HOW YOUR VOTE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
THE FIGHT FOR 15:
STEPHEN SWEENEY LEADS THE WAY
THE BATTLE FOR GOOD-PAYING JOBS REP. DONALD NORCROSS WEIGHS IN
HONORING PETER J. MCGUIRE, FATHER OF LABOR DAY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS – October 2016 Issue P. 2 P. 4 P. 7 P. 8 P. 10 P. 12 P. 15 P. 16 P. 19 P. 20 P. 22 P. 26 P. 30 P. 35 P. 36 P. 38 P. 40 P. 42
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From the Publisher Andrew Hallahan Is Recipient of Walter Lenkowski III Local 399 Apprentice of the Year Award Election 2016: How Your Vote Makes a Difference; An Op-Ed by Daniel Cosner State Senator Sweeney Vows to Continue “The Fight for 15” in New Jersey The Battle for Good-Paying Jobs: Rep. Norcross Weighs In NJBT SuperPac Plays Crucial Role in Raising Funds for Steve Sweeney’s Anticipated Run for Governor South Jersey Buildings Trades Council Begins Crucial Get Out The Vote Meetings 122nd Annual Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Observance Held in Collingswood Sam Ferraino Jr. Is Recipient of George Norcross Jr. Humanitarian Award South Jersey Trades Unite to Create One-of-A-Kind 9/11 Memorial in Absecon, NJ Philly Hosts Its Labor Day Parade at Penn’s Landing Building Boom Unfolds at Rowan University Giving ‘A Lift for a Vet’: Local 5 of Elevator Constructors Union Assists Area Vets in Need SMART Workers: A Message from Gary J. Masino Wittmaier Plumbing Continues Tradition of Assisting Breast Cancer Patients and Families UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 322 Hosts Successful Blood Drive Local 19 Makes Triumphant Return to the 2016 Bike MS: City to Shore Ride Trump and the Right to Work Agenda Must Be Stopped! An Op-Ed By Sam Ferraino
MEET OUR STAFF Executives: Chris Ferrari -- President, Publisher Bart Mueller -- Chief Strategic Advisor Gus Ostrum – Lead Content Editor Bret Mueller – Sales Manager Photographers: Curt Hudson Joe Warner Mike Plunkett Art Director: Amanda Ferry
Journalists: Lynda Hinkle, Esq. Ken Shuttleworth Alexandra Gigantiello Todd Farally David Spector, Legislative & Government Relations Shelly Castorino Don Benevento Cover Photo: Mike Plunkett
Designer: Christine McKenna
Executive Offices Executive offices can be contacted via email at chris@trademediallc.com
Volume 1 Issue 2 October 2016 Copyright 2016 Trade Media LLC
FROM THE
PUBLISHER:
YOUR VOTES FOR HILLARY CLINTON AND DONALD NORCROSS WILL HELP KEEP AMERICA GREAT!
I believe in life we are always in one of three stages, endings, transitions and new beginnings. As we celebrate Labor Day and honor the men and women of the American Labor movement who built this great country, we are in transition. The summer is ending and we are transitioning into fall. Kids are getting ready to return to school. This time of year also marks the official start of the political season, often referred to as the “silly season.” However, this silly season started a year and a half ago when 17 individuals threw their names into the rink to be the Republican candidate for President of the United States and up from the ashes rose Donald Trump. I am astonished that your Labor leaders believe 20% of the hard working men and women in unions will vote for Trump knowing his stance on Right to Work as well as his history of using non-union labor when he can get away with it. He used bankruptcy laws as a means to not pay contractors on many building projects. His conscious decision to not pay contractors forced many members of Labor to have to collect unemployment checks, right here in South Jersey Whatever your beliefs are as a member of a union, these issues alone should give you a moment of pause before pulling that lever. Additionally, Mr. Trump’s continued reference to our country always losing is despicable. America, was built on the backs of the men and women of Labor. It is secured by the men and women of the United States military. It is a safe place to live because of the police, fire and EMS personnel that put their lives in jeopardy every day. In times of sickness our medical professionals -- the best in the world -- heal us. And our children’s futures are better because of the greatest educational system in the world. America is not perfect, but we are the greatest nation in the world. To suggest otherwise is simply wrong. To suggest otherwise from an individual who is seeking the most powerful seat in the world is more than wrong -- it is disturbing and disrespectful. Mr. Trump, America is great! It doesn’t need to be made great again; it needs to be improved on its already existing greatness. In November, support the candidates that support Labor; for us it is Hillary Clinton and Donald Norcross.
DON’T FORGET STEVE SWEENEY IN 2017! One final thought. While we are all very focussed on the upcoming general election, we have a very important fight coming up in 8 months. Our best and possibly only chance to put a member from Labor in the state house can only happen by rallying around Senate President Steve Sweeney in the 2017 primary. Do not get lulled into thinking we have time. The time is now, for Senator Sweeney to become Governor Sweeney we have to take immediate action. We hope you enjoy this edition of Trades & Union Digest as we continue to bring you the stories of the locals, their members and signatory contractors who do great things every day to keep America great! Sincerely, Chris Ferrari Publisher
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ANDREW HALLAHAN IS RECIPIENT OF WALTER LENKOWSKI III
LOCAL 399 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD A MODEL APPRENTICE IN 2016
best when recalling the soon-to-be father who was taken By Gus Ostrum, SJ Trades Editor away much too soon. The similarities are clearly evident. And on August “You don’t find many young men who displayed the 12th, Andrew Hallahan of Franklin Township was acknowledged formally for his solid work ethic and reliabil- sense of responsibility that Walt had, along with the genuine interest in helping people, especially his family and ity as a dedicated iron worker. fellow workers,” said Paul Lenkowski. Hallahan, a certified welder currently working at the “He loved his family and was looking forward to being Salem Nuclear Plant, was selected as Walter Lenkowski III Local 399 Apprentice of the Year for 2016. He received a father. At work, he always acted like a mentor. Many younger co-workers would always ask his opinions on the the award during the Local’s annual Apprentice Awards job and he never hesitated to offer advice.” Banquet at Café Lamberti in Cherry Hill. He received his distinguished honor in his class of A Model Apprentice in 2016 graduates, to earn a $1,500 award. Receiving the second Paul’s tribute to Walter III were echoed at the time of place award was John McGovern of Cherry Hill, who Walter’s sudden passing last spring. Moving forward, earned a $1,000 check, and earning third place honors Gary Brown, Vice President of Local 399, was not surwas Frank Peters of Mantua who received a $500 check. prised at Andrew Hallahan’s selection as the 2016 ApThis year’s Apprentice of the Year Award held special prentice of the Year. meaning, not only to Hallahan but to the Local 399 “Andrew always showed up and in fact was on time for family. The award was renamed to honor the memory of all of his training sessions,” Brown said. “Just like Walter Walter Lenkowski III, a fourth-generation ironworker Lenkowsi, he is extremely reliable on his jobs as well. Our with Local 399 who was killed at age 25 while working on contractors and our clients always ask for him to be on the Delair Memorial Railroad Drawbridge last spring. their new jobs. They know they can count on him.” Hallahan and his fellow apprentices completed a The Life of Walter Lenkowski III Like Hallahan, Lenkowski III won the Apprentice of the Year award in 2015 after emerging as a talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic member of this brotherhood and sisterhood of iron workers. Paul Lenkowski, uncle to Walter Lenkowski III and Secretary-Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 399, may have expressed it
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More than $10,000 was raised for the family of Walter Lenkowski III with the auction of a clock during the International Ironworkers Convention in Las Vegas.
Local 399 officials prepare to award the Walter Lenkowski III Apprentice of the Year Honor
three-year apprenticeship with the Ironworkers Union in August. He received this honor after completing multiple projects during his apprenticeship, and so far has followed that by finding steady employment, currently at the Salem Nuclear Island plant. Ironworkers Local Union 399, which was formed in 1925, currently has 800 members and supplies qualified Journeyman Iron Workers and Apprentices to affiliated contractors for projects in the Southern New Jersey area. Union members are also members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron workers
clock, and all the proceeds went to the fund for Walter. At the end of the week they presented Paul Lenkowski, Walter III’s uncle from Local 399 a check in the amount of $10,516.00. See the accompanying photo of the clock included in this article along with photos of Andrew Hallahan’s awards presentation. “It was just a heart-warming gesture from all of our brothers and sisters at the convention, and we are all grateful,“ said Vice President Brown. “This effort was initiated by our colleagues from Fresno, California, and their efforts touched the Lenkowski family greatly.”
The Fund-Raising and Tributes Continue Meanwhile, Walter Lenkowski’s colleagues continue to unselfishly offer assistance to their fallen colleague as they continue to raise money for his family, including his newborn daughter. Walter’s daughter, Grace Lenkowski, was born on September 7, weighing in at a healthy 6 pounds, 2 ounces. While local officials from Local 399 were attending the International Ironworkers Convention in Las Vegas in late August, they received quite a gesture of brotherhood from convention attendees. Apprentices from IW Local No. 155 from Fresno, CA made a clock that was brought to the IW Convention. They sold chances on this www.sjunions.com
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Dan Cosner delivers an address during the Peter McGuire Memorial Breakfast on Sept. 2 in Colingswood.
Dan Cosner (right) assists in an awards presentation during the annual Peter J. McGuire Memorial Breakfast on Sept. 2 in Collingswood.
ELECTION 2016: HOW YOUR VOTE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
By Daniel Cosner Business Manager LU 351 & President Southern NJ Building Trades Council
Brothers and Sisters, Please consider this message a Call to Arms. I feel with all the daily talk about the upcoming Presidential Election it has me deeply concerned about the outcome of the November 8th election. We need to be pro-active and energized in support of the Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton. As we all know, this election could mean a lot for the future of the Labor movement and especially for the building trades. Based on what I have heard from the debates and the interviews over the past year it is clear to me that Donald Trump clearly does not support the men and women who work day in and day out in the Labor movement. We have seen first-hand in Atlantic City that Donald Trump does not support our brothers and sisters in the building trades and the Labor movement based on his past actions. Hillary and President Clinton have been friends of Labor as long as they have been in public office. Unlike Donald Trump, her opponent, we can trust Hillary’s word that she will continue to stand with us on such critical issues as prevailing wage, ensuring the rights of workers to organize freely and making sure that we push for the standard of a minimum wage of $15 nationwide. There are many examples of why this election matters to us, and I would like to remind you that billions (yes, billions) in job generating infrastructure improvements
are literally in the pipeline in a Hillary Clinton Administration. I can clearly tell you that if Donald Trump were elected President, that he and his friends like Chris Christie will ensure that the building trades will receive little to no support. Instead they will continue to support their friends like Scott Walker from Wisconsin and continue to dismantle the Labor movement one state at a time, ensuring that right-to-work states are the new norm. So, what can we do? Most locals in South Jersey are in the process of organizing a door to door Get Out the Vote (GOTV) programs on Election Day. I would ask that you and your families, if possible, volunteer in some way. We need to show strong support for Hillary Clinton on November 8th. Hillary Clinton has taken her fair share of insults and been ridiculed for many things over the years, including supporting the building trades and ensuring that our rights have been protected. It is now time to show Hillary that we support her and show Donald Trump that we in the Labor Movement still have a powerful voice and we will be heard! Please make sure that every family member, friend and neighbor is registered to vote and votes in this year’s election. I cannot stress enough how important this election is for all of us and our families. Thank you for your time and all that you do to make the labor movement a success in South Jersey! Fraternally Yours, DANIEL COSNER, Business Manager LU 351 and President Southern NJ Building Trades Council
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STATE SENATOR SWEENEY VOWS TO CONTINUE “THE FIGHT FOR 15” IN NEW JERSEY State Senate President Steve Sweeney addresses Union leaders and supporters during the Peter McGuire Breakfast on September 2.
By Lynda Hinkle, SJ Trades On August 31, 2016, Governor Christie vetoed the carefully crafted New Jersey bill that slowly raised the minimum wage to $15 by 2021, which had passed the Senate and Assembly despite some protest among business groups including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. The veto was not unexpected, but was a major disappointment nonetheless to the labor force and Senate and Assembly Democrats. Senate President Sweeney responded in a statement against the veto: “While I’m disappointed the Governor has once again turned his back on the most vulnerable participants in our economy, Senate Democrats stand ready to continue our march for economic fairness for all New Jerseyans. We will do the right thing and introduce a constitutional amendment to incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by the year 2021.” Three days after the veto, on Friday, September 2, 2016, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Congressman Donald Norcross spoke to a crowded room full of Labor leaders and supporters at the annual Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Scholarship breakfast, passionately promoting their state and federal companion bills fighting to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Senate President Sweeney, who is expected to formally run for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2017, gave a call to action to the Unions: “Today is the day we start the Fight for 15 in New Jersey. We need to start pushing back brothers and sisters against the 1% battling us. We are 99% strong and we need everyone to vote. It’s time for us to to kick their ass -- right now! If we are not ready to fight for 15, then
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shame on us. We must all be on board in labor and get all public and private sectors to work on this initiative as well. A $15 per hour minimum wage will help improve our economy -- wages earned will go back directly into the economy. We know what it’s like to collect occasional unemployment checks and what the struggles are. We know this is a fight we need to win.” Congressman Norcross added, “We here in South Jersey and across the state deserve to earn good wages and retire with dignity. We must band together to win this fight. For the voters here in South Jersey you have someone (Sen. Sweeney) who has been in the trenches with you. He’s lived all of the struggles and has been with us on the front lines. He will fight for you as your Governor, and we need to support him all the way.” Senate President Sweeney has added the New Jersey bill back to the Senate Labor Committee’s agenda with the intent of creating a constitutional amendment to get the item on the 2017 ballot, vowing to take the Fight for $15 all the way to the voters. The federal bill remains in committee. According to a 2016 New Jersey Policy Perspectives’ report, 975,000 people would have benefited from the wage increase. Of those, 91 percent are over 20 years old; 61 percent are full-time workers, and 28 percent have children. Other states such as New York and California have already passed a $15 minimum wage. New Jersey voters will be needed to ensure that our state joins them in progressively advocating for working class people and their right to a living wage.
Proud to support the hard working men and women of the building trades and unions On the web at www.nj4bt.com
To create a better tomorrow, we must start today… New Jerseyans for A Better Tomorrow believes our state needs strong and thoughtful leadership — that's why we're supporting Steve Sweeney. Steve Sweeney is the Democrat who has spent his life in service to middle-class families and middle-class values — a leader who always has and always will put New Jersey first. Paid for by New Jerseyans for a Better Tomorrow, Inc. P.O. Box 4740, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
REP. NORCROSS DELIVERS STRONG MESSAGE: FIGHT FOR GOOD JOBS AND FAIR WAGES FOR ALL; ENCOURAGE STRONG CANDIDATES FROM LABOR By Lynda Hinkle, SJ Trades Ever careful to distinguish his governmental role and his campaign, Congressman Norcross sweeps into a room full of supporters in Bellmawr, New Jersey for the annual Peg Roberts Awards Brunch of the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women firmly in the role of Representative. The Congressman is there to honor the award recipient and also present a plaque to the family of Nancee May, a long time female Democratic activist who died in 2015. He speaks eloquently of the support of women to the party, referring with tenderness to the loss of his own mother earlier this year who he invited to a White House dinner and who told him that with no offense to President Obama, she’d rather wait for a woman. The audience, peppered with women wearing Hillary support pins and with former Speaker Joe Roberts himself, erupts into applause. Congressman Norcross knows how to appeal to his base. During the primary, he demonstrated adeptness at reaching past his known supporters -- die-hard Democrats, the Labor community – to appeal to the general South Jersey audience with a message he continues. Speaking to him the day before the Peg Roberts
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Brunch, Congressman Norcross has on his campaign hat and speaks frankly about the issues he intends to focus on as November approaches. “I say this all the time: The best social program is a job – a good job that can sustain a family,” says Norcross, a message he repeats in his governmental and campaign stops equally. His fight for women’s pay equity, increasing the minimum wage, and building the bipartisan Congressional Building Trades Caucus in Congress with Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia are just a smattering of ways in which he has enacted that message with his governmental efforts. On the campaign trail, he reminds people that this, and safe neighborhoods and a safe America are of paramount importance. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Norcross is aware of the threats of foreign and domestic terrorism facing the nation, and warns that we need leaders who are sensitive to these threats and how to protect against them. But the Congressman’s focus is not just on his own election, campaigning against Republican Bob Patterson. Through his work with the Congressional Building Trades Caucus, Norcross is focused on getting more
Labor candidates into government at all levels, saying “It’s different when Labor is in the room. We need real people to come to the table, and organized Labor can provide that.” Admitting that it is “difficult to get good people to run for public office because of the general feeling that not everyone is in it for the right reasons,” Norcross emphatically adds, “and that’s WHY it is important to run.” Providing mentorship and the encouragement of others who have come from Labor to achieve political office, Norcross argues, enables Labor to have a stronger voice in the development of good policy. This is a system that has worked in South Jersey, where a strong Union labor force has assisted in the assent of people like him and Sen. President Steve Sweeney. This election does remain a focus of the Congressman, however, who states that since he has run all but 2 of the last 7 years for the seats he has held in State Senate and now Congress, he now has a level of comfort with campaigning. Norcross has called on Labor to support him, using Labor walks to galvanize a politically astute and highly organized and motivated workforce for his elections. As November 8, Election Day, approaches, Labor will once again come out in force to support the electrician turned representative that carries their message of responsible job creation, good wages, and a safe America to the Nation’s Capital.
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NJBT SUPERPAC PLAYS CRUCIAL ROLE IN RAISING FUNDS FOR STEVE SWEENEY’S ANTICIPATED RUN FOR GOVERNOR
By Lynda Hinkle, SJ Trades Senate President Steve Sweeney’s desire to run for Governor of New Jersey has, for some time, been the worst kept secret in New Jersey. The New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council had urged the run as far back as July of 2014, but they hardly need to twist the Senator’s arm. He had already been building a coalition and preparing to lead an impressive effort to take the Governor’s desk in 2017.
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The reality of modern politics is that such an effort takes cash, and a lot of it. On a cold December day, I find myself talking to an animated Sean Kennedy, describing his personal push to surpass $1 million in fundraising with the SuperPAC that he started, New Jerseyans for a Better Tomorrrow (NJBT), by the end of 2015. The SuperPAC’s sole purpose is to raise funds for a win for Senate President Steve Sweeney in the 2017 New Jersey
gubernatorial primary and general election. He got what he wanted. In fact, by January 2016, the Super PAC had raised $1.2 million. To date, it has raised over $1.6 million. Kennedy has deviated from the way Super PACS typically raise money. Ordinarily, they receive fewer donations in larger amounts. NJBT has cultivated hundreds of contributors from across the state to assist the effort, creating a grassroots synergy so typical of Union fundraising methods. Kennedy’s work has won the support, acclaim and financial backing of many supporters, including IBEW, Ironworkers, UNITE HERE!, SEIU, the Carpenters, engineering and lobbying firms, law firms, and individuals and companies from all over the state. Jeff Brindle, executive director of the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission, has praised the Super PAC for going above and beyond with the level of its transparency. Says Kennedy, “The decision to do this was easy for me. I have always loved Steve and would do anything for him. There is nothing else I would rather be doing for the next year. We have to create a better tomorrow for New Jersey’s seniors, families, workers and children, and Steve Sweeney is the only person who can make that happen. People are getting caught up in the craziness of the Presidential election, but the fact of the matter is that NJ primary voters will go to the polls in June about 8 months from now, to elect their gubernatorial candidate. It is going to come fast and that’s why we are working tirelessly to be able to provide the support necessary to help make Steve Sweeney our next Governor.” In the looming primary, Sweeney faces likely challengers Phil Murphy, Mayor Steve Fulop, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Senator Ray Lesniak, and a potentially ever-widening field of Democratic challengers. The candidates have a wide range of resources: Phil Murphy loaned his campaign $10 million, while Fulop, who has yet to declare his candidacy explicitly, has raised under $400,000. With such a wide state of diverse interests to campaign in, fundraising will be crucial to maximizing any candidate’s message. A Super PAC allows additional funds to be raised beyond the $2 million that Sweeney
himself can raise directly for the primary election. This means unions can contribute maximally to ensuring that one of their own, Sweeney, an ironworker, goes to Drumthwacket to represent their interests. Says Kennedy, “The Building Trades have been very supportive and will be even more supportive when Steve announces his candidacy. This is an incredible opportunity to elect one of their brothers to the highest office in the state. A lot of elected officials work with the building trades but Steve Sweeney IS the Building Trades. He has spent his entire life fighting for his brothers and sisters, and they will have his back next June.” More help is needed to make sure Sen. Sweeney’s bid for Governor is successful, because this is the best chance the Building Trades may have to carry one of their own to the highest office in New Jersey state government. To donate, visit NJBT’s website at https://www. nj4bt.com.
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SOUTH JERSEY BUILDINGS TRADES COUNCIL BEGINS CRUCIAL GET OUT THE VOTE MEETINGS
By Gus Ostrum, Trades & Union Editor Local Democratic officials and Labor Leaders are gearing up and taking aim at our South Jersey voters. And U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez know all to well the importance of the upcoming election. The South Jersey Buildings Trades Council (SJBTC) began its Get Out the Vote (GOTV) walks on Saturday, October 2 at two different locations: The Camden County Democratic Headquarters in Cherry Hill and at the Camco facility in the Garden State Pavillions on Route 70, nearly 100 union members of the SJBTC along with President Daniel Cosner and Rep. Norcross, who hosted the event. Also in attendance were county Freeholders Rodriguez and Jonathan Young Sr. along with Deputy Director Edward T. McDonnell. Freeholder Rodriguez, a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School who moved to the U.S. from her native Puerto Rico, has seen personally the major progress that union workers have brought to her city of Camden. With the Camden Rising movement in full force, and major construction projects built on behalf of Holtech Technology, Subaru Corporation and the Philadelphia 76ers, Rodriguez is proud of the role of union workers. “The rebirth of Camden would not be able to take place
without our great union workers,” she commented. “I am a regular person and come from humble beginnings, and greatly appreciate the hard work and efforts our workers put in every day.” As usual, Rep. Norcross encouraged his union brothers and sisters to work hard on the GOTV walks. “This election is too important to stand in the shadows and stay silent – we need to elect a Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who will be a great friend to Labor,” Norcross told the audience. Deputy Director McDonnell has also witnessed the great work performed by union personnel around Camden County, and has a clear message for local voters regarding the upcoming election: “Our residents need to come out on election day and vote for our Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for President,” he said. “She is clearly the only candidate who supports Labor and we know she will continue to do so. Donald Trump is no friend to Labor – he will leave us all behind like he has done in the past.” Following the presentations by Rep. Norcross and SJBTC President Cosner, union members lined up for their packets and marching orders prior to dispersing into local communities around Camden County.
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122 ND ANNUAL PETER J. MCGUIRE LABOR DAY OBSERVANCE HELD IN COLLINGSWOOD By Gus Ostrum, SJ Trades and Politics COLLINGSWOOD – In a breakfast ceremony highlighted by remembrances of past and current labor leaders as well as the awarding of scholarships to our future leaders, a rich South Jersey tradition rose to the spotlight once again. Approximately 350 local government and labor leaders, supporters and friends attended the 122nd Annual Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Observance, hosted by the Southern NJ AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, at the Collingswood Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 2. The breakfast, as always, paid homage to the memory of Peter J. McGuire, the co-founder of the American Federation of Labor and father of the Labor Day holiday celebration. McGuire, who lived with his family in Camden and is buried in Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, also organized the first national union for carpenters, The Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1881.
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“Today, we dedicate this day to the life of a man who fought or workers and their rights all across America,” said Robert Schiavinato, President of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO Central Labor Council who served as Master of Ceremonies. “Peter J. Maguire will always be remembered as the founder of Labor Day and for his lifetime of achievements defending the rights of American workers.” Featured speakers included NJ State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, and Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli. New Jersey Deputy Commissioner Aaron Fichtner, PhD, Department of Labor, also presented remarks to attendees. Sam Ferraino, UFCS 1360, was the recipient of the George E. Norcross Humanitarian Award. Leone Jones, Secretary-Treasurer for the Southern NJ AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, and Daniel Cosner, President of the Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council, presented the Peter J. McGuire annual scholarships to about 20 recipients.
Those scholarship recipients included the following: Rowan University
Davd Seliger Memorial Scholarship - Tyler Mellan, UFCW Rose Glassberg AFL-CIO Scholarship - Colleen Scott, AFT Sponsored by Jon Young – Emily Shourds, UBC Sponsored by Robert O’Brien – Juliana Picozzi, UA
Rutgers University
Sponsored by Howard Wells – David Woloszyn, UA/IBT
Rowan College at Gloucester County
Sponsored by Susan Michielli – Gregory Carey, USW Sponsored by Barbara Jones – Mayrose Figuracion, UNITE HERE Sponsored by Robert Schiavinato – Katie-Anne Green, BTJSF Sponsored by Carl Styles – Halley Guldin, APWU Sponsored by Luke Gordon – Sarah Hilt, SMW Sponsored by Sam Ferraino – Hannah Magnes, UFWC George E. Norcross Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Walter Reeve, USW Sponsored by Al Laubsch – Samantha Smith, IBEW Sponsored by Michele Liebtag – Morgan Zapata, CWA
Camden County College
Sponsored by Donald Norcross – Steven Bradley, IFTPE Sponsored by Jon Young – Kevin Brennan, UBC Paul and Esther Reilly Memorial Scholarship – Robert Brennan, UBC Sponsored by Howard Wells – Dimirra Brown, IBT Joseph DiRenzo Memorial Scholarship – Antoinette DiMeglio, BAC Sponsored by Daniel Cosner – Jacqueline Stauffer, IBEW
Newly Refurbished Monument Dedicated Following the breakfast, local officials held a dedication ceremony of the Peter J. McGuire Statue and Memorial at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken. The Master of Ceremonies was Robert Schiavinato and guest speaker was Rep. Donald Norcross. During the ceremony, a newly refurbished brick and concrete monument dedicated to Peter J. McGuire was dedicated. According to Leone Jones, Secretary-Treasurer for the Southern New Jersey CLC, all of the materials and labor used in the refurbishing efforts were 100 percent donated by various unions and contractors. “These volunteers began their work around July 1 to get the statue ready for today, and it took them about 5 to 6 weeks to complete the job,” Jones said. “We want to thank these volunteers and those who donated materials for all of their efforts in this worthwhile project.”
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SAM FERRAINO JR. IS RECIPIENT OF GEORGE NORCROSS, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARD By Gus Ostrum, SJ Trades Editor COLLINGSWOOD – Sam Ferraino, Jr. is one busy man – and he is loving every moment of it! Throughout his lifetime, Ferraino, a Woodbury resident, has exhibited a passion for his chosen profession in labor relations and oversight of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1360. And now his relentless work efforts continue to pay off. As President of Local 1360 since 2004 as well as Chairman of its Board, Ferraino has made a positive impact in ensuring workers receive fair wages and benefits and assisting those who need a helping hand. His efforts, in fact, earned him an honor from his peers that he will always treasure -- he was selected to receive the 2016 George E. Norcross, Jr. Humanitarian Award. This award, named after the former legendary labor leader who passed away in 1998, was presented to Ferraino by the Southern New Jersey Central Labor Council during the Sept. 2 celebration of the Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Observance at the Collingswood Ballroom. Presenting the honor to Ferraino was Joe Pilo, 2015 recipient of the GEN Humanitarian Award, who noted to the audience: “Today, we take time to honor an innovative thinker, a man whose life, passion and work inspire us to take up the cause of social justice, dignity in retirement, while offering a hand up to those in need. That is why we are honored to name Sam Ferraino the 2016 George E. Norcross Humanitarian of the Year.” Ferraino has served as President of UFCW Local 1360 since June 2004, running day to day operations, negotiating contracts with multiple employers, and serving as trustee on multiple pension and health and welfare funds. He has also served as Chairman of the Board since January 1997. Since January 2000 he has served as Chairman of the UFCW 1360 ShopRite Pension Fund, while serving as Chairman of the City of Woodbury Planning and Zoning
Board since January 2013. He was also a Board member of the United Way while serving as a delegate to the New Jersey AFL-CIO and other councils. “I am always one busy man, but I love the work that I do and the life that I have,” Ferraino said in accepting his honor. “I have always enjoyed fighting for the rights of our workers. My work is never finished, and it is a passion I have had since coming out of high school.” Ferraino graduated Paul VI High School and later studied at Rutgers-Camden University. While growing up in Glendora and attending school, he worked as a clerk at Acme Supermarket. After working his way through the Acme chain, rising to become a union shop steward, he began his career at UFWC Local 1360 as a Business Representative in 1994. He later rose to become Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 1360 from January 1998 to December 2004, and also held the Secretary-Treasurer post for GCIA from January 2000 through January 2007. He shares his life and passions with his wife of 22 years Joann and his daughter Gabrielle, 20, a student at The University of North Carolina. Sam has worked on various community organizations where he lived in both Washington Township and currently Woodbury. Ferraino has helped countless numbers of friends and colleagues through the years, but that is not surprising given his outlook on life. “I try to live my life by this philosophy – when I help someone and they ask what they can do to thank me, I tell them pass it ahead.” www.sjunions.com
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SOUTH JERSEY TRADES UNITE TO CREATE ONE-OF-A-KIND 9/11 MEMORIAL IN ABSECON, NJ By Shelly Castorino, SJ Trades It began with a simple observation by one fireman to another. In 2012, Ed Vincent, a member of Sheet Metal Workers 27 and volunteer fireman, was putting up 343 flags at the Absecon Fire Department for the annual 9/11 memorial. The 343 flags represent each of the firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Vincent’s friend and fellow volunteer fireman, Jim Smith, mentioned it would be great to get an artifact from the Twin Towers – and the 9/11 memorial project for the City of Absecon began. Smith went to the Absecon Council to ask for approval to apply for an artifact from the NY/NJ Port Authority and the City of New York. After 10 months, the Port Authority and City of New York approved Absecon’s request. The artifact selected for Absecon was a 3,108 pound, 16 ft. long I-beam from the 39th floor of the South Tower.
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The I-beam is one of the largest steel artifacts provided to a city for a memorial display. “We had to get a dump truck and drive to Hanger 17 at JFK Airport because that is where all of the items from the Twin Towers are stored,” said Vincent. “Once we knew what artifact we had, we formed a committee to select a site and design for the memorial.” According to Vincent, a committee of 21 individuals with very diverse backgrounds volunteered. The Committee used a rating system to select a location to erect the memorial. Five properties owned by the City were presented to the Council. Heritage Park, located about 300 yards from City Hall, was selected for its central location, walking path and pond, which provides a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance. “We also formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit so we could accept donations and contributions,” said Vincent. “This
project was completed with absolutely no cost to taxpayers.” The committee organized numerous fundraising activities that included clothing drives, cruises and a fun day at a local Raymour and Flanigan furniture store. But many of the contributions came in the form of free labor from over 45 different trade unions in Southern New Jersey. “I have been an active member of Local 27 for 49 years,” said Vincent. “I was a draftsman and did a lot of AutoCAD design work so I know a lot of people in a lot of different unions, and once the committee was formed, I made a few calls.” One call was to a local Absecon electric company, Hughes Electric. Steve Hughes is a member of IBEW Local 351. “When Eddie called about the project, it was an automatic yes,” said Hughes. “This is where I live. This isn’t a project about politics but a non-partisan project that is a true tribute honoring the victims from each location on September 11, 2001.” Vincent worked on the design to incorporate the I-beam with a smallscale replica of the Twin Towers as well as other features that represent the Pentagon in Virginia and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed. Once the design was complete, labor unions started calling and offering their help. “We had steelworkers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cement finishers, fabricators, bricklayers, apprentices, you name it, and even if they did not have a specific skill that was conducive to the project, they volunteered to help with cement,
or bring in dirt or help in different ways to complete this project,” said Vincent. The unique memorial includes five flag poles with a podium made of granite with the story of what happened at each site laser engraved on the granite. The tallest flag pole is 30 ft. high, which will fly the American flag. The other four poles are 25 ft. high and will fly the state flags of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, each with the story of the tragedy that took place at each location on that fateful morning. “Most 9/11 memorials pay tribute to one location but we wanted to tell the entire story of that day and provide a place for remembrance, reflection, respect, honor and education,” said Vincent. “We held an assembly at a local school for 2nd to 8th graders this year and the questions that the students asked were phenomenal.” Vincent and his fellow volunteers were able to share what they were doing and where they were when the attacks happened. “You have to remember, none of these students were alive when the attacks took place, this is history and we need to help them understand by providing a lasting testament to that day,” said Vincent. “And I am proud of the contribution our City, our Committee, and our South Jersey Trades made to make this project a reality on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.” The Absecon 9/11 Memorial is located at 500 Mill Road, Absecon, NJ. A dedication ceremony took place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016.
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Working families from all over the Philadelphia region gathered on Monday, September 5th for the 29th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade & Family Celebration in Philadelphia. A large gathering converged on the Philadelphia waterfront for a Labor Day celebration of America's workers and our labor movement. The parade up Columbus Blvd began at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall (1301 S. Columbus Blvd, at Washington Ave) at 9:15. The parade stepped off at 10:00, and o t he Penn's eventually moved t Landing Great Plaza (Columbus at Market) for food, fun, games, makeand-take crafts, kids activities, and live music. Thanks to all local unions and affiliated organizations for taking part in the parade and gathering at Penn's Landing.
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BUILDING BOOM UNFOLDS BUILDING BOOM UNFOLDS AT AT
Rowan University University
At local local college college campuses campuses all allover overSouth SouthJersey, Jersey,aabuilding buildingboom boomisisininprogress. progress.Nowhere Nowhereisisthis thismore moreevident evidentthan than at Rowan Rowan University, University, where where enrollment enrollmentand andnew newfacilities facilitiestotomatch matchare aregrowing growingatata afast fastrate. rate. Local Local labor labor unions, unions, among amongthem themUA UAPlumbers Plumbers&&Pipefitters PipefittersLocal Local322, 322,are areright rightininthe thethick thickofofthe theaction, action,providing providing ongoing work for their members and ultimately new facilities for local college students. The projects in progress ongoing work for their members and ultimately new facilities for local college students. The projects in progressinclude: include: Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø
Construction Construction of of Rowan Rowan College College of ofEngineering Engineering- -This Thisproject projectconsists consistsofofthe theconstruction constructionofofa anew newbuilding buildingacross across from Rowan Hall Engineering Building. The new facility is approximately 88,000 square feet. from Rowan Hall Engineering Building. The new facility is approximately 88,000 square feet. Construction Construction of of Student Student Housing HousingVillage Village--This Thisfacility facilitywill willprovide provide1400 1400beds bedsofofstudent studenthousing housingtotoaccommodate accommodate the the growth growth of of undergraduate undergraduateprograms programsat atRowan. Rowan. Construction Construction of of new new Rohrer RohrerCollege Collegeof ofBusiness Business - -This Thisproject projectconsists consistsofofconstructing constructinga anew newfour-story four-story98,00098,000square foot academic building to support the growth of the Rohrer College of Business. square foot academic building to support the growth of the Rohrer College of Business. Construction Construction of of aa New New Parking ParkingGarage Garage --This Thisproject projectwill willconsist consistofofaaparking parkinggarage garagethat thatwill willultimately ultimatelyhold hold several hundred student vehicles. Construction on the new facility is currently being handled by several hundred student vehicles. Construction on the new facility is currently being handled byLocal Local399. 399.
The The projects projects in in progress progress are are seemingly seemingly endless, endless,said saidDonald DonaldMoore, Moore,senior seniorvice vicepresident presidentofoffacilities facilitiesplanning planningand and operations at Rowan University. He points to the growing enrollment at RU’s Glassboro campus as well as nearby operations at Rowan University. He points to the growing enrollment at RU’s Glassboro campus as well as nearby satellite satellite campuses campuses in in Camden Camdenand andStratford. Stratford. “Over the next four to five “Over the next four to five years, years, we we expect expectabout about$500 $500million millionworth worthofofconstruction constructionand andproject projectdevelopment developmenttoto occur to accommodate the enrollment increases that are expected at the university,” Moore said in a statement occur to accommodate the enrollment increases that are expected at the university,” Moore said in a statementprovided provided by by the the university. university.
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Photos by Mike Plunkett Photos by Mike Plunkett
(above) Plumbers Union Local members working on projects at Rowan University’s Glassboro campus. (below) Working on the Science/Engineering Building at Rowan University.
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(above and below-left) Union workers on the job at Rorher School of Business under construction at Rowan University in Glassboro. (below-right) Workers in the underground steam at the Science/Engineering Building at Rowan
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GIVING ‘A LIFT FOR A VET’:
LOCAL 5 OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS ASSISTS AREA VETS IN NEED
By Don Benevento, SJ Trades The nation’s military veterans have long had an ally in the members of the Philadelphia and South Jersey union locals. The unions have found creative ways over the years to support all the veterans, but especially those who have been wounded in combat. For example, Local Union No. 5 of the International Union of Elevator Constructors has been installing elevators and stair chairs in the houses of wounded and aging veterans. In support of that project, members from a number of unions got together recently to take part in a charitable afternoon of boxing called “A lift for a Vet” at Katie O’Donnell’s Irish Pub in Philadelphia. The program featured 13 three-round bouts among volunteer members of the unions. The event drew about 800 patrons, and was considered a rousing success by one of its organizers.
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“Today is about all good union guys coming together to help our vets,” said Doug Baron, an operating engineer from Local 542, and one of the event organizers. “We’ve done a couple of shows for some local veterans, but I think this is the best one we’ve done so far.” The effort to install the elevators and stair chairs has been going on for 7 years, according to Ed Loomis, the business manager of Elevator Constructors Union. The union began installing the elevators and stair chairs as part of a larger effort known as Homes for Our Troops. That group specialized in doing complete home renovations for wounded and injured veterans, Loomis said. Later many of the houses being provided for the veterans were built as ranchers, so there was no need for the lifting equipment. However, the union went off on its own to keep providing the equipment for the houses where it was needed. The work began locally, but each year, the project has
grown to where it is now a nationwide effort. “Since the Internet started we’ve done full elevators all over the country,” Loomis said. “People Google help for veterans and it comes right up to us. We’ve been going all over the country. We’ve been in Louisville, KY; Seattle; Pittsburgh; Boston. “We call up to our locals up there. We buy and they install it with no cost whatsoever to the veteran.” Recent work has been done for the Captain of Special Forces in San Clemente, CA, and there is a current on-going project to aid a paralyzed veteran in Tampa, FL, Loomis said. According to Loomis, elevator union locals nationwide have installed approximately 75 projects over the years. Using the slogan “Providing Vets a Lift to Independence,” the union has installed its equipment with no cost to the veterans, even though the bills for such work can accumulate to as high as $27,000 for an elevator and $2,500 for a chair lift. All veterans are welcome to seek the union’s help. “We’ve worked with everybody from the Battle of the Bulge to Afghanistan,” Loomis said. “It’s for all veterans. With `Lift for a Vet,’ as long as they’ve served in the military they’re eligible.” Continued on Page 32
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According to Baron, many union members are veterans themselves. They’ve served in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and they’re eager to help their wounded brothers and sisters. They do not hide their patriotism. “We have a lot of strong, tough guys and this is what it’s all about,” said Baron. “We’re men’s men. We wear American pride on our sleeves, and this is our day to give back to all the guys who fought for our country and our freedom.” Part of Baron’s job in organizing the event was finding men who were willing to participate in the actual boxing matches. He had no trouble locating such. “We had a guy from the Teamsters come up today and said he wanted to fight,” Baron said. “They hear about it, and it’s like, `we’re fighting. I served in Afghanistan, I served in Iraq, and I want to fight.’ That’s what union guys do. We give back.” It was an emotional day for some of the guys who did the boxing. “I hold this real near and dear to my heart,” said Richard Bilo, a former wrestler and football player at Timber Creek High School. “It’s real emotional for me. I’m a veteran (of the Air Force) myself and any opportunity I have to give back to my brothers that I fought alongside in the military, I’m going to do that.” Bilo is currently a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, and he trains regularly at Nick Cottone’s American MMA gym in Somerdale, N.J He holds the event in perspective.
“I’m doing this for a specific reason,” Bilo said. ”I’m not doing this to punch somebody’s face off, even though that would help my amateur record. I’m not out here to lose. But me winning represents my brothers in the military.” Bilo recalled being at a Phillies game when he was asked by his union brothers to take part in the competition. He had no problem accepting the challenge. “I couldn’t turn it down when I knew what it was for,” Bilo said. “My friend (MMA fighter) Joe Lowry lost a brother about 3 years ago, so this is close to my heart. These guys don’t get nearly enough recognition and respect for what they do for this country. “There’s a lot of turmoil in this country right now, and there’s a lot of uproar, and the fact of the matter is these guys (veterans) aren’t the blame. They sign up and fight for United States citizens -- they don’t fight for certain causes.” Eddie Roberts, another former Timber Creek athlete, took his assignment to perform in the event serious enough that he actually began taking boxing lessons for the past 6 weeks. “It was a great cause, for the veterans,” Roberts said. “All the proceeds go 100 percent to the veterans, so it was good. I never boxed before, but with all the sacrifices these veterans have made, I figured I could contribute.” A member of the Glaziers and Architectural Metal Workers Local 252, Roberts served in the Air Force, and his sister Danica Riccardi is currently is a 13-year veteran of the Coast Guard. He has no problem showing his pride for having a chance to help out the cause. “I definitely have lot of respect for the veterans,” Roberts said. --Don Benevento served as a long-time sports reporter and columnist for The Courier-Post newspaper, Cherry Hill, NJ.
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MEET THE LUNGS OF YOUR
BUILDING
Your HVAC system works a lot like your own lungs - it has vents and ducts that keep circulation moving and keeps temperatures even. It all works well together, but if “the lungs” stop, the whole system can shut down. We’re SMCA - Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity. Our members are the most experienced sheet metal contractors in the Philadelphia area, and they adhere to the exacting standards of National SMACNA – the gold standard of excellence in the construction industry. SMCA member contractors employ only the most highly-skilled sheet metal workers. Those who have successfully completed the demanding curriculum of the International Training Institute.
SMCA members are involved in HVAC, architectural and specialty sheet metal, testing adjusting and balancing (TAB) systems, Fire Life safety testing and LEED and Green installs. SMCA and Local 19 are leading the effort to update older systems with newer, greener HVAC systems that use less energy, are more efficient and cost effective in order to provide “Clean air solutions” so everyone can breathe better.
SMCA members are your source for all sheet metal projects - give one of our members a call today!
Members of SMCA include: Accu-Flow Balancing Co., LLC Aer Dux, Inc Air Concepts, Inc. Air Systems, Inc. Baltronix, Incorporated Bonland Industries Cromedy Construction Corp. Dynamic Balancing Co. Eastern Air Balance Corporation Edward J. DeSeta Co., Inc. Environmental Construction Services Ernest D. Menold, Inc. Fisher Balancing Company Hays Sheet Metal, Inc. Hunter Mechanical, Inc. Independent Balancing Co., Inc.
Keystone TAB Consulting, LLC Lor Mar Mechanical Services, Inc. Luthe Sheet Metal, Inc. Modern Controls National Balancing Co., Inc. Optimum Performance Balancing, LLC Precision Air Design, LLC Prime Sheet Metal, Inc. Restaurant Ventilation Design SSM Industries Tab Systems, Inc. Thermodesign Corp. Thomas Company, Inc. Total Comfort Solutions W.F. Smith, Inc. Wm. J. Dovovan Co.
To learn more about SMCA and Local 19 Visit www.smca.org or call 610-828-4055
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL, AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS (SMART) A Message from Gary J. Masino The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) is one of North America’s most dynamic unions. Throughout the United States and Canada, SMART’s 208,000 members ensure the quality of the air we breathe, promote energy efficiency, and produce and provide the vital services that move freight and products to market and passengers to their destinations. SMART Local 19 represents over four thousand workers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and is proud to be one of the most diverse unions in the area; fully twenty-eight percent of our members are people of color. Local 19 takes pride in our nearly 130 years of training and representing some of the most highly skilled workers in the in the industry. Through our apprenticeship program, we’re training the next generation on cutting edge equipment and techniques. Our apprenticeship offers a path to the middle class–without the student loan debt. A survey of our members told us that competence, broad experience, and a practical approach to the nation’s difficult domestic and international challenges were what they were looking for in the next president. That is why we have endorsed Secretary Clinton–her long history of strong leadership on the issues facing our nation and unwavering support for working families make us sure that she will build on the gains we’ve made under the Obama administration. Our members are committed to working tirelessly to ensure Secretary Clinton is elected in November, and to making sure that Donald Trump never sets foot in the White House. His track record of predatory business practices and extreme, bigoted statements leave no doubt that he is the wrong choice for America’s working families. The 2016 election is vital to shaping the future of our nation, and that Secretary Clinton and Democrats all the way down the ballot will ensure that future is a bright one. Sincerely, Gary J. Masino President and Business Manager Int’l Assoc. of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers Local Union No. 19 www.sjunions.com
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WITTMAIER PLUMBING CONTINUES TRADITION OF ASSISTING BREAST
CANCER PATIENTS
AND FAMILIES By Gus Ostrum, SJ Trades Editor His company has provided plumbing and heating service needs to South Jersey families for nearly 100 years, so Harry C. Wittmaier Plumbing owner Andrew Schmidt knows well the importance of providing quality work. He and his employees also understand the true meaning of community and family. That’s why the month of October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – is a favorite to Schmidt, a Local 322 member for 9 years, and his employees. This is when the company works hard to collect funds for a local family who has a member suffering through breast cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy. “It’s usually a patient and family that desperately needs the community’s help,” said Schmidt. “We hear about families every year going through this and there are some pretty extraordinary cases – maybe a single Mom being
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treated for chemotherapy who might have 2 or 3 kids, for example. “In every case, we are thrilled every year to present our check and do our part.” Wittmaier Plumbing carries on this tradition through its “Plumbers in Pink” program. Wittmaier employees sport their pink Wittmaier shirts while on service calls The company donates $5 for each paid in full, on-time invoice, for all work completed between October 1 and October 31 to a local family struggling due to a battle with breast cancer. “We usually wait until early December for all invoices from October to work their way through the system” Schmidt notes. “Our donations have rounded out to about $500, and then we pay a visit to a needy family right around December 13 to 15 to present the check. “We just knock on their door and make the presentation. It’s absolutely the greatest feeling in the world to help a family in need when you approach the Christmas holidays.” Schmidt, an assistant coach for the Collingswood High School baseball program, makes sure that Wittmaier Plumbing stays involved within the community in other
removed from the field and placed in the office to learn the business side of the company. Andrew continued to work for his father, and in 2008 became the owner of Wittmaier. The firm provides residential and commercial services alike, including drain cleaning, servicing of gas and electric water heaters, and remodeling of bathrooms and kitchens to name a few. Wittmaier Plumbing is all Andrew has ever known and is the sole reason why he holds the company and its customers so close to his heart! He also holds family dear to his heart too. Sadly, he has lost three family members, including his grandmother, to cancer. “Everyone here at Wittmaier understands the devastating effects a cancer diagnosis can have on a family,” Schmidt said. “Because of our own family members, we really do hold this cause close to our hearts.” Editor’s note: To learn more about Wittmaier Plumbing and the “Plumbers in Pink” program, call (856) 858-1965. ways as well. This is evident through the company’s long-standing sponsorships of local organizations such as the Collingswood Little League; Collingswood Youth Football; Oaklyn Swim Club; and the Oaklyn, Haddon Township and Collingswood Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 257 among many groups. Andrew, himself, is also a Bone Marrow Donor as part of the “Be the Match Registry.” Andrew donated a bone marrow in the past year to help an anonymous 66-yearold male battling Leukemia. Wittmaier was founded in 1919 by Harry C. Wittmaier as a plumbing and heating service company. Since then, Wittmaier has passed through three committed owners. Andrew Schmidt is the current owner of Wittmaier and works closely with his father and former owner, Joseph P. Schmidt, Sr. Andrew began working for his father during the 1990s and has never worked anywhere else. Joseph had Andrew begin working in the field to gain his necessary field experience until Andrew’s college years when he was
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UA PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 322 HOSTS
SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE
South Jersey unions give back to communities on a regular basis. The members of UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 322 took it to next level as they donated blood during a recent blood drive conducted by the American Red Cross. Thank you to everyone that participated in the Blood Drive! There were 29 donors that can potentially help 87 area hospital patients!
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Redefining Excellence
FOCUSED ON YOU
Bordentown | Cherry Hill | Marlton | Moorestown | Sewell | Vineland | Voorhees
(800) 896-7326 www.reconstructiveortho.com
LOCAL 19 MAKE RETURN TO THE BIKE MS: CITY TO By Shelly Castorino, SJ Trades The Tin Knockers Militia Local 19 have made their return in triumphant fashion! And make no mistake, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society welcomes back the 11-member Sheet Metal Workers team -- which included family members and friends -- as they raised funds for MS! “We used to have a bike team,” said Bryan Bush, Assistant Business Manager with Sheet Metal Workers Local 19. “From around 2004 to 2005, we had an annual team and then last year, we wanted to ride in the 2015 Bike MS: City to Shore, but the ride was canceled due to the storm.” Fortunately for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Tin Knockers Militia came back and ready with a solid group of riders on September 24, 2016. The team, made up of Local 19 members, family and friends from the surrounding South Jersey and Phila-
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delphia region included Bryan and Trish Bush, Jackie Kinkade, Diane Silcox, Bobby Ortiz, Darryl A. Williams, Karen Masino, Sue Rubin, Ron and Tabitha Bush and Jeff Barron. The group met at the Woodcrest PATCO station in Cherry Hill, NJ, a little after 6:00 a.m. to join 7,000 other bike riders for the annual event to raise money to create a world free of MS. “Some of the members will ride 80 miles to Ocean City, New Jersey, while others will take an extra 20 mile loop for the centennial ride,” said Bush. “The extra 20 will depend on how we feel after the first 80.” Bryan’s wife, Trish, volunteered to take photos of the team during their ride. From their first break at Mile 31 to the bridge entering Ocean City, Trish captured the strength and perseverance of the team, as well as the beautiful day, which was a sharp contrast to the previous year. “Our Local alone donated $3,000 to our team and we have now exceeded $4,000,” said Bush. The team continued to smile as they rode off with their medals a little after 5:00 p.m. in Ocean City, New Jersey. Congratulations to the Tin Knockers Militia for their contribution to this very worthy cause.
ES A TRIUMPHANT 2016 O SHORE RIDE
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By Sam Ferraino President, United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 1360 There is a presidential election fast approaching this country and it is one that can make a difference in all of our lives, and if Donald Trump wins it will affect union members more so then others. Why? It’s simple; Trump wants to push his right to work agenda. An agenda that unions and their members must stand up against. As a group we must support those who support the working class men and women of this country and Trump is not that person. Don’t be fooled by thinking it will never happen. If Trump is elected that will be just the beginning. It’s important to know the facts so that you are aware of just what will happen if right to work is forced upon the hard working men and women of this country.
DEFINING RIGHT TO WORK What is Right to Work? People believe that the right to work guarantees that there is work for everyone. Supporters of Right to Work will lead you to think that the Right to Work protects workers who don’t want to join the union or workers who do not agree with a union’s politics. This is false; Taft Hartley Act already protects workers who don’t want to join a union or make political contributions.
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The Right-to-Work laws don’t guarantee employment to people looking for work; what it does do is prevent employers from excluding non-union workers or requiring non-union members to pay the same fees that union members do. This is after the unions have negotiated the rights for all workers. What that means is that non-union employees are entitled to all of the benefits that union members have struggled to achieve while not supporting the unions. To put it in other terms, let’s imagine that Congress enacts a “Right to Be A Citizen” Act. , and that act is based upon the same principles as Right to Work. What does it mean? It means that everyone would get the same services like police and fire protection, trash removal, road and infrastructure repairs, schools and other valuable services -- everyone! But only some would pay taxes. So while you work hard and pay taxes, your neighbor gets the same benefits as you without paying taxes. Now think about it. At some point you and everyone else would say why are we paying taxes when they aren’t? Then you would say ‘well I’m not paying taxes,’ and everyone else who pays taxes would join you and stop paying taxes. What happens next? Anarchy. The government would shut down, roads would stop getting fixed, children wouldn’t get educated, and trash wouldn’t be picked up. When that happens, we as a civilized society no longer exist. It’s the same with the Right to Work Act. All workers get the same benefits that the unions have fought for but only union members support the union that got those benefits for all. In fact, if a non-union member gets fired he can file a grievance with the union and the union has to support and fight for them. Frankly, it makes no sense; in fact the entire act makes no sense. If we don’t start fighting Right to Work and start educating members and non-members alike, we will soon be looking at a workforce that’s being treated
like it’s the 1950s and 1960s. The hard-working middle class of this country will disappear and we will have the haves and the have nots. We can’t let this happen. We must continue to fight and the first step is to ensure that Donald Trump is not elected as the President of the United States. The battle against the Right to Work act will continue as many high-powered organizations put their lobbying skills and money behind the movement. Some of the biggest supporters include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Right to Work, and ALEC (the American Legislative Exchange Council). All of these organizations are backed and supported by individuals and organizations that are opposed to unions and more specifically want to use the working class men and women of the country to support their greed.
HERE ARE THE FACTS It’s important that you are made aware of the facts about Right to Work, so below I have answered some
• These laws drive down wages for all workers, including non-union members, women, and people of color. Workers living in Right-to-Work states earn about $1,500 less per year than workers in states without these laws. The wage penalty is even higher for women and workers of color. • Workers in Right-to-Work states are less likely to have health insurance. The rate of employer-sponsored health insurance for workers in Right-to-Work states is 2.6 percentage points lower than in states without these restrictions.
• Right to Work makes workplaces more dangerous. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of workplace deaths is higher in Right-to-Work states. • High-tech companies that provide good paying, American jobs favor states where unions have a strong presence, because unions provide a high-skilled workforce and decrease turnover.
• Communities lose jobs when wages are lowered by Right to Work. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that for every $1 million in wage cuts, the local economy sheds six jobs.
• Right to Work does not improve the employment rate. In fact, 7 of the 11 states with the highest unemployment rates have Right-to-Work laws on the books. These are just a few of the facts about Right to Work.
For more information please go to wrongforeveryone.org/more-facts-on-right-to-work Much of the above information was taken from the site. For more information about specific points you can visit the web site where each point is cited.
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