Connetti, Jose Cartagena, and Richard Bias, BAC Northeast Regional Director Al Catalano, Local 1 CT President Gerald Marotti, BAC President Tim Driscoll, apprentices Fernando Godinez, Alex Hernandez, Dylan Morton, Eric Benites, and instructor Vinny Rayn. Sitting from left, apprentices Jorge Godinez, Alex Davis, Trent Menard, Shavon Morgan, Hector Gonzalez, and Albert Pimpinella.
BAC LOCAL 5 PENNSYLVANIA HOSTS ORIENTATION FOR NEW APPRENTICES
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AC Local 5 Pennsylvania held an apprentice orientation class on August 7th to familiarize new apprentices with member benefits and opportunities. “Our new members learned the history of BAC, their healthcare coverage, a variety of pension plans, as well as training and work opportunities,” said Local 5 PA President Lester Kauffman. “We explained to them the structure of our Union, and how we represent our members and promote our industry.” Kauffman underlined the importance of hosting orientation classes for apprentices who are new to the industry and the Union. “Through these classes, we are able to answer their questions, start a dialogue, and build a relationship with each apprentice.” //
Officers of BAC Local 5 PA welcoming new apprentices at the Local’s recent apprentice orientation class.
ISSUE 3, 2021 // 15
NEWS IN BRIEF
Stay Active with Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Your BAC Membership Entitles You to Free USA Membership
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or the past decade, BAC has been partnering with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) to support and reward your passion for outdoor activities, community service, conservation of America’s outdoor heritage through a variety of programs. A longtime supporter of USA’s mission to expand and improve access to wildlife habitats, BAC became a USA Charter Union in August 2012, entitling all BAC members to a complimentary USA membership. Since then, BAC Locals and members have participated in many outdoor events that helped bring communities together. Take BAC Ohio-Kentucky Administrative District Council (OH-KY ADC) as an example. Partnering with USA’s Boots on the Ground program, the ADC hosted multiple fishing and deer hunting events for special needs children, lighting up these kids’ lives with joy and hope. This year also marks the USA and OH-KY ADC’s 9th annual sporting clays shoot event, raising funds for conservation projects throughout the country.
BAC is on TikTok
BAC Executive Vice President Jerry Sullivan said, “We’re encouraging our members and families to stay active and uniting our communities through USA’s conservation programs, especially in the midst of the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic.” With your complementary USA membership, you’ll enjoy the following benefits: + 4 Issues per year of The Union Sportsmen’s Journal (electronic)
+ 1-Year MyTopo.com online mapping subscription + E-newsletter with tips and special offers + Money-saving discounts on outdoor gear and services + Chances to win fantastic prizes and trips all year + Personalized USA membership card (electronic) + Access to “Members-Only” section of the USA website You can also activate your free USA membership for your chance to win by visiting: bac.unionsweepstake.com. //
On September 1st, BAC (@bac_tok) joined 1.5 billion users on the social media platform TikTok. Why TikTok? Simply put, it’s where a lot of our younger members — and future members — are spending their free time. TikTok videos are enormously popular with Zoomers, and as the platform has expanded beyond lip-synching and dancing videos to comedy and how-to tutorials, it’s gained plenty of older users, as well. On TikTok, BAC will be sharing short videos demonstrating the best of BAC craftwork, looking at our history, and explaining why the union way of life is the best way for tradespeople everywhere. You can follow BAC @bac_tok, leave comments, and share them with family and friends. Please feel free to tag us in your TikTok videos as well.
16 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
ACTIVATE YOUR
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FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! (1) GRAND PRIZE WINNER
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MUST BE A BAC MEMBER TO ENTER
BAC members with existing USA membership must still register to win. Limit 1 entry per member. Enter by March 31, 2022.
MEGA OUTDOOR PACKAGE $500 Bass Pro Gift Card • $250 Carhartt Gift Card • $250 Thorogood Gift Card • Thermacell Repeller (x2) Orca 75 Qt. Cooler • Orca 26 Qt. Cooler • Steiner Predator 8x42 Binocs (x2) • Tenzing Backpack (x2)
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This Promo is subject to all applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws. This Promo is solely sponsored by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance which agrees to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers from and against any claims, damages or liability. This Promo is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Visit BAC.UNIONSWEEPSTAKE.COM for complete rules.
O PE
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E E R ISSUE 3, 2021 A • S CA N C O D // 17
ORGANIZING
Organizers From Across BAC Are Ready to “Fight Like Hell and Organize” “
L
ate to bed, early to rise, fight like hell and organize.” That’s the rallying cry behind BAC’s ongoing efforts to improve wages and benefits for Union members. And when organizers from across North America gathered together with International Union leaders in Chicago in mid-August, they got the tools to make those efforts a success. Following CDC guidelines, 30 BAC members teamed with International Union leadership
for a crash course on sharpening their organizing skills. The meeting included strategic research and labor law specialists, as well as presenters from the AFL-CIO. The event was held in conjunction with Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois, which has been historically aggressive in its organizing efforts to improve the lives of BAC members. Led by BAC Director of Organizing Steve Nelms, ADC
BAC organizers and field representatives in Chicago stand together with brothers and sisters of the BCTGM Union.
BAC Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold speaks at the Chicago meeting.
BAC Field Representative Paul Nagel, left, discusses organizing strategies with BAC Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold and President Tim Driscoll.
18 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
BAC President Tim Driscoll addresses the organizing group in Chicago.
President Mike Volpentesta, Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Collazo Jr., Lead Organizer Juan Cuellar, and their staff, the meeting group engaged in field activities that included picketing and public awareness campaigns. They also joined brothers and sisters from the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco and Grain Milling Union (BCTGM), which was striking against Nabisco/ Modelez’s efforts to take its manufacturing offshore. Since BAC joined them on the picket line, the strike has ended, with BCTGM members winning a contract that protected their jobs and working conditions. BAC Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold said, “Bringing in ideas from BAC organizers and field representatives from around the country is a great step toward unifying the effort to help grow our Union and give the unorganized a chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.” //
IMI & IMTEF
Reviving Ruins in the Former Flour Milling Capital of the World
W
hen it opened in 1880, the Washburn A Mill Complex in Minneapolis was the largest and most technologically advanced flour mill in the world, helping put the city on the map. It’s no wonder the National Historic Landmark, now home to a museum and outdoor event space, requires innovative restoration techniques led by experts to preserve it for generations to come. At its peak, the mill produced enough flour to make 12 million loaves of bread daily, ultimately forming the basis of the well-known food company General Mills. But after WWI, Minneapolis’ milling industry began to decline, and by the mid-1960s, the mill closed entirely, left neglected for decades. Now, it’s up to a team of preservation architects and restoration specialists, with assistance from the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF), to keep it standing – no small feat, considering a 1991 fire left the complex gutted. Craig Thumstedter, foreperson for signatory contractor Advanced Masonry Restoration (AMR), is leading the crew restoring the mill ruins. Over the last four-and-half years, the project architect, Angela
Wolf Scott, AIA, Principal and CEO of MacDonald & Mack, has specified increasingly soft mortar types for the repairs to help prevent the limestone from breaking and cracking. “The fire made the stone very fragile and porous, and it moves a lot, so the mortar has to be flexible” explains Thumstedter. Thumstedter just finished up inspections of the repairs his crew made 2 years ago using Type K mortar. It’s performed well, but now the team is testing an even softer mortar type, hot lime. Because it’s so different from more commonplace mortar types, the project architect required installers to have special training or past experience in the request for bids. That’s where IMI/IMTEF came in. Together with the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, IMI/IMTEF held a 2-day training for the project team, including the craftworkers at AMR, MacDonald & Mack, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Participants got hands-on experience mixing, preparing, pointing, finishing, and curing lime mortar mixes. “I think this training session will empower the masons on this project to use a new material well and has alleviated my concerns that we’ll have a material failure. The Mill City Museum ruins are
The project team, instructors, and special guests at IMI/ IMTEF’s specialized hot lime training at the BAC Training Center of Minnesota. From left to right, front: David Malone, Pete Kohl, John Slama, Melissa Ekman, Tom Miller, Jason Alferness, Craig Thumstedter, Mark Swanson. Back: Sandy Holm, Matt Hopkins, Marshall Boone, Valerie Heider, Dave Wysocki, Marais Bjornberg, Levi Post, Barry Blazevic.
unique, requiring treatments that push everyone involved to seek and grow,” said Wolf Scott, whose firm produced an in-depth Historic Structure Report that documents the complex, evaluates its condition, defines preservation objectives, and recommends remedial work. Tom Miller, Senior Project Manager at AMR, agrees. “The training will help our crews understand the types of mortars that were used on the building. With this knowledge, they will have a better idea of how to make a lasting repair.” As for the crew? “We’re really proud to be a part of this project,” says Thumstedter. “It’s amazing to me that thousands of years ago, someone thought to combine these materials to make a mortar that can be applied to buildings. And here we are, thousands of years later, still using the same thing. I hope thousands of years from now, masons look back and think the same.” // ISSUE 3, 2021 // 19
IMI & IMTEF
Pride in the Craft Sets Keystone Job Corps Students Up for Successful Careers
I
f Keystone Job Corps instructor Robert Gatz teaches his students one thing, it’s to take pride in their work. But that should come as no surprise. BAC members the world over feel a great sense of accomplishment working with their hands. Gatz’s former student Jan Gonzalez, BAC Local 1 PA/DE brick apprentice, is no exception. He’s already gained experience helping to build several school projects in Philadelphia, and he’s proud of that. “I love supporting my
Gonzalez shows off a project from his pre-job class at the BAC/IMI International Training Center.
community and feeling connected to my neighborhood,” he said. Job Corps gave Gonzalez the skills he needed to make a career where he feels like he can give back. “I was a high school dropout and I wanted to change my life,” he said. “At Job Corps, I got my diploma and learned a trade. It ended up being one of the best things I could do for myself.” Indeed, Gatz said Gonzalez was a model student. “He took a lot of pride in what he did. He was never satisfied doing a project just once – it had to be perfect. In fact, he was constantly knocking on my door, asking what he could do next. Jan had the drive and willingness to learn anything and everything he could.” That’s a part of pride – putting in the hard work. Gonzalez appreciates that. “If you put in the time to learn a trade, you’ll make an honest living,” he said. For as much pride as Gatz took in his work as a bricklayer in the field, he takes even greater pride in his students. “It’s a great feeling when you can see you’re getting your point across as an instructor,” he said. Gatz helps his students cultivate a good work ethic and independence. “When they come into the shop, hang up their coats,
20 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
and head straight to the mixer before I even have to say a word – that’s when I know they’re learning. I love seeing that.” But Gatz is never far off when his students need him. In fact, he says being there for his students and helping them navigate life away from home as they prepare to start a career is key to building a trusting relationship. He even helped Jan with some of his academic coursework to help him advance in the program. The most rewarding part of Gatz’s job? The look on his students’ faces when he pays them a compliment. “It’s the best sight you’ll see, when you tell someone that they’re doing great work – the smile or astonishment on their faces. A lot of my students want to be hard and tough. Some of them never had a kind word said to them their whole lives. It’s great to be able to support them and build their confidence. That’s when they start getting excited about the career, producing great work, and telling their friends about their experience.” It certainly paid off for Gonzalez, who’s on his way to building a lifelong career with BAC. “Job Corps is a great opportunity. I love what I do,” he said. //
REGISTER: IMTEF.ORG/CALENDAR
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES - FALL 2021 The John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive • Bowie, Maryland • 20715
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER COURSES (IMI INSTRUCTORS) OSHA 510 (Online)
As-needed basis (6 person minimum)
OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry - FOR MEMBERS/INSTRUCTORS
November 15-19
OSHA 500 (In Person)
August 30-September 3
OSHA 502 (Online)
Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for Construction - FOR INSTRUCTORS ONLY Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers - FOR INSTRUCTORS ONLY
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES September 29-30 6-8 p.m. EST daily
Foundation for Safety Leadership (Online) - 4 hours Mentorship Matters: Journeyworkers (Online) - 4 hours
November 2 & 4 6-8 p.m. EST daily
Class size is limited to 20
Orientation: September 9 7-8 p.m. EST Class: September 13-17 7-10 p.m. EST daily September 27-29 November 1-3 October 18-22 September 14-29 October 5-20 November 2-17
Foreman Training (Online) - 15 hours
Class size is limited to 20, with a minimum of 10 required to hold class
Historic Masonry Preservation (Hands-On)
Class size is limited to 10. and only open to those that attended the virtual class
JAHN/Conproco/Edison/Lithomex (Hands-On) Class size is limited to 10
Welding: Maryland (Hands-On) -21/2 Weeks Class size is limited to 6
November 3 7-10 p.m. EST
ACT Orientation/What is ACT (Online) - 3 Hours
November 30 6-9 p.m. EST
ANSI A108/TCNA Handbook (Online) - 3 Hours
Online Class size is limited to 20
Must have attended the ACT Orientation/What is ACT course
`
Register online to secure your spot at imtef.org/calendar. Registration is offered on a first-come first-serve basis. For questions or more information, contact: Serenia Holland, Director of Education Operations at 301-291-2105 or sholland@imtef.org.
UNION MASONRY CRAFTWORKERS, CONTRACTORS, & CONSULTANTS
ISSUE 3, 2021 // 21
Pandemic
SAFETY & HEALTH
A new Data Bulletin from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research & Trainin construction industry trends related to the pandemic between March 2020 and April (https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/DataBulletin-June-2021.pdf). Employm COVID-19 were estimated from monthly data of the Current Population Survey, a da Bureau of Labor Statistics. The effects of COVID-19 on construction businesses wer Census Bureau’s weekly Small Business Pulse Survey. Employment and business tre construction and all industries, and among construction subgroups. Percentages of w hesitancy were calculated using data from the COVID Symptom Survey, a voluntary Facebook users to track COVID-19 across the United States, conducted by the Delph University through collaboration with Facebook. Patterns of vaccination and hesitan compared among major occupational categories. Time periods covered by this report to data availability.
Construction Employment and COVID-19 Vaccinations During the Pandemic
A
new Data Bulletin from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research & Training provides information on construction industry trends related to the pandemic between March 2020 and April 2021 (https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/Data Bulletin-June-2021.pdf). Key findings include: + Compared to March 2020, employment in all industries across the U.S. was 2.6% lower in April 2021, but in construction it was 2% higher (chart 1).
+ By March 2021, only 7% of construction workers reported that they were unable to work in the past month because their employer closed or lost business due to the pandemic.
+ The large negative effect of COVID-19 declined by over 40% in construction from April 2020 to May 2021.
+ By the end of May 2021, workers in construction and extraction occupations had the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate (51%) and the highest hesitancy rate (42%) among all workers included in the survey.
+ Among hesitant construction and extraction workers, top barriers included distrust of the vaccines (56%) and distrust of the government (55%) (chart 11).
COVID-19 vaccination is a crucial construction safety and health measure. It is essential to remove barriers to vaccination among hesitant workers so that they can be protected from infections. Detailed vaccination trends are available in the new CPWR Interactive Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Vaccination in Construction. For tips on talking to friends, family, or coworkers about the COVID-19 vaccine, check out: https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/talk-aboutvaccines.html. // 22 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Key Findings Include:
Compared to March 2020, employment in all industries across the U.S. was but in construction it was 2% higher. Employment in all industries plummete pandemic but has recovered gradually since then (chart 1). Despite the improv employment in all industries combined remained 2.6% below March 2020 lev employment followed a similar pattern, dropping 14.9% from March to April Percentage in employment, surpassed itschange March 2020 levels by 2.2% March in April2020 2021. – April 2021,
CHART 1:
construction versus all industries
Construction Employment, Businesses, and COVID-19 Vaccina Pandemic
A new Data Bulletin from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research & Training construction industry trends related to the pandemic between March 2020 and April 20 (https://www.cpwr.com/wp-content/uploads/DataBulletin-June-2021.pdf). Employmen COVID-19 were estimated from monthly data of the Current Population Survey, a dat Bureau of Labor Statistics. The effects of COVID-19 on construction businesses were Census Bureau’s weekly Small Business Pulse Survey. Employment and business tren construction and all industries, and among construction subgroups. Percentages of wor hesitancy were calculated using data from the COVID Symptom Survey, a voluntary o Facebook users to track COVID-19 across the United States, conducted by the Delphi University through collaboration with Facebook. Patterns of vaccination and hesitancy compared among major occupational categories. Time periods covered by this report v to data availability.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. Calculations by the CPWR Key Findings Include:
Compared to March 2020, employment in all industries across the U.S. was 2 but in construction it was 2% higher. Employment in all industries plummeted pandemic but has recovered gradually since then (chart 1). Despite the improve employment in all industries combined remained 2.6% below March 2020 leve employment followed a similar pattern, dropping 14.9% from March to April 2 surpassedtoitsCOVID-19 March 2020vaccination levels by 2.2% in Aprilhesitant 2021. Barriers* among
CHART 11:
construction and extraction** workers, May 2021
Source: Delphi Group, COVID Symptom Survey. *Respondents were allowed to select one or more barrier items that applied. **Some workers may work in non-construction industries.
LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL
BAC Applauds Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and Calls for Action on The Build Back Better Budget
A
s this issue of the BAC Journal goes to press, Congress is debating the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. This $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill is a historic piece of legislation that would revitalize America’s infrastructure and create at least 15 million jobs over a 10-year period. But the infrastructure bill isn’t all the investment that our country needs. BAC President Tim Driscoll says that the passage of the infrastructure bill “is a good start, but we have a lot of work left to do. Roads, ports, bridges and airports are all critically important to infrastructure, but they’re not enough because at the end of the day, those roads and bridges and planes must lead somewhere. They’re there to get us to the services and amenities that our communities need to thrive — hospitals, housing, and public spaces that make our cities and towns great places to live. And rebuilding our hospitals, housing, and the like are exactly the priorities that are addressed in the Build Back Better budget package.” The Build Back Better bill also includes critically important investments in universal and free
preschool, childcare, and improved home care for older Americans. Not only will these investments create work opportunities for BAC members, they will help working families across the nation balance their home and work life — help that will spur even more economic growth. And while the exact language of the Build Back Better bill is still being finalized, it appears that it will expand Medicare to cover hearing benefits — which makes a big difference for our retirees — and may include some restoration of our union dues tax deduction, which was taken away by then-President
Trump and the Republican Congress in 2017. Moreover, Build Back Better also includes financial penalties for employers who break our nation’s labor laws when they resort to illegal tactics to fight against unionizing. In short, the Build Back Better bill is just as important to BAC members as the infrastructure bill. Build Back Better is building safer, cleaner, smarter, and healthier. “It means employing union workers who have the skills the training to make sure the job gets done right the first time. It means making sure the materials and components we use to build are
WHAT’S IN THE BILLS?
(IT’S CLEAR WE NEED BOTH) ISSUE 3, 2021 // 23
LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL Build Back Better budget, along with the infrastructure bill, now.
BAC President Tim Driscoll speaks at a news conference on August 26th to support the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act and Build Back Better Budget.
made here in America. It means the opportunity to improve our built environment, while supporting communities with good paying infrastructure jobs, can’t be
IT IS TIME TO ADDRESS SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE
sacrificed on some newfound alter of fiscal conservatism,” President Driscoll said. BAC urges Congress to listen to the American people and pass the
24 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
While the IIJA and Build Back Better legislation represent important investments in our infrastructure, and much needed help for middle-class families, Congress needs to act to address our crumbling school infrastructure. Many of our over 10,000 public school buildings, which are on average 44 years old, are falling apart, with leaking roofs, peeling
walls, poor air and water quality, mold, broken toilets and rodents. Over 1/3 of schools have portable trailers for classrooms. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our school facilities a grade of D+.
The State of Our Schools 2021 report found an annual shortfall of $85 billion in school funding. Closing the gap is necessary to ensure all public schools meet modern standards of health, safety and more.
Now it is time for Congress to pass the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act, put skilled union craftworkers to work, and begin to address our school infrastructure needs. //
What is “Davis-Bacon,” And Why Is It So Important to BAC Members?
I
f you read the BAC Journal or go to a union meeting, there’s a good chance you’ll hear something about “Davis-Bacon.” But a lot of BAC members don’t know what Davis-Bacon
is — even though it affects almost every construction worker in the United States. Here’s what you need to know: The federal Davis-Bacon Act mandates payment of locally
THESE STATES HAVE “LITTLE DAVIS-BACON”, OR STATE PREVAILING WAGE LAWS, REQUIRING PREVAILING WAGES ON STATE-FUNDED PROJECTS + Alaska
+ Illinois
+ Nevada
+ Rhode Island
+ California
+ Maine
+ New Jersey
+ Texas
+ Colorado
+ Maryland
+ New Mexico
+ Vermont
+ Connecticut
+ Massachusetts
+ New York
+ Virginia
+ DC
+ Minnesota
+ Ohio
+ Washington
+ Delaware
+ Missouri
+ Oregon
+ Wyoming
+ Hawaii
+ Nebraska
+ Pennsylvania
Some of these states use the Davis-Bacon rates to set their prevailing wage, and some set their own rates. Talk with your Local if you want more information on your state’s prevailing wage law.
prevailing wages on projects funded by the federal government. If you’ve ever worked on a job funded by the federal government — even if it wasn’t ultimately a “federal building” — you’ve been affected by the Davis-Bacon law. In many areas, particularly where there are a lot of BAC members, Davis-Bacon means that contractors performing our trade’s work on federally funded jobs must pay the local BAC rate, even if they’re not union contractors. That’s good — because it means that non-union contractors can’t underbid union contractors on federal jobs by paying cut-rate wages. And when union and non-union contractors go head-to-head on a level playing field, the quality of the union workforce makes the difference, and helps union contractors and craftworkers win the job. ISSUE 3, 2021 // 25
LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL In some areas, the “prevailing rate” is below the union rate — but even then, Davis-Bacon still sets a floor, so that BAC and our contractors know the minimum that our non-union competition is paying for labor. In short, Davis-Bacon and state prevailing wage laws play a huge role in ensuring that union craftworkers get a fair shot at performing government work. And that means that wages paid to local workers stay in the community. Without prevailing wage
laws, more work goes to out-oftown contractors, and the wages paid are spent outside the local area. The taxes paid on Davis-Bacon wages support schools, public services such as those provided by police and firefighters, and a host of other essential community-based programs. By using the area-standard prevailing wage rate, DavisBacon offers lifelong careers that provide fair pay and benefits to the local workforce.
Despite how much Davis-Bacon helps communities, greedy special interests are attempting to repeal state prevailing wage laws and change the way that federal Davis-Bacon rates are calculated. That’s why BAC takes Davis-Bacon and state prevailing wage laws so seriously, and why it’s one of the first things we ask politicians about when they come to us for help. Any politician that opposes prevailing wage laws is no friend of union construction workers. //
WHAT WHAT IS IS DAVISBACON? DAVISBACON? Without prevailing wage Without prevailing wage can protections, non-union contractors protections, non-union contractors can underbid government funded projects underbidwith government funded projects cut-rate wages. with cut-rate wages. N NOION OR ACT UONN TRN NO NR
PAY$CALE PAY$CALE
IO UN
CONTR ACTOR
C
O ACT NTR CO
UNIO UNION
CONTR N ACTOR
BID BID
Davis-Bacon helps construction workers Davis-Bacon helps construction bring home the bacon by settingworkers a wage bring home the bacon by setting a wage floor, or a prevailing wage — so that union floor, or amakes prevailing wage — sointhat union quality the difference the bid. quality makes the difference in the bid. UNION PAY$CALE UNION N PAY$CALE O N ION CONTR ACTOR
OR ACT N NNOTR TOR CO C A NTR CO
UN N IO UN
CONTR ACTOR
BID BID
BID
BID PREVAILING
WAGE PREVAILING WAGE
BID BID
26 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
CANADA
BAC Attracts More Women into the Trades
T
hanks to legislation and large-scale initiatives, the number of women in the construction industry has been growing during the pandemic in Canada. Craig Strudwick, BAC Canada Regional Director, said, “Women are valued and treated equally in the building trades. We’ve seen more and more BAC sisters on jobsites across the country.” Since taking on a leadership role with her contractor, Angela Lee — a refractory member of BAC Local 1 Alberta has pushed to get more BAC women on the installation side of the game, instead of on the sidelines. Before transferring to Alberta, Lee was the first female journeyperson in Saskatchewan. Holding multiple certifications, she eventually moved up the ranks within Clayburn Refractory, a BAC signatory contractor. Today, she is a Quality Control Officer and foreperson on the Syncrude project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, one of the largest operators in Canada’s oil sands industry. “This year, I’ve seen many women on the job,” Lee said. “It’s amazing to see them shooting, laying brick, casting and ramming.” Working alongside Lee on the project are many BAC sisters who are passionate about refractory work and the Union. Take Jenna Lipinski and Kayla Greene, members of BAC Local 1 Saskatchewan, who have worked their way through the apprenticeship program
to become journeypersons. While advancing their own careers, they continue to give back to the Union. Both are advocates for Canada’s Build Together program in Saskatchewan and volunteers at the Local’s Trya-Trades. They also volunteer at many high school programs to promote the building trades. The project also provides learning opportunities for BAC women apprentices, which continues to boost their confidence in the trades. Holly Pardy, a third-year apprentice at BAC Local 1 Newfoundland and Labrador, recently joined the refractory and enrolled in a gunnite course at the Local’s training center. “With the help and support of a great co-worker and mentor, I was told that I should evolve my skills through the BAC/IMI training, which gave me the confidence I needed to go further,” Pardy said. “I love being a nozzle-woman and working with everyone. Refractory is a demanding market and provides a rewarding career.” Derek Halldorson, President of Local 1 SK, is proud of the work these BAC sisters put into the job. “They all have received quality training from BAC’s training programs. Their excellent performance on the job shows how valuable the training is for our members. I want to congratulate our sisters on their job performance and thank them for representing BAC on the jobsite. Keep up the good work.” //
Le BAC attire plus de femmes aux métiers
G
râce à la législation et aux initiatives à grande échelle, le nombre de femmes dans l’industrie de la construction a été en croissance durant la pandémie au Canada. Le directeur régional canadien du BAC, Craig Strudwick, dit : « les femmes sont valorisées et
traitées de façon égale dans les métiers de la construction. Nous avons vu de plus en plus de sœurs BAC sur les chantiers de travail partout au pays. » À titre de superviseure, Angela Lee – membre de la spécialisation de matériaux réfractaires du Local 1 ISSUE 3, 2021 // 27
CANADA
BAC sisters on the Syncrude project in Fort McMurry, Alberta. From left, Kayla Greene, Holly Pardy, Angela Lee, and Jenna Lipinski. // Sœurs BAC du projet Syncrude à Fort McMurray, Alberta. De gauche à droite : Kayla Greene, Holly Pardy, Angela Lee, et Jenna Lipinski.
BAC de l’Alberta a poussé la demande pour obtenir plus de femmes travaillant aux montages plutôt qu’à des fonctions connexes. Avant de déménager en Alberta, Angela Lee était la première compagne d’apprentissage femelle en Saskatchewan. Titulaire de plusieurs certifications, elle monta éventuellement les échelons chez Clayburn Refractory, un entrepreneur signataire d’une entente avec le BAC. Aujourd’hui, elle occupe le poste d’agente d’assurance qualité et contremaître au projet Syncrude à Fort McMurray en Alberta, une des plus importantes entreprises dans le secteur des sables bitumineux au Canada. Angela dit : « cette année, j’ai vu plusieurs femmes sur le chantier. C’est impressionnant de les voir faire de l’épandage, du briquetage, du moulage et du pilonnage. » Plusieurs sœurs BAC passionnées à propos du travail de réfractaire et du syndicat travaillent aux côtés d’Angela sur le projet. Par exemple, Jenna Lipinski et Kayla Greene, membres du Local 1 BAC de la Saskatchewan, qui ont passé à travers le programme d’apprentissage pour devenir compagnes de chantier. Tout en avançant leur propre carrière, elles redonnent de ce qu’elles ont appris au syndicat. Les deux font la promotion du programme « Canada Build Together » de la Saskatchewan et sont volontaires au programme ‘essaie un métier’ « Try-a-Trade » du Local syndical. 28 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Elles font aussi du volontariat à plusieurs écoles secondaires pour promouvoir les métiers de la construction. Le projet fournit également des occasions d’apprentissage pour les femmes du BAC, ce qui continue de gonfler leur confiance dans les métiers de la construction. Holly Pardy, une apprentie de troisième année du Local 1 BAC de Terre-Neuve et Labrador, a récemment entrepris un cours de pulvérisation de ciment au centre de formation du Local. Holly dit : « on m’a dit que je devrais développer mes compétences par les formations BAC/IMI et avec l’aide et le soutien d’un mentor de bon cœur j’ai pu développer la confiance requise pour aller de l’avant. J’adore projeter cette solidité cimentée et travailler avec tous mes collègues. Le travail réfractaire est un métier en demande et offre l’opportunité d’une carrière enrichissante. » Le président du Local 1 SK, Derek Halldorson est fier du travail que ces sœurs BAC apportent aux chantiers. Il dit : « elles ont toutes reçues une formation de qualité des programmes du BAC. Leurs excellentes performances au travail montrent la valeur de la formation de nos membres. Il me fait plaisir de féliciter nos sœurs sur le chantier et je désire les remercier pour leur représentation élogieuse du BAC. Prenons-en exemple localement! » //
MAP
Understanding Problem Drinking During the Pandemic
T
he COVID-19 pandemic not only has taken many lives, but totally disrupted our way of life, causing seemingly never-ending chronic pressures and stress. From fears about contracting the virus, to mourning the loss of COVID19 casualties, to financial crises, homelessness, food insecurity, social isolation and uncertainty of the future, COVID-19 bombards us with a myriad of serious simultaneous concerns. Living in a chronic state of fear and trauma contributes to a person’s vulnerability not only to anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but also to substance use abuse/ relapse. Not surprisingly, binge drinking rates reach a dangerous record high. Recent surveys show that throughout the pandemic, more than two thirds of Americans admit that their drinking has spiked dramatically. Another third of Americans report binge drinking heavily, consuming seven alcoholic beverages in a single setting. Research concludes that the stress of the pandemic, coupled with feeling isolated and bored alone at home, have contributed to binge drinking. Sadly, many who drank casually pre-pandemic, have found
themselves caught up in a daily pattern of binge drinking.
WHEN DRINKING BECOMES A PROBLEM Among the general public, there are many misconceptions about what constitutes a drinking problem. Many mistakenly believe, for example, that if they drink beer rather than liquor, their drinking is not serious. Or similarly, some assume they don’t have a drinking problem as long as they show up for work and maintain employment. Others may falsely reassure themselves that they don’t have a drinking problem because they can sometimes stop drinking completely. The reality, however, is that whether someone drinks beer, wine, liquor, or other spirits, drinking too much alcohol of any kind constitutes a problem. Many binge drinkers are gainfully employed and may also abstain from drinking from time-to-time. However, when they do consume alcohol, they often find themselves drinking more than intended. Some have a genetic predisposition in which they immediately crave more alcohol after a single drink. For others, what started as a reasonable, ritual nightcap, could develop into a habit of nightly binge drinking.
SYMPTOMS OF HAVING A DRINKING PROBLEM AKA AN ALCOHOL USE DISORDER In addition to drinking too much alcohol, health professionals also focus on the effects of a person’s alcohol use. Displaying two or more of the following symptoms indicates a likelihood of having an alcohol use disorder (NIAAA, 2021). In the past year, have you: + Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?
+ More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
+ Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking or getting over its aftereffects?
+ Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
+ Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
+ Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
+ Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink? ISSUE 3, 2021 // 29
MAP + More than once gotten into situ-
had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria (feeling uneasy or unhappy), malaise (general sense of being unwell), feeling low, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?
ations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or engaging in unsafe sexual behavior)?
+ Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had an alcohol-related memory blackout?
+ Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
+ Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you
DRINKING CAUSES CANCER Even moderate drinking, two or fewer drinks a day, accounted for an estimated 1 in 7, or 103,000 cases, of alcohol-related cancers, according to new studies. Public health agencies are advising federal regulators to add warning labels on alcoholic beverages as “causing cancer.” Similar to warning labels on cigarettes, medical
30 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
experts increasingly recognize that there is a strong, direct connection between alcohol abuse and cancer, including liver, esophageal and breast cancer.
NEED HELP WITH BINGE DRINKING? If you or someone in your family needs help with binge drinking or relapse, call the BAC Member Assistance Program toll-free at 1-833-MAP-TALK to speak privately to one of MAP’s licensed mental health and substance abuse professionals. MAP can help you explore a variety of treatment options, including teletherapy. MAP is free of charge to union members and their families, and all calls are kept strictly confidential. //
INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INTERNATIONAL HEALTH FUND (IHF)
BAC Cares Clinic: Now Open in Missouri!
I
n 2019, the BAC’s International Health Fund (IHF) rolled out it’s BAC Cares Wellness Program. The BAC Cares program is designed to remove barriers to care, improve the health and well-being of BAC members, and to reward members for taking healthy steps. As part of the BAC Cares program, the IHF partnered with United Healthcare and MedExpress to open onsite medical clinics. The first of these BAC
Cares clinics was opened in 2019 in the Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky union hall. On August 17, 2021, the IHF opened its second onsite medical clinic in Fenton, MO at the BAC ADC of Eastern Missouri’s new union hall. This clinic will provide urgent and primary care services at no cost to all IHF members, retirees, and their families. This BAC Cares Clinic is only the second of its kind for the BAC. This clinic is conveniently located
in an area that is central for most BAC Missouri members. “By providing free access to urgent and preventive care, we hope that this clinic will improve access to care, increase member’s engagement in their healthcare, and improve health outcomes for BAC members, resulting in cost savings to our members and the Plan”, said Amber Brailer, Director of IHF. The Eastern MO area represents about 1,500 participants. The BAC ADC of Eastern Missouri (MO) managed the construction of the clinic, along with the build of their new union hall. This onsite clinic is run by a physician and is also staffed with a medical assistant. The hours of operation for the clinic are every Tuesday & Thursday, from 9:00am – 6:00pm, and the first and third Saturday of every month, from 8:00am – 4:00pm. Members will be able to
The clinic is now open and available for scheduling appointments. Members can schedule an appointment online at qrco.de/NewAppt-BAC-MO, by calling toll-free at 636-492-6376, or can walk-in at their convenience during clinic hours.” ISSUE 3, 2021 // 31
INTERNATIONAL FUNDS get COVID-19 testing, flu vaccinations and other vaccinations, physicals and wellness exams, biometric screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, diagnostic tests and preventive care, get treated for illness, infections, cuts, sprains and more. In September 2021, the MO BAC Cares clinic received approval from
the Missouri Department of Health to be a distribution site for COVID19 vaccines. As of late October, the clinic began administering these essential vaccinations as one of the many services provided. The BAC ADC of Eastern MO held its annual health fair on September 30, 2021, showcasing the BAC Cares Clinic’s biometric
screenings and flu shots that administered by the BAC Cares Clinic staff. The clinic is now open and available for scheduling appointments. Members can schedule appointment online at qrco.de/NewAppt-BAC-MO, by calling toll-free at 636-492-6376, or can walk-in at their convenience during clinic hours. //
INTERNATIONAL PENSION FUND (IPF)
BAC SAVE Annuity Posts 10.38% Return for 2020, Adding New Participating Locals
T
he assets of the BAC SAVE RSP annuity plan now total more than $200 million and cover more than 20,000 participants. New participating jurisdictions include Locals 16, 40, 46 and 55 Ohio and the Knoxville and Nashville Tennessee Chapters of Local 8 Southeast. The former BAC Local 15-11 Florida Annuity Plan merged into the BAC SAVE RSP on March 1, 2017. In addition to financial hardship and inactive benefits withdrawals, participants wishing to receive a distribution from their accounts are offered several payment options including joint and survivor, single life annuities, monthly installments, lump sums, and rollover options at retirement or if they become disabled. The 2020 RSP Annual Statements have been mailed and are available on the Member Portal at: https://member.bacweb.org/.
RSP ANNUITY PORTAL ACCESS The BAC Member Portal enrollment continues to increase including RSP Annuity participants that are enjoying round-the-clock access to account balances 32 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
RSP Annuity participants can track their accounts with the member portal.
and can track hours and contributions to their individual accounts. Currently 3,539 RSP participants are using the BAC Member Portal, a fast and easy way to access this information. To log into the BAC Member Portal, go to https:// member.bacweb.org/ and enter your username and password. For the first time user, you can click on “Create an Account” to create a new account, and if you forgot your password, you can click on “Recover Password” and proceed from there. //
LOCAL
DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WISCONSIN
Compass
LOCAL 4 INDIANA/KENTUCKY
BAC Local 7 Wisconsin 30-year member Mike Bernhardt receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from signatory contractor Cornerstone Construction in celebration of his retirement in August.
LOCAL 8 SOUTHEAST From left, BAC Local 4 IN/KY members Ed Helton, Greg Justice, Field Representative Robert Thomas, Gold Card member Vincent Shoobridge, members Dennis Abrams, Steve Hunter, and Local 4 President Steve Knowles.
Forty-year member John Foradori, right, receives his service award from Field Representative Robert Thomas.
Gold Card member Robert “Gene” Hilton Jr., right, receives his service award with his father, 65-year member Robert Hilton, from Field Representative Robert Thomas, left.
Forty-year member Willie Williams, right, receives his service award from Local 8 Southeast President Glenn Kelly. ISSUE 3, 2021 // 33
LOCAL 1 MINNESOTA/NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA
From left, BAC Local 1 MN/ND/SD President Doug Schroeder, Gold Card members Ronald Christensen, Herbert Mielke, Randall Fedder, and IU Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold.
From left, BAC Local 1 MN/ND/SD President Doug Schroeder, 40-year members David Dewitt and Donald Steele, and IU Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold.
From left, BAC Local 1 MN/ND/SD President Doug Schroeder, 25-year members Michael Mullen, Mark Gibson, Sean Skillings, Burt Ackerman, Rodrick Schmidt, Gregory Haas, Eric Johnson, John Slama, Timothy Hagen, and IU Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold. 34 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
IN MEMORIAM — APRIL
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
Death Benefit Claims for April 2021 Total Amount Paid
$200,675.00
Total Union Labor Life Claims
$1,000.00
Total Death Benefits
$199,675.00
Total Number of Claims
115
Average Age
83.88
Average Years of Membership
57.34
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP
Achord, Donald L. - 01, MO Amble, Richard H. - 03, CA Anderson, Tommy E. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Andrews, Charles L. - 07, OH Anton, Joseph P. - 05, OH Argila, Frank - 01, NY Astle, Sr., Richard E. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Azolino, Albert J. - 05, OH
PC B B B PC B B, CM, P B
92 78 70 90 89 79 86 90
59 35 26 61 55 60 67 63
Barker, James - 07, NY/NJ Belanger, William P. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Belmonte, Achille - 06, ON Blank, Charles T. - 46, OH Bolin, Jerry A. - 04, IN/KY Boor, Robert L. - 40, OH Bot, Rinaldo - 04, ON Brocco, Joseph - 07, NY/NJ Brown, Jack A. - 18, OH/KY Buffett, James H. - 01, ON Bunning, James B. - 01, CT
TL B, MM, RE B TL B B B TL B B B
63 92 90 55 76 95 93 79 83 98 73
40 71 59 3 51 65 70 38 63 72 39
Cancian, Riccardo - 06, ON Caruso, Gioacchino - 01, ON Crincoli, Gino - 04, NJ
B B, PC B, M, P
93 89 83
69 58 61
Dean, Leo J. - 01, NL Deason, Jr., Lucius L. - 03, CA DiBeneditto, Stephen J. - 08, SE Diebel, Robert G. - 01, MN/ND/SD
B, RE TL B B
66 78 86 94
45 53 66 70
Estrella, Nicolas - 13, NV Everett, William J. - 05, PA
FN B, M, W
60 74
2 55
Ferroni, Nicholas - 04, NJ Francesconi, Alexander R. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Freese, William L. - 04, IN/KY Frey, Linus W. - 18, OH/KY
B, CM, P B B, TL B
82 91 88 86
64 56 64 57
Giammarino, Antonio - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Gianfrancesco, Joseph - 01, NY Giovinazzo, Frank A. - 01, PA/DE Golla, Ted V. - 01, MN/ND/SD
B, CM, P B B CB
93 92 92 95
72 71 63 69
Harris, Sidney T. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Hendrix, Willie D. - 21, IL Hill, Kenneth - 03, WI Hoerig, Edwin J. - 08, OH Hoffman, Carlton E. - 09, WI Horn, Paul J. - 01, AB
B B CM B B B
68 83 93 78 101 90
45 51 58 54 80 61
Immel, Kenneth E. - 11, WI Iovacchini, Nicholas J. - 01, PA/DE Irizarry, Elvin - 07, NY/NJ Italiano, Sr., Louis V. - 08, OH
B, M B TL B
41 92 79 88
20 67 40 66
Jones, Sr., George D. - 05, NJ/DE/PA
B
84
50
Keith, Gordon D. - 21, IL Kimball, Lyle J. - 03, NY
B B, CM, P
93 86
68 63
IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.
Kistler, James L. - 04, IN/KY Koebcke, Samuel H. - 04, IN/KY Koelling, Edgar - 01, MO Konersman, Robert J. - 01, MO Kowalczyk, Joseph L. - 21, IL
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP
B TW, B, TL B B B
71 91 92 84 96
29 62 68 69 72
Lechner, Ronald G. - 03, NY
B, CM, GU, M, P, PC, RE, TL, W 77
56
Markle, Clay B. - 05, PA Marshall, Carmon L. - 01, ON Martini, Carl A. - 01, MO Maxwell, Edward L. - 15, WV May, Bernard P. - 21, IL McConnell, George A. - 02, ON McGuire, Paul R. - 04, IN/KY Mercurio, Antonino - 01, NY Mertz, Ervin L. - 08, WI Millay, Gerald F. - 01, PA/DE Miller, Rickey J. - 04, IN/KY Molaschi, Henry T. - 74, IL
B B B B, M B, M, TL B B B B B B B
73 93 93 81 94 93 88 80 96 76 67 97
20 69 74 62 68 76 46 51 64 51 23 73
Nardone, Gerard J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Newell, Robert G. - 01, MN/ND/SD Norwood, Adelbert - 21, IL
PC B B
92 100 85
72 73 64
Oaten, Reginald C. - 02, BC Odoardi, Richard A. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Olson, Ronald B. - 03, IA Organ, Dale W. - 01, MN/ND/SD Owens, Jerry L. - 04, IN/KY
B B B TL B, M
82 90 85 64 76
43 69 65 36 59
Palacios, Raymond G. - 05, OK/AR/TX Palombo, Luigi - 03, CA Papandrea, Frank J. - 05, NJ/DE/PA Parrish, Gerald R. - 15, MN/ND/SD Place, Dennis R. - 02, NY/VT Polletta, Rocco - 01, CT Provitt, Lloyd - 02, MI Putra, Jr., Anton - 07, OH
B B, CM CM B CM, CB B, CM B MM, TL, TW
71 87 71 76 69 90 90 89
52 53 49 57 46 61 55 61
Quinn, Thomas R. - 07, NY/NJ
FN
78
32
Rasmussen, John L. - 08, IL Ratto, Robert A. - 03, CA Rhodes, Sr., Michael E. - 15, WV Ringeisen, Thomas H. - 01, NY Roberto, Alex J. - 04, NJ Robinson, Clarence E. - 06, OH Rossetto, Rudolph M. - 21, IL Rowe, James R. - 01, NY Ruby, Lawrence W. - 04, CA Ruggiero, Angelo P. - 01, NY Ruggiero, Fred J. - 01, NY
B TL B, M, TL B CM, P B, CM B B, CM TL B B
79 92 89 96 92 92 90 57 93 98 95
61 57 69 73 63 65 72 35 71 72 72
Santos, Serfim - 07, CN Sefcik, Jr., John A. - 08, OH Sles, Robert B. - 04, CA Spath, Rudolf H. - 01, NY Stabinger, Carl S. - 05, PA Stewart, Donald E. - 06, IL Strey, Johnold E. - 08, WI
B MM, TL, CH B B M, B, CM B, M, W B, M
86 94 77 91 102 82 86
50 67 57 65 82 55 65
Tipper, Howard E. - 40, OH Turner, Jr., Edward B. - 08, SE
B B
89 83
60 20
Verdoza, Angel B. - 03, AZ/NM Vooys, Arthur C. - 04, NJ
CB B, CM, P
83 83
51 65
Watson, Jr., William H. - 03, IA Wegener, Frederick C. - 03, OH Westerlind, Noel C. - 04, NJ White, Gerald L. - 15, MO/KS/NE Wiegmann, William E. - 21, IL Wilson, William W. - 03, IA Wolf, William T. - 19, WI
B, M B CM B B B B, M
84 93 78 91 84 89 85
67 73 41 73 60 53 66
Zoppo, Raphael - 01, MD/VA/DC Zupan, Frank I. - 02, BC
B B
91 86
64 55 ISSUE 3, 2021 // 35
IN MEMORIAM — MAY
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
Death Benefit Claims for May 2021 Total Amount Paid
$106,000.00
Total Union Labor Life Claims
$0.00
Total Death Benefits
$106,000.00
Total Number of Claims
63
Average Age
83.00
Average Years of Membership
53.03
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP
Hoehn, Norbert L. - 03, OH
B
90
71
Kassa, Donald P. - 01, MN/ND/SD Keener, Clarence A. - 05, PA Keller, Jr., Joseph F. - 01, MD/VA/DC King, Jr., Fred - 05, OH Knoop, Kenneth L. - 01, MN/ND/SD
CB B, M B B CB
91 88 81 32 84
52 65 64 6 58
LeBlanc, Ronald - 08, NB Leone, Sr., Joseph P. - 03, NY Licalsi, Benito R. - 01, CT Liesse, Francis A. - 06, IL
B B, CM, M, P B B
77 100 89 86
45 70 41 55
Marzocchi, Serafino E. - 02, NY/VT Mauriello, Angelo - 01, NY McFadden, Wendell D. - 07, OH McGough, Jr., Joseph J. - 01, PA/DE Meadows, Lowell D. - 04, IN/KY Mercer, William D. - 04, IN/KY
B, M B B B B, M B, W
88 70 81 97 79 83
60 50 56 75 32 26
Napoli, Antonino A. - 01, NY Nishiura, Ichiro - 01, HI
B M
99 93
74 52
Ori, Charles E. - 21, IL
MW, TW
88
64
Paiva, Alexandre - 04, NJ Paniccia, Domenico - 01, NY Patterson, Sr., James L. - 15, MO/KS/NE
B B B, M
60 88 83
17 50 63
Radtke, Rick G. - 05, OH Rocha, Rodney L. - 03, CA Rogers, Francis C. - 08, WI Ross, Michael L. - 04, IN/KY Ruiz, Salvador G. - 21, IL Runge, Arlo L. - 01, MN/ND/SD
B MM, M B B B B
45 59 96 73 97 91
18 26 55 46 62 63
Schaal, Leopold - 01, AB Sjoquist, Lloyd W. - 02, MI Spinelli, Donald C. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Staple, Steven A. - 01, MN/ND/SD Swensen, Orobert - 21, IL
B B, CM B B, M B
84 88 86 63 87
59 65 66 43 69
Tavernese, Vincenzo - 07, NY/NJ Thomas, Phillip H. - 08, SE
TL B
90 82
41 25
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP
Arnold, Jack C. - 07, CO/WY
B, M
95
68
Balmer, Melvin L. - 04, IN/KY Boncher, Lyle J. - 03, WI Bowers, David J. - 03, IA Briggs, Carl S. - 05, OK/AR/TX Brunetti, Arthur R. - 21, IL
B B, M B B B
82 92 79 97 81
66 70 56 68 54
Ciesel, Adalbert - 21, IL
B
70
48
Danielsson, Ingvar - 21, IL Deleon, Jose R. - 03, CA Devan, Daniel N. - 09, PA Dickey, Jr., Willis - 08, SE Dreger, Frederick J. - 74, IL Dunne, Kenneth D. - 01, NY Duvall, Jr., Newell - 18, OH/KY
B, M PC B CM B B TL
88 51 95 90 91 86 86
62 1 62 55 47 63 55
Eades, James W. - 09, WV
B, M
85
56
Fanani, Giovanni A. - 21, IL Faoro, Sonny - 03, CA Faulkner, Francis - 21, IL Foeller, Roy J. - 08, IL Foster, Ronnie E. - 03, OH
B TL, MM B B B
85 91 85 101 65
60 51 50 71 25
Gaertner, John - 03, WI Gobin, Victor K. - 15, WV
B B
91 95
68 65
Waldo, William L. - 05, OK/AR/TX Wideman, Calvin L. - 01, MO Wiltse, Robert C. - 04, IN/KY
B, M B B
90 84 52
73 65 19
Harmsen, Ronald D. - 02, MI Herberg, James C. - 01, MN/ND/SD
TL B, M
79 89
54 65
Young, Dennis E. - 09, PA
TL
86
60
IN MEMORY OF ALBERT A. VINCENT
A
lbert A. Vincent, retired IU Special Deputy and 75-year BAC member of Local 8 New Brunswick, passed away on September 2, 2021, at the age of 94. Brother Vincent joined then BAC Local 1 New Brunswick in 1946 as an Apprentice Bricklayer, Stone Mason and Plasterer and became a Journeyperson in 1950. He joined the International Union as an Organizer in 1967 and was appointed IU Special Deputy for Canada in 1979, serving as the Union
36 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Representative for the Atlantic Provinces Trowel Trades Council. In this capacity, he was actively involved in numerous mega-projects across the Atlantic Provinces and was instrumental in establishing a training school for the BAC trades in Prince Edward Island. He also served as a member of the Saint John City Council for 24 years. “Brother Vincent was a stalwart champion for BAC throughout his career. His unwavering passion and commitment to social justice set the bar for future generations,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll. //
IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.
IN MEMORIAM — JUNE
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION
Death Benefit Claims for June 2021 Total Amount Paid
$158,000.00
Total Union Labor Life Claims
$1,000.00
Total Death Benefits
$157,000.00
Total Number of Claims
85
Average Age
82.08
Average Years of Membership
57.74
MEMBER - LOCAL UNION Agugliaro, Edmund - 05, NJ/DE/PA Altomare, Francesco - 01, NY Barrick, James F. - 04, IN/KY Bartel, Herbert W. - 05, OH Bayer, Robert A. - 06, IL Bianchi, Louis G. - 02, NY/VT Boiano, Thomas L. - 01, CT Botbyl, John E. - 04, NJ Brothers, Orlanda E. - 04, IN/KY Brunke, Ernst E. - 08, WI Calderoni, John J. - 01, CT Carioscia, Joseph R. - 21, IL Chiarelli, John L. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Cochran, Franklin A. - 15, WV Cusello, Domenico - 01, NY Deitz, Jr., Herbert F. - 07, NY/NJ Demro, Richard J. - 01, MN/ND/SD DeStefanis, Jr., Anthony - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Devine, Richard R. - 08, IL DiGeronimo, Italo - 05, OH Dinapoli, Jr., Anthony - 07, NY/NJ DiSpirito, Benito R. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Dongilli, Paul A. - 09, PA Driscoll, Edward J. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Eisenmann, Guenther W. - 08, WI Evon, Marvin J. - 02, MI Falkowski, John M. - 21, IL Francescutti, John B. - 03, NY Galles, Gerald R. - 08, WI Giblin, Jr., Thomas W. - 21, IL Gormar, Klaus D. - 01, NY Gould, Joseph D. - 56, IL Graham, Council - 01, NY Hickey, Thomas J. - 36, OH
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP
B, CM, P CM, M B B B B, CM, P B B, CM, P TL, M, MM B B, CM B B, CM B, MM B MM B B B B TL MM, M B B, P B B B B, M B, MM PC B B B TL
59 87 89 94 77 88 84 96 83 87 92 86 96 80 47 92 93 87 94 92 64 89 87 99 92 85 83 95 87 67 83 80 98 89
40 48 65 47 57 70 49 75 56 56 69 66 74 55 23 71 74 62 71 70 38 63 47 80 75 57 62 73 65 38 34 56 62 43
Hilfer, Arthur - 01, MN/ND/SD Howard, Cass E. - 02, MI Huff, Charles W. - 08, SE Jackson, S. M. - 21, IL Jacobi, Clarence H. - 21, IL Karla, II, Walter K. - 21, IL Kennedy, Steve A. - 5, PA King, Jr., Fred - 05, OH Koski, Anthony J. - 08, SE Kruse, Charles W. - 08, IL LaBanca, James - 21, IL Lawson, David F. - 01, MO Lee, Lloyd J. - 15, MO/KS/NE Lindberg, Duane D. - 01, MN/ND/SD LoCascio, Joseph - 04, NJ Lopez, Jr., John G. - 04, CA Mathewson, Ralph V. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT McCannon, Gary L. - 06, IL McLaughlin, James L. - 03, MA/ME/NH/RI Mensch, Roland L. - 05, PA Miller, Lawrence A. - 04, CA Miller, Robert T. - 21, IL Mooradian, Joseph R. - 21, IL Morrison, Sr., Ronald K. - 06, IL Mueller, Charles J. - 21, IL Ness, Bernard M. - 01, MN/ND/SD Nunes, Hernani A. D. - 08, NB O’Keefe, Scott B. - 21, IL Ostrand, Harold E. - 21, IL Paglinco, Anthony F. - 07, NY/NJ Perius, Timothy M. - 01, MN/ND/SD Positano, Mario - 02, NY/VT Prouse, John W. - 09, WV Radtke, III, Richard G. - 05, OH Rodriguez, Sabino - 04, IN/KY Saunders, Lowen C. - 55, OH Sawyer, Daniel J. - 02, MI Schiatta, Charles J. - 01, NY Schmidt, Charles S. - 04, CA Shain, Arthur R. - 04, CA Simmons, Charles C. - 05, ON Smalls, Julius - 09, PA Smith, Jr., Darrell D. - 01, MO Sprinkel, William J. - 01, OR/WA/ID/MT Summers, Jerry W. - 05, OK/AR/TX Tea, Silvio V. - 09, PA VanDenBerghe, Larry - 03, OH Verzeni, Leone L. - 01, NY Walsh, Robert L. - 01, MN/ND/SD Williams, Norman E. - 08, SE Wright, James - 01, NY
BRANCH of TRADE
AGE
B 84 B 90 B 95 B 80 PC 93 PC 64 B 75 B 32 B 93 B 92 B 68 B 82 B 86 CB 84 CM, P, B 93 B 88 B, M, W 88 B 79 B, CM, M 85 TL 95 B, M 88 B 89 B 95 B 80 B 90 B 90 CM, B 87 PC 60 B 95 FN 105 B, W 70 MM, TL, TW, CH, CM 82 MM, TL, TW, CH 84 B 5 B 85 B 84 RE, B 73 B 95 B 86 B 86 B, MM 94 B 92 B 46 B, MM 74 B 79 B 91 B 68 B 90 B 90 TL 84 B 98
YEARS of MEMBERSHIP 64 59 72 49 69 44 52 6 73 65 48 57 64 55 66 64 69 55 57 64 65 71 73 60 67 65 56 37 73 32 52 59 63 18 62 55 43 70 65 70 73 52 20 56 58 54 42 70 67 54 63
REMEMBERING AFL-CIO PRESIDENT RICHARD TRUMKA
T
he labor movement lost a passionate and dedicated leader, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, 72, on Thursday, August 5, 2021. Son and grandson of Italian and Polish immigrants, Brother Trumka began his career mining coal. He was a third-generation miner, and he never forgot where he came from. An unstoppable champion for working families, IU DEATH BENEFIT CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE MEMBER’S DEATH.
he dedicated his life to the labor movement, working tirelessly to make the lives of all workers better. BAC President Tim Driscoll said, “Throughout every major fight that labor has waged in recent decades, his strong voice and steadfast leadership encouraged and inspired millions of Americans. His leadership and vision have ensured that the AFLCIO remains the leading voice in fighting for workers across our country. We must honor that legacy by continuing that fight.” // ISSUE 3, 2021 // 37
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BAC-MP-09-17-2021