Local 98 News December 2006
NEWS
THE NEW UNION HALL & APPRENTICE TRAINING FACILITY AT 1719 SPRING GARDEN STREET
Governor Ed Rendell and Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty cut the ribbon at Local 98’s new union hall.
Local Union 98 News
Business Manager’s Message Dear Members,
Congratulations to all of you for a great year!
Whoever coined the phrase “Records were meant to be broken” must have had IBEW Local 98 in mind!
The year 2006 was also record-setting in regards to IBEW Local 98’s new four-year construction contract with the National Just when we thought Electrical Contractors that things couldn’t get Association (NECA). any better, this local This is the first time we union, over the past were able to achieve a year, managed to break four-year contract and it its own impressive carries with it significant John J. Dougherty record for the number raises. Similarly, our Business Manager of man hours worked. recently negotiated health IBEW Local 98 We accomplished this care package with Blue great milestone through Cross is as good as it smart organizing; building great gets and ensures that our members relationships with key politicians and their families have the finest at the city, state and federal medical coverage available. These government levels; providing our are great times to be a member of customers with an experienced, this outstanding local union. educated workforce that is second to none; and by maintaining a work In order to sustain our momentum ethic and a dedication to excellence in 2007 and beyond, we must remain that have become our hallmarks. vigilant and assertive in the protection
of our union’s high standards and principles. Unions across the country continue to be under attack by those who don’t believe in fair wages and benefits for working-class families. We will remain strong by remaining together. Our solidarity is our greatest strength. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. Our success is a reflection of your hard work and devotion to this local and to the labor movement. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a safe and prosperous New Year! Yours in Solidarity,
Johnny Doc, Business Manager IBEW Local Union 98 johndoc@ibew98.org
State of the Union Dear Members, First, let me thank all the members for giving me the opportunity to represent you at the 37th IBEW International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. I was honored to speak on your behalf in front of the approximately 2,700 IBEW delegates who attended the week-long event. The delegation supported every resolution submitted by Local 98. I’d like to take this opportunity to mention a recent law change that was made, namely the “Pension Protection Act of 2006.” This change tightens the funding requirements on Defined Benefit Plans but allows for additional contributions by
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eliminating the 25% deductibility rule. In layman’s terms, this allows for additional contributions to achieve the 80% funding requirements. Also, the Defined Contribution/ Profit Sharing Plans can now contribute up to 25% of compensation.
and Prescription drugs for both active members and retirees.
Since the historic mid-term elections when the Democrats Harry Foy regained majority of President both the House of IBEW Local 98 Representitatives and the Senate, we hope to see some relief on Health and Welfare
Sincerely,
I would also like to wish all of IBEW Local 98 members, family and friends a healthy and happy holiday season.
Harry Foy
Harry Foy, President IBEW Local Union 98
December 2006
Hall Renovation
For the past year, the meeting space at Local 98’s Spring Garden Street Union Hall has undergone extensive renovations to make the space more contemporary and technologically capable. The stunning results were available for all to see in late September, when Local 98 celebrated the grand opening of the new auditorium with a union meeting and, later, a fundraiser for Governor Rendell. The most impressive features are
the educational components of the Apprentice Training Program: two plasma TV screens and four projection screens built into the walls, and the most sophisticated audio/visual system available. The auditorium also includes a beautiful new kitchen, which will enable 98 to host many more catered events. Also included in the auditorium are a new stage, modernized restrooms, and state-ofthe art furniture.
The room’s bold new colors – a collage of primary colors – is the most noticeable change. The vibrant colors and newly installed elevator were done with the physically challenged children of the Variety Club in-mind. The children’s charity is near and dear to Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty, who anticipates that Variety and other community groups will host many future events in the new space.
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Local Union 98 News
General Election 2006 Once again, the expert political field operations of IBEW Local 98 were on display for everyone to see in the surrounding five county Greater Philadelphia region during the recently held mid-term elections. Our strategically deployed army of nearly 6,000 Local 98 members, volunteers and friends in the labor movement fanned out across Southeastern Pennsylvania to help “get out the vote” for Democratic and Republican candidates that we endorsed because of their support of our union principles and defense of Pennsylvania’s working families. Perhaps nowhere else was the Local 98 political machine’s effectiveness more evident than in Governor Rendell’s landslide reelection victory. The Governor’s 60% to 40% win – the largest margin in the history of Pennsylvania – was a clear mandate from the residents of the Commonwealth that they approve of the course Rendell has charted. Local 98’s efforts, including staffing polling places, manning phone banks, conducting door-to-door canvassing to get out the vote, distributing ballots and raising significant money
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were instrumental in the Governor’s record-setting victory. Governor Rendell’s big win wasn’t the only “W” Local 98 chalked up in the 2006 mid-term elections. Mike O’Brien, a dear friend of Local 98 and the Democratic nominee for the State House of Representatives in the 175th District cruised to victory over his Republican challenger, Patricia Dempsey, with a stunning 84% of the vote. Mike survived a bruising, three-way fight for the Democratic nomination before cruising to victory in the general election and Local 98 was a key ally in both wins. Mike succeeds retiring State Representative Marie Lederer, who was also a dear friend to the labor movement. Congratulations to Mike and special thanks to Marie for her years of outstanding public service to the residents of the 175th District, which includes many union households. It was also a privilege and honor for Local 98 members to have played a vital role in the victories enjoyed by State Representative George Kenney, Speaker of
the House John Perzel, State Representative John Taylor and many others on both sides of the political aisle. Of course, we take enormous pride in the successful re-election of our very dear friend, State Representative Bill Keller, who has been and continues to be a “warrior in pinstripes” for the labor movement. There are many people I’d like to thank for once again doing Local 98 proud on the campaign trail. Our continued success and growing reputation as a political powerhouse is wholly dependent upon your continuing participation. In particular, I’d like to express my gratitude to Bob Gormley, Kevin McCall, Kirk Henon, Bob Mulgrew and Joe Danford, for their tireless work on our famous phone banks and for continuing to move Local 98’s political agenda forward. Since the Dougherty Team took office more than a decade ago, Local 98’s political operation has come a long way and is today among the most vaunted and respected in the country. None of it would be possible
December 2006
without your dedication. I can’t thank you enough for answering the call, again and again. Sincerely,
Bob Henon
Bob Henon, Political Director IBEW Local Union 98
Top left: Local 98 Political Director Bob Henon. Top right: Business Manager John J. Dougherty with Governor Rendell. Bottom, from left: Larry Del Spechio, John J. Dougherty, Governor Rendell, (West Wing Actress) Melissa Fitzgerald, State Rep. Bill Keller and Jim Foy at a November 2006 rally.
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Local Union 98 News
37th IBEW International Convention September 11TH-15TH 2006 CLEVELAND, OHIO September 9th-10th – Pre-Convention Activities including a block party for all delegates and guests on Saturday September 9th. Top named show on Sunday September 10th. Day 1 – On September 11th, President Edwin Hill called the convention to order with a hand carved gavel. The first order of business was the nominations of International President, Secretary, Treasurer, and International Executive Council Chairman. All were re-elected unanimously. That afternoon each district broke out to individually nominate and elect district Vice Presidents and I.E.C. Members. All were reelected unopposed. Day 2 – President Hill opened with a keynote speech. Then the Credential Committee report was ratified by all delegates for all international offices. Also the delegates were honored for their tribute to September 11th victims. Senator Harkin addressed the delegation. Day 3 – Lou Dobbs fired up the convention. Delegates approve resolutions for an aggressive organizational program. Helmets to hard hats were addressed.
* From the IBEW Journal, convention issue.
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Day 4 – Business Manager John Dougherty gives the International President Report to delegates. Resolutions on Law and Resolution Committee were then acted on by the delegation. U.F.C.F Chief Joe Hansen addressed the delegation. Day 5 – The delegate acted on the remaining resolutions, and on grievances and appeals. By twelve o’clock, all business was completed and the 37th Convention was adjourned. Out of the twenty-eight resolutions numbers fourteen and fifteen were of particular interest, these resolutions address the importance of diversity and full inclusion within the IBEW. The committee combined the resolutions and proposed a substitute resolution that covers the essence of both. The substitute resolution calls for the IBEW’s reaffirmation of its commitment to full participation, inclusion and equality for all members through goal setting, education and outreach programs. It calls for the IBEW to devise a strategic diversity plan to achieve full participation for all members at every level of the IBEW; and to achieve greater visibility for African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Pacific Americans, Native Americans, women and other underrepresented groups. Delegates approved the committee’s recommendation of concurrence with the substitute resolution.*
December 2006
Left photo: IBEW President Edwin Hill addresses the Convention. Right photo: Local 98 Business Manager, and International President’s Report Committee Chairperson John J. Dougherty with Secretary Ronald Jones
Left photo, from left: Local 98 President Harry Foy stands in line to address the convention. Right photo, from left: Ed Neilson, Bob Henon, Ed Hill, Harry and Rosellen Foy (front) and Mike and Chris Hnatkowsky (back).
Left photo: International President’s Report Committee members, seated from left, are Lloyd Webster, Chairman John J. Dougherty, Secretary Ronald Jones, Gail Dreisel and Robert Joyce. Back row from left, are Glen Heinz, Michael McLaughlin, Harrison Thornhill, Lloyd Lavin, Scott Fulmer, Bob Bodell, Donald Bruemmer and Thomas Leach. Right photo: Local 98 delegates Bob Bark and Ray Della Vella (front two) at the convention.
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Local Union 98 News
Construction Contract April 25, 2006, 1301 S. Columbus Boulevard was the location of Local 98’s monthly union meeting. This particular union meeting was much, much, bigger than the usual monthly meetings held at Local 98’s own union hall. This assemblage therefore required a more expansive venue: the Sheet Metal Worker’s union hall, a gathering place large enough to accommodate the 1,500 Local 98 members and their families in attendance. The event, which was held to unveil and vote on Local 98’s historic quadrennial contract with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), was a success. A walk through the buzzing crowd of proud union members provided an energized sensory experience; as if the brethren had traded their very own life-blood for electricity. The four-year contract was ratified unanimously—it was a “win-winwin-win-win situation,” as stated by Business Manager John Dougherty. Two ten-foot-tall screens flanked the audience, and another, front and center, hung behind the stage, on them a Power Point presentation outlined the new terms. The presentation began with large bold letters stating: “The Dougherty Team leading the way for 98!” as Dougherty began to explain each of the upcoming points in detail. Then was displayed: “Wage increases: up 58% between ‘93 and ’05,” summarizing the exceptional accomplishments of the Local’s negotiations. “Next 4 years wages increase by: $3.00/$3.50/$3.50/$3.50!” The next slide, entitled: “Member Benefits? Never better,” revealed the largest contract increases in the history of Local 98, the exceptional health care coverage—Blue Cross, which Consumer Reports voted the best health-care coverage in the country—that has been made available to the Local Brotherhood, the early retirement and pension plans and the continuing education 8
programs provided for members and their families. The presentation proceeded to spotlight Local 98’s achievements. Achievements such as the relationships Local 98 has established with educational institutions for better learning opportunities for members and their families, and the extent which Local 98 has become involved in community improvement projects, such as the re-lighting of Boathouse Row and the Enough is Enough anti-violence campaign. Also highlighted was the Focus 2000 Resolution, a job recovery campaign that include grants to
employees, contractors and owners, wage supplements, organizing needs, enforcement of prevailing wage laws, marketing and promotional campaigns and support for professional activities. The Local 98 Members Only website was introduced as a new cutting-edge online location where members can go to purchase apparel, stay current with Local 98 events and offers, report work to the hall and explore and apply for training and continuing education. Dougherty wrapped up the presentation by pointing out the
Top, from left: Earl Brown, Sean Rafferty, Mike Hnatkowsky, Leo Gillin Jr. and Scott McNamee. Bottom, from left: Kevin O’Sullivan, Chris Brown (front), Sean McCarthy (back), Ed Kennedy and Bob Bark.
December 2006
difference in the Local’s SUB Fund’s performance since his inauguration in 1993 to 2005: The fund in 1993 paid out $2.6 Million in benefits, and in 2005 paid out $0 in benefits, 100% went back to the membership. The new contract is a triumph in negotiations by the exceptional negotiators that are your representatives in the competitive world of worker’s-rights bargaining, and the benefits seen by the membership have never been better.
Middle, fom left: Fred Compton Jr., John J. Dougherty, Richard McCabe, Karen and Kevin Kelly and Ray Della Vella. Bottom, from left: Brian Burrows, Bill Edwards, Bob Henon and Bob Gormley.
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Local Union 98 News
Sound & Communications Contract The Thursday before New Year’s weekend, approximately 200 Sound & Communications Technicians arrived at the Sheet Metal Workers banquet hall, on short notice, to vote on their new three-year contract. The contract was ratified unanimously and enthusiastically. Local 98 President Harry Foy convened the meeting, did roll-call and then explained to the members why they were there. Assistant Business Manager Mike Hnatkowsky addressed the crowd next. Then Business Manager John Dougherty took the podium to present the new contract, detailed through a seventeen slide presentation. The presentation contrasted the Sound & Communications division’s previous contract against the huge gains the technicians are set to receive over the next three years, such as a $9 per hour raise ($3 per hour a year) and increased annuity contribution. Other benefits include: healthcare coverage under the #1 rated health care plan in the country (Blue Cross), profit sharing increases, share the work 50/50 hiring system, scholarships for members and their families and continuing education programs. Many times throughout the presentation, the audience, upon hearing for the first time their new benefits, forced Dougherty to pause as they applauded proudly.
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December 2006
Above: John Dougherty begins the presentation. Below: Agents and Technicians celebrate after unanimously ratifying the new contract.
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Local Union 98 News
Operation Caring Communities Eunice, Louisiana is a town that may not come to mind when mentioning the devastation that occurred to the Gulf Coast region during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Hurricanes brought the area to its knees, but they also opened the eyes and the hearts of a community who in turn opened its arms to the needs of the unfortunate victims. Eunice, the Prairie Cajun Capital, in St. Landry Parish, provided refuge to approximately 3500 families from the flooded coastal and southern territories. When the hurricane waters receded, United Way of America with its local organization’s — United Way of Pennsylvania and United Way Southeast Pennsylvania —pledged to help the region rebuild and heal. United Way’s Operation Caring Communities sponsored the trip through their “adopt a community” plan, United Way of Pennsylvania contributed $50,000 to building materials costs, and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania contributed $62,000 from Katrinadesignated donations. United Way of Pennsylvania recruited skilled volunteers through its labor union representative. A dozen local volunteers traveled to Eunice for two weeks in September to refurbish and expand The United Community Health Care Clinic, which serves approximately 50 “working uninsured” patients per week. The St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, led by executive director Cathy Duplechin, coordinated team support and site preparation. Upon arrival in Eunice, the volunteers replaced the clinic’s roof, built two exam rooms and a conference room. Local 98’s Kevin McCall and Local 380’s retiree Gerald Luciano coordinated with local building and electrical inspectors to determine the standards and requirements of their local building codes and handled the clinic’s electrical work. 12
December 2006
Barnes Tower Rally Time and time again the membership of Local 98 shows why it has become one of the most dominant labor unions in the country. This time, on a hot summer afternoon, on only a couple of hours notice, the call went out to volunteers to help rally the politicians and neighborhood groups to push the stalled, 49 story, Barnes project forward. Business Agent Steve Wolfe thanked all of our members for once again answering the call. He reminded us all that efforts like this and superior leadership in our union are what continue to keep us in the elite of organized labor. The support of the membership in Local 98 continues to be passed from generation to generation and the success that awards us is a tribute to us. Business Agent Steve Wolfe leads the rally at 1719 Spring Garden St.
Phillies Blood Drive August 13th, 2006, once again Local 98 teamed up with the Phillies and the American Red Cross and held a massive blood drive to circumvent the critical need for blood in the greater Philadelphia area. Local 98 helped make the event, which was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Club at Citizens Bank Park, an overwhelming success. Local 98 members turned out en masse to donate their time and blood on a beautiful sunny Saturday, and stayed to watch the Phillies play the Cincinnati Reds. American Red Cross spokesperson, Chrissy Cane, thanks 98 Business Agents Jim Foy, Ed Coppinger and all Local 98 members and their families and friends who came out and participated in the drive.
American Red Cross Top, from left: Ed Coppinger, Jim McCorriston, Chrissy Cane, Kevin Harvey, Jim Foy and Jim Henry IV. Bottom: Bob Mulgrew has his blood pressure checked.
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Local Union 98 News
98 Night at the Phillies
Bottom left: Mike Hnatkowsky Jr. throws out the first pitch. Right: Jim Huston Jr. and friends enjoying the game.
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December 2006
Local 98 Softball This year’s Local 98 A’s softball team won the building trades championship under second-year head-coach Mike Kane. The team ended the season with 13 wins and 3 losses; a record good enough to place second in the league going into the playoffs. The team’s second place standing matched them up against the seventh place Steamfitters Local 420 in the first series. The Steamfitters won the first game of the series, but our brothers came back to win it in the next. Our boys in black made an impressive showing the first game of the next series versus the Local 8 Carpenters. They jumped out to a
quick start and never looked back. The second game however was a different story. The A’s started slow and the Carpenters won. The team needed a lift for the next game and boy did they get it. Nick Gummel hit a pair of home runs, and the A’s defense, led by Tony Sabo, Kevin Doris, Danny Szychulski and the pitching of Kevin Lynch, kept Local 8 scoreless for the first 4 innings. The 98 A’s went on to win the game and advance to the championship, in which they have not been for the last twelve years. Two Local 98 A’s, Kevin Lynch and Larry Crossen, played in that championship twelve years ago, and
this year’s team owes much of its success to them. The next series saw Local 98 contend the Tin Knockers of Local 19—one of the best teams in the league. They did not put up much of a fight against our A’s. Local 98 swept the series. Our offence was dead-on behind the bats of Paul Daiz, Mike Tirey, Mike Kane, Kevin Lynch, Matt Joulious, Chuck Gerber and Jim McCreesh. Their hitting proved to be too much for the Sheet Metal Workers. Local 98 has a long tradition of great softball teams, let’s hope the A’s repeat the triumphal season next year.
Row 1: Jim McCreesh, Dave Kosinski, Tony Sabo, Kevin Doris, Kevin Lynch. Row 2: Chuck Gerber, Kevin Lynch, Mike Kane, Paul Diaz, Nick Gummel, Larry Crossen, Matt Joulious, Dan Szychulski, Mike Tiery. Missing: Dave Udewenko, Matt Disantis.
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Local Union 98 News
Top from left: Kate Ferry , Tara Chupka, Wanda Davis, Jim Dollard, Bernadette Mason, Bob Poston and Brian Burrows. Bottom: Lisa Ketterlinus, Jeannie Neill, Eileen Collins, Ceilie Conroy, Apprentice Training instructors and secretaries (Standing: Jerry Coyle, Larry Cross and Iggy Fletcher. Seated: Jackie Kubacki, Eleanor McBride and Dawn McCarry.)
From your friends at 16
December 2006
Top from left: Mike Neill, Michelle Procopio, Bobby Thompson, The PE&T Staff. Bottom from left: Local 98 Business Agents (Robin Tasco, Charles Murphy, Jim Foy, Steve Wolfe, Ray Dellavella, Chris Owens, Bobby Henon, George Fiocca, Mike Hnatkowsky, Larry Del Spechio (kneeling), Fran Walsh, Bob Bark, Jim Huston, Ed McBride, Jeff Marshall, Bob Mulgrew, Bob Boland, Tim Browne, Chuck Harvey, Ed Coppinger, Jim Mink, Pat Bianculli.)
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Local Union 98 News
Clementon Picnic Every year Local 98 hosts a Summer Splash picnic
for members and their families at Clementon Park. This past year the celebration occurred on Saturday, August 26, and the rain held off long enough to allow for a full day of fun. The Splash World Water Park featured the new Sky River Rapids slides, where riders got to experience a simulation of extreme white water rafting. Members were treated to floating down the Lazy River and hanging out at Pirate’s Cove. For a more exhilarating experience, members rode the roller-coaster, the inverter and the log-flume among other chaotic rides. Everyone enjoyed their Saturday out at Clementon: the barbecue feast, the refreshments and the quality time spent with their Local 98 brothers, sisters, friends and family. Next year will be even better!
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December 2006
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Local Union 98 News
Labor Day Parade
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December 2006
Re-Lighting Boathouse Row Anniversary One year after flipping the switch, Local 98, PECO, the Fairmount Park Commission, the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia reconvened at the same spot where Boathouse Row was illuminated with cutting edge technology. The June 27th anniversary party was held on the Water Works New Mill House Deck, where guests witnessed a boathouse light show followed by a spectacular fireworks celebration. Before the reception and show a plaque was dedicated next to Lloyd Hall to commemorate the achievements of all involved with the relighting.
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Local Union 98 News
Enough is Enough
In response to the overwhelming violent crime epidemic of Philadelphia in 2005 and 2006, Business Manager John J. Dougherty founded Enough Is Enough (EIE). EIE, whose startup was sponsored by Local 98, is a non-profit organization that, starting in early 2007, will provide formal mentoring and ancillary services from nine months to one year for Philadelphia’s youth who are at risk,
and without the intervention of a mentor, are threatened to endanger themselves and/or radically change the quality of life in Philadelphia. Enough Is Enough works in partnership with the Family Court System, child welfare, social service providers, community and other organizations to eliminate the forces that place children at risk
for delinquency, criminal activity, drug experimentation, truancy, unemployment and violence. For more information or for an application to become a mentor please call, Enough Is Enough, Inc at 215-563-5378 or visit the website at www.eiephilly.org.
Health Fair Saturday morning, October 21, Local 98 members and their families attended the Local’s 16th annual Health Fair at the Sheet Metal Workers union hall on Columbus Boulevard. The theme: Live and Be Well. Attendees had around fifty
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programs from which to choose, such as flu shots, blood tests, vision screening, information on cancer, poison control, dental hygiene and much more. Also available to attendees was information on their prescription drug program, profit-
sharing plans and pensions. And for smokers, the Goryayeb smoking cessation class — which uses hypnosis to break the habit — was offered. For the children, there were activities like video games, face painting and balloon sculpturing.
December 2006
USS Farragut On June 30th the US Farrugut headed up the Delaware River for a week long stay at Penn’s Landing. As the ship approached the Walt Whitman Bridge, Dan Gallagher Sr., along with his fellow Longshoremen, waved wildly at the vessel transporting the crew, which included his son, Dan Gallagher Jr. Dan Jr., Boatswain Mate, First Class — and sole native South Philadelphian on board — later performed the role of tour guide during the crew’s stay in Philadelphia. Local 98 assisted Dan Jr. in his new role by arranging for 35 of the Navy-men to attend the July, 4th, Phillies vs. Padres game at Citizen’s Bank Park. Dan Jr. reported that the gift made an unforgettable impression on the visiting Navy-men, who send their thanks and holiday greetings to all Local 98 members and their families.
Philadelphia Park & Harrah’s Chester
Local 98 Electricians and Technicians working at Philadelphia Park and Harrah’s in Chester, Delaware County.
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Local Union 98 News
Variety - The Children’s Charity Local 98 has a close relationship with Variety—The Children’s Charity of greater Philadelphia (Tent 13). Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty is the president of Variety, and Local 98 Business Agent Brian Stevenson is Chairman of the board for Young Variety, a subdivision of Variety. Local 98 works with Variety throughout the year on events and programs like the After School program and Old Newsboy’s Day. This year Variety of Greater Philadelphia received #1 Chapter of the Year Award. This distinction is given to the Variety Chapter with the greatest increase in revenue, the lowest administrative costs, and the largest development of new programs for children with disabilities.
Above: The Variety Club annual block party at the Local 98 Apprentice Training hall, 1719 Spring Garden St.
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December 2006
UCP All-Star Basketball For the past nineteen years, Philadelphia’s Organized Labor unions have been the primary sponsor for the United Cerebral Palsy AllStar Labor Classic basketball game, a tournament which raises money for UCP programs and services and adults. This year’s sponsors included Local 98, the Bricklayers & Allied Craft-workers Local 1, Independence Blue Cross, NECA, PDJ Chapter, the
Plumbers Local 690, the Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 and Turner Investment Partners, and altogether we raised over $120,000. The tournament, which took place Sunday, April 2, 2006, was held at St. Joseph’s University Fieldhouse, and included two high school all-star games (one boy’s, one girls—city versus suburbs) and one exhibition
game (Organized Labor versus the Media All-Stars). All three games were very close; the winners just squeaking by. The suburbs arose the victors in both boy’s (87 to 85) and girl’s (72 to 69) games, while Organized Labor officially beat the Media All-Stars by one point after a late game substitution with a score of 45 to 44.
Left: President of the Building Trades Council Pat Gillespie and John Dougherty present a check for $120,000 to UCP. Right photo, posing with two of the high school all-stars (center) are, from left: Charles Murphy, John Dougherty, Robin Tasco, Bobby Thompson and Bob Bark.
Althea Gibson Tennis Match On Friday, October 20, from 6 - 10pm Local 98, along with friend Beasley Reece, hosted the Celebrity Tennis Tournament at the Althea Gibson Community Education and Tennis Center in Philadelphia, which provides educational and tennis programs that support its mission to “build strong minds and bodies” by providing children with a fun and healthy alternative to the mean streets filled with drugs and violence. The tournament was held to celebrate the accomplishments of Althea Gibson—the first African American to win major tennis Grand Slam tournaments. Local 98 once again proved itself a charitable powerhouse by raising $20,000 for the tournament. We expect to do so each and every year to come. Top: Bob Bark about to serve. Bottom: Local 98 agents stop for a photo.
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Local Union 98 News
Toys & Turkeys
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December 2006
Top: Local 98 delivering toys and meals throughout the Holiday season. Bottom: delivering toys for kids at Children’s Hospital on Christmas Eve.
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Local Union 98 News
Ice Skating Party
Top left: Local 98 presents their annual check to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, this year’s contribution was in the amount of $22,500. Bottom left: John Dougherty and the Rue family celebrate John Rue Jr.’s first birthday.
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December 2006
Flashback
Do you recognize these guys?
Clockwise from top left: Harry Foy, John Dougherty, Tim Browne, Ed Coppinger.
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Local Union 98 News
In Memory Of... Peter Marino 10/12/05 Kenneth Mitchell 10/17/05 John Hoffman 10/31/05 John C. Ricciardi 11/02/05 Leonard F. McCaffery 11/13/05 Harry J. Kirby 12/14/05 Friedrich Kriechbaum 12/28/05 Robert G. Brandhof 01/04/06 Alfred L. Molczan 01/08/06 Edward J. Howe 01/30/06 Howard R. Stade 02/18/06 Harold D. Steck 03/05/06 Patrick D. Conley 03/10/06 William O. Schulz 03/26/06 Henry H. Dunlevy 03/29/06 Thomas J. Kellerher 4/04/06 William J. Bailie 04/15/06 Elio Brun 04/19/06 Carl A. Scheel 04/25/06 Lewis W. Gurt 05/09/06 Harry E. Francis 06/01/06 Lewis M. Krebs 06/08/06 Herman A. Hezel 06/10/06 William H. Stumph 06/15/06 30
Philip F. Barbano 06/30/06 William R. Stade 07/01/06 Peter J. Shick 07/03/06 David M. Nelson 07/10/06 Charles E. Fean Jr. 07/13/06 Dorsey M. Shultz 08/15/06 Leon Glassman 08/28/06 Joseph L. Gummel 08/29/06 Robert A. Hopkin 09/01/06 Harry J. Schum 09/02/06 Jerry M. Hubis 09/10/06 George J. Walsh 09/15/06 Robert Schultz 09/20/06 Joeseph J. Kelly 10/04/06 Michael A. Thierry 10/05/06 Robert S. Newlin 10/06/06 Thomas E. Capps 10/13/06 Howard McDowell 10/22/06 John C. Toland 10/29/06 Willam W. Wrigley 11/01/06 William H. Hohlfeld 11/19/06 Robert Hutchins 12/16/06 Gerald Mickle 12/18/06
December 2006
Code Corner What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. There are three types of asbestos most commonly encountered, Chrysotile which accounts for 95%, Amosite and Crocidolite which are common in high heat applications. The most common uses of asbestos were for fireproofing and thermal insulation. However asbestos was used in many products as a binder to enhance product strength. According to OSHA, a material is considered as “asbestos containing material or ACM” when it contains more than one percent asbestos. Prior to 1980 there were over 3,000 products on the market that contained asbestos. Common uses were in the construction of buildings as soundproofing, fireproofing, thermal insulation and as a binder in many other building construction products. According to NIOSH there were no meaningful workplace safeguards in place until 1980 and today levels of exposure in construction (renovations) can be as high as pre 1980 exposure conditions. The fact that asbestos exists in a building does not necessarily mean that it represents a hazard and must be (abated) removed. Asbestos becomes a hazard when it is friable and is disturbed through the course of a renovation or demolition project. Friable ACM contains more than one percent asbestos and can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure when the material is dry. Friable ACM is more capable of creating an exposure by easily being crushed to dust and becoming airborne. Any building or structure built prior to 1980 may contain asbestos. Hazards of Asbestos Exposure - 10,000 people are expected to die each year for the next ten years with the cause of death being prior asbestos exposure. Asbestos related diseases take years to surface after exposure. Asbestos exposure can
cause asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a fibrosis or scarring of the lungs that leads to breathing problems. Asbestosis reduces the overall volume of the lungs. The scarring of lung tissue decreases the ability of the lung to absorb oxygen and exhale impurities. Symptoms of asbestosis take 10 to 15 years to develop from initial exposure. Lung Cancer The effects of scarring in the lungs, from asbestosis, increase the chance of a person getting lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer take approximately 20 years to develop from initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer of the chest cavity lining and/ or the abdominal cavity lining. It may be linked to cancer of the stomach, intestines, and rectum, as well. This type of cancer spreads rapidly through the body and is always fatal. Symptoms of mesothelioma take 20 to 40 years to develop from initial exposure. Smoking and Asbestos Exposure the effect of asbestos exposure is dramatically increased for the smoker. For example, a cigarette smoker who has worked with asbestos is more than 50 times more likely to contract lung cancer than a non-smoker. Materials which may contain asbestos include, but are not limited to, the following: Thermal Insulation; Vinyl floor tile; Vinyl sheet flooring; Resilient tiles; Mastics for tile/ carpet; Walls & Ceilings; Acoustical plasters; Decorative plasters; Ceiling tiles & mastics; Textured paint/coating; Vinyl wall coverings; Caulking/putties; Laboratory hoods; Countertops; Packings & gaskets; Fire blankets/curtains; Blown Insulation; Spray on Insulation; Panelboard partitions; Circuit breaker applications; Wire insulation with the suffix “A;” Fireproofing
Materials; Spray material for steel; Packing for floor/wall penetrations, Spray on Soundproofing Materials; Cement Sheet; Tiles and Millboard; Shingles/siding; Roofing felt & flashing. OSHA 1926 Construction Requirements: Work safe and prevent an asbestos exposure! These requirements must be met before work begins! 1926.1101(k) Communication of hazards • This section requires that building owners along with employers of potentially exposed employees determine the location of and identify all asbestos containing materials. This is achieved by an asbestos survey (performed by the owner or the controlling employer). • Building owners shall determine the presence, location and quantity of ACM or PACM and notify the following persons: Prospective employers bidding on work; Employees of the owner; On multiemployer worksites, all employees; Tenants • At the entrance to mechanical rooms or any areas where ACM or PACM is located signs must be posted stating the material present, its locations and required work practices. • All regulated areas shall be clearly marked with signs. • Labels shall be affixed to all products containing asbestos. Before working in a renovation or demolition project all employers must document the presence or lack of asbestos in any suspect material that will be disturbed in the scope of work to be performed. These requirements must be met prior to the start of work on a project.
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Article contributions and submissions: Ray Della Vella, Jim Dollard, Robert Gormley, Robert Henon, Harry Foy, Frank Keel, Ed Kirlin, Jeff Marshall, Kevin McCall, Angela McIver, Matt Scobell, Fran Walsh, Steve Wolfe.
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