Local 193 Members Move Two Steam Generator Units

Vol. 41 No. 2 the Boilermaker Mar • Apr 2002 The Official Publication of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIO Charles W. Jones, Editor-in-Chief http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com Reporter http://www.boilermakers.org IN THESE PAGES Local 193 members move Letters to Editor ...... 2 two steam generator units

Boilermakers attend 34th annual LEAP conference Detailed coverage begins on page . .9

Settlements ...... 18

LOCAL 193 MEMBERS, Baltimore, Md., off-load the first of two320-ton steam generator lower assemblies from a barge onto a transporter. The units were on their way to the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant, as part of the plant’s scheduled change-out. Lower assemblies to be used at the Calvert Cliffs cializing in steam generator transport and replacement. nuclear power plant’s change-out in Maryland “I overheard the Mammoet lead man say he’s done this 17 times but never in MEMBERS OF LOCAL 193, Baltimore, Boilermakers working in the off- such a short period of time,” said L-193 Md., successfully off-loaded two new load crew included Local 193 members crew member Kenny Fey. steam generator lower assemblies for Wayne Johnson, general foreman; “Under the clear-cut guidance of the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant Jimmy Phillips, steward; Wayne general foreman Wayne Johnson, dock Organizing win on September 19-20, 2001. The units, Choyce, Dick Ivy, Sonny Mouery, foreman Sonny Mouery, and barge at Honolulu Marine, Inc. (HMI) . . . 21 each weighing approximately 320 tons, Kenny Fey, Chuck Guerassio, John foreman Lee Rector, every move was were part of the plant’s scheduled Hennelly, Rich Porter, Lee Rector, made exactly as planned, keeping change-out in January 2002. Tony Ruggerio, John Gabris, and safety and professionalism in mind,” said Fey. “Bull steward Jimmy Phillips In Memoriam ...... Each unit was lifted from a barge onto James Bellinger. 22 a transporter using a four-point lift sys- SGI Washington Group Interna- was on constant vigil during the entire tem, then moved one-half mile to an area tional, the general contractor, hired operation and all personnel concerned for further preparation and inspection. Mammoet Industries, a company spe- should be highly commended.”❑ Local 4 members build training center Boilermakers donate time and tools to construct welding facility THE NAVAHO Nation Boilermakers, members of Local 4 in Page, Ariz., have built a state-of-the art training facility where members can enhance their welding skills. Local 4 BM-ST Nathaniel Begay says the convenience of the new facility will help membership growth, as well as provide the skills Boilermakers need to do their jobs. “Before, our members had to practice their welding skills at home or go to the Arizona Welding Institute, which costs $8,000 per member to attend. Thanks to the help of Dan Everett, the Boilermakers’ national apprentice coor- dinator who designed our new center, MEMBERS OF LOCAL 4, Page, Ariz., begin the first stages of their new training we now have a state-of-the art training facility as they pour the concrete footings. facility right here.” Members of Local 4 used their own houses an office for the instructors, a classes April 1, 2002, and hosted a tools and donated their time to build 625-square-foot classroom, and weld- four-day Common Arc testing the fol- a 40-foot by 125-foot facility that ing booths. The facility opened for lowing week. ❑ the Boilermaker Reporter 2 Mar • Apr 2002 LETTERS

L-29 appreciates Canadians’ retire until he was nearly 70. He was very proud of his craft, and I was very expertise, professionalism proud of him. He passed away Feb. 16, I AM GRATEFUL for our Canadian 2002 at the age of 89. Good Job! brothers. Their expertise and profes- DUANE OLCSVARY sionalismis greatly appreciated. With Chattanooga, Tenn. Letters of Praise from Owners & Employers the manpower shortage we are experi- encing in Local 29, I hope something L-1 retiree appreciates union Local 1 members earn praise completed over 400 welds with a weld can be done about their visa situation. reject rate of 1.23. The Unit 3 Boiler- AS A RETIREE, I have time to reflect for two successful outages Our Canadian brothers are a great makers had only two first-aid injuries resource. Not allowing them entry to on nearly 45 years in the Chicago local BOTH BRAIDWOOD and Dresden with no injuries requiring outside (Local 1). While trying to figure out the U.S. would be a grave mistake. Nuclear Stations recently completed medical treatment. They completed where the time went, I remember years ART MARSHALL , L-29 refueling outages. Braidwood com- nearly 200 welds with no rejects. of personal satisfaction hanging a lot of Boston, Mass. pleted its outage in 20 days. Dresden Again, I commend all those who iron. This was done working with hun- finished its outage in 19 days. All made this happen. dreds of really “fun” people. (Admit- L-500’s Sidney Greene scheduled work was completed at TRAVIS E. BAKER, plant manager tedly, some sort of amnesia seems to both sites and everything was done to Tennessee Valley Authority reminisces about his career have taken away memory of any bad ensure that both units run at full capac- days there may have been.) ity until their next scheduled refueling. RMF Industrial Contracting, I JOINED LOCAL 104 in 1966 and By choice, the last 20-plus years aver- transferred my membership to Local The Boilermakers (Local 1, Chicago, aged about 1,000 hours each. Even Inc. thanks Local 85 500 when it was chartered in 1984. I Ill.) once again played a pivotal role in with this type of lifestyle, a generous our joint success by working smart, RMF INDUSTRIAL Contracting, Inc., am now retired. My last job was at the pension fund still provides a comfort- Port Townsend Boiler where I was a safe, and productively. There were no recently completed the fabrication of able check each month. OSHA recordables or lost-time injuries four bleed heat duct sections on the IPS member of the retubing crew. I All that is left is my deepest appre- received my first pension check on recorded for any Boilermaker under Troy Peaker project in Luckey, Ohio. ciation to a union that gave me the the Venture’s supervision, and radio- RMF wants to thank Local 85 officers January 12, 2002, and would like best “part-time job” I could have everyone to know how proud I am to logical dose exposure was excellent. for providing assistance and docu- ever wanted. You (L-1 BM-ST John Skermont) mentation that allowed RMF to prop- be a Boilermaker. DAVID OLIVER, L-1 retiree During my 36-year career, I have know the challenge we faced to staff erly award this work to Boilermakers. Roseburg, Ore. worked in shops, shipyards, and as a our roster of Boilermakers, especially Bob Nagy and Jerry Bullock accom- field construction Boilermaker in the with all the other work going on plished this with a lot of legwork and states of Washington and Oregon. L-374’s Miller thanks Local 1 within your jurisdiction and the research during the bidding phase of I’ve always been one of those guys I HAVE BEEN a Boilermaker for over short duration of our needs. The this job. who likes to get in there and grind it 35 years. I retired last December and extraordinary efforts of your staff We also want to thank Dennis Lark out. I’ve always tried to do new and want to let the members of Local 1, were key elements in our successful for his assistance at the training center, innovating things and to make safety a Chicago, Ill., know what a pleasure staffing strategy. and a special thanks to members Dan working habit. I will be a Boilermaker and honor it was for me to work on my On behalf of all members of the Prodan, Ron Heringhausen, and Sherry until my dying breath. last job with them. I was treated with Braidwood and Dresden teams, please Hyott for performing the on-site work. SIDNEY GREENE, L-500 retiree respect and dignity; that is unusual accept our gratitude and appreciation RMF was able to complete this portion Kelso, Wash. these days. I want to thank BM John for all the hard work done by the of the project under budget, with excel- Skermont, his assistants Jack Benz, skilled local and traveling members of lent quality workmanship. The work L-29’s Dubin offers a little levity John Riel, and Bob Schwartz, and all the Boilermakers. Your dedication to consisted of the fit-up and welding of the great brothers and sisters who I quality and service continues to set the four-inch stainless steel duct sections to AFTER A BADauto accident, the doc- worked with in that fine local. standard. We look forward to working ANSI Code B31.3 Severe Code. This is a tor had to put a plate in my broken hip. BRUCE J. M ILLER, L-374 retiree with you again in 2002. very high standard that requires 100 After seeing an x-ray of it, I told my Griffith, Ind. PAT O’CONNOR percent x-ray. friend, Frank Arrigo, that the plate Braidwood site manager After overcoming an initial equip- looks like a pipe. Frank said, “They Cover inspires L-486 president JIMMY BUTTS ment problem, the welding proceeded probably put in a Dutchman.” Dresden site manager at a commendable pace and quality. I hope it passes the hydro test! TODAY I RECEIVED my issue of the The Venture: Newberg-Perini/Stone There were 197 welds and only one MELVIN DUBIN, L-29 retiree needed repair. RMF’s decision to use an Reporter. I could barely get past the & Webster N. Quincy, Mass. front page. orbital welding machine was greatly Inspiring (without preaching to the influenced by the recent completion of a EDITOR’S NOTE: In “Up the stack or choir)! Two tragic stories that are (or TVA congratulates Local 40 journeyman upgrade course on this down the track: A lexicon of the Boil- should become) symbols of pride for members for job well done equipment by Prodan and Hering- ermaker’s Trade,” Shannon Wilson the members of the Brotherhood and hausen. Local 85’s journeyman upgrade says a Dutchman is an extension or I WOULD LIKE to thank and congrat- training program is a very positive all of the U.S. ulate the members of Boilermakers nipple on a tube. Dutchmen are some- We all know the story of the USS Cole. action in keeping personnel ready to times added to tubes that have been Local 40 (Elizabethtown, Ky.) for their perform any task that is assigned. But the story of Susan Morrow — what outstanding performance in the com- cut too short. a story of personal courage and faith. In addition, I want to thank Prodan pletion of two very difficult outages. and Heringhausen for taking an extra Excellent. Now that I have said that, Local 40 is to be commended for pro- The finest Boilermaker I’ve maybe I can get to the rest of the issue. course to prepare them to be equipment viding the required personnel when instructors. Being qualified to teach other ever known CHARLES GOODIN, Local 486 president other locations were experiencing a Litchfield, Ill. members right on the job to perform this MY FATHER-IN-LAW, Robert M. Cal- labor shortage. work will be an asset to all. lender, was the finest Boilermaker I Both outages were completed safely, L-154 retiree Charles Bootman within budget, and ahead of schedule. Again, let me thank all at Local 85 for have ever known. He was a Boiler- another job well done. maker for over 40 years and did not wants better health insurance The Unit 2 Boilermakers have an excel- lent safety record, with only five first ED MARTIN, project manager I READ INTL. PRES. JONES’ com- aids and one injury that required out- RMF Industrial Contracting, Inc. mentary (on company raids of retiree side medical treatment. This team Got something to say? medical and pension funds). It takes a WE WELCOME LETTERS on topics lot of gall to call the kettle black. He of interest to our members and their talks about how some companies treat families. Keep it short and sweet. their retired employees. I guess he The Boilermaker Reporter is the official publi- Avoid profanity and personal attacks. hasn’t looked at our Z Plan. It pays the Boilermaker cation of the International Brotherhood of only 75 to 80 percent. No cap. When Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIO. It is published there is no PPO near you, you either bimonthly to disseminate information of use travel the distance to find one or pay and interest to its members. Submissions from the price. One month after I retired, Reporter members, local lodges, and subordinate or affiliated bodies are welcomed and they raised the premium by $100. Mr. Mar • Apr 2002 Vol. 41 No. 2 Jones [should] make sure [Boilermaker encouraged. This publication is mailed free Charles W. Jones, International President of charge to active members and retired retirees] are taken care of by the and Editor-in-Chief members holding a Retired Members Card. Boilermakers Health & Welfare, Jerry Z. Willburn,Intl. Secretary-Treasurer Others may subscribe for the price of $10 for regardless of the cost. three years. Standard Mail (A) postage paid International Vice Presidents CHARLES BOOTMAN , L-154 retiree at Kansas City, Kan., and additional mailing Cherry Tree, Pa. Lawrence McManamon, Great Lakes offices. ISSN No. 1078-4101. Michael S. Murphy, Northeast POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Newton B. Jones, Southeast EDITOR’S NOTE: Unlike the plans The Boilermaker Reporter George Rogers, Central Pres. Jones talked about in the refer- 753 State Avenue, Suite 565 SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: enced editorial, the Boilermakers Don Lacefield, Western States Kansas City, KS 66101 Health &Welfare plan delivers what it Richard Albright, Western Canada (913) 371-2640; FAX (913) 281-8104 The Boilermaker Reporter Alexander MacDonald, Eastern Canada Web sites: IBB.workingfamilies.comand www.boilermakers.org says it will deliver. Rising health care 753 State Ave. Suite 570 Jim Hickenbotham, At-Large PUBLICATION AGREEMENT No. 40010131 Kansas City KS 66101 costs have raised premiums. Providing Othal Smith Jr., At-Large full coverage “regardless of the cost” FAX: (913) 281-8104 Editorial staff Printed in the U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected] would quickly bankrupt the fund, and Donald Caswell, Managing Editor no one would be able to get benefits. or [email protected] Carol Dillon, Asst. to the Managing Editor A prize-winning newspaper http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 3 NEWSMAKERS Improving training is main focus of 2002 Construction conference LOOKING TO THE FUTURE was the training. Many people underestimate training provision simply by having Services Len Beauchamp in a session theme for the 2002 Construction Divi- the amount of training needed for oper- completed their apprentice program. It that explained some of the more sion conference in Miami Beach, Feb. 25 ating an orbital welder. is important that contractors under- demanding parts of a steward’s duties. to March 1, and training was the main WSI has stated they are committed to stand that they cannot use these stan- Representatives of the accounting topic of conversation. training Boilermakers on the new dards to circumvent jurisdiction. firm of Thomas Havey, R. Tiberi, and B. From new welding technology to the equipment. They already have several The MOST ten-hour safety training Omahen, were on hand to provide duties of stewards, from craft jurisdic- machines being used by Boilermaker course covers nearly all of these stan- instruction in the proper way to con- tion to accounting, every presenter had locals to train their members. dards. However, some of the rules are duct a local lodge audit. They illus- something to teach, and every session new and therefore were not included in trated changes in the way fiscal was filled with valuable information. New steel erection standards past safety training classes. Haggerty is year-end audit reports and quarterly Even the Wednesday night entertain- are opportunity, challenge working on a new curriculum that will reports will be handled and explained ment involved training —a retirement include the material covered by the some accounting requirements set dinner for Dan Everett, outgoing coor- A SUBJECT OF GREAT interest was new standards. forth in our Constitution. dinator of the Boilermakers National the new steel erection standard estab- Legislative Director Ande Abbott Apprentice Program. lished by the Occupational Safety and Craft jurisdiction, steward’s and Asst. to the Director Bridget Martin Following opening remarks by Inter- Health Administration (OSHA), which duties, accounting fill the bill discussed political issues. national President Charles W. Jones, became effective January 18. These The executive director of Common Neal Borchert, an account representa- new standards require additional ALWAYS A TOPIC of great impor- Arc and the National Association of tive with Miller Electric Mfg. Co., spoke training, even for the most experienced tance, discussion of craft jurisdiction Construction Boilermaker Employers about advances in welding technology. Boilermakers. The MOST office is filled an entire day. Construction Divi- (NACBE), John Erickson, discussed the Just as in other fields, advances in working on a course of training that sion Director Dale Branscum provided current state of the Common Arc weld- welding technology are coming rap- will prepare Boilermakers for work this training. ing certification program and handed idly, and every new step provides a under the new standards. Branscum also assisted Director of out the 2001 NACBE safety awards (see greater opportunity for increased pro- MOST safety instructor Dave Hag- Research and Collective Bargaining article this page). ❑ ductivity. And new technology gerty emphasized that the standards requires training. specifically provide that employers are New welding technology was also responsible for providing this training. addressed on the second day by repre- He warned that some contractors may sentatives of Magnatech, John G. attempt to circumvent craft jurisdiction BNAP Natl. Coordinator Emmerson and Ken LeDuc, and by rep- by giving all steel erection to crafts that resentatives of Welding Services, Inc. claim they have already been trained in Daniel Everett retires (WSI), Ken Bubash, Thomas V. the new standards. Naughton, Joe Plantz, and Frede J. Some contractors have already BOILERMAKERS NATIONAL Maxwell. They discussed automated improperly assigned Boilermaker Apprentice Coordinator Daniel Everett welding, specifically orbital welding, work to Ironworkers because Iron- retired effective January 31, 2002, after emphasizing the importance of proper workers claim their members meet the a career that spanned 40 years. Everett joined Boilermakers Local 40 in 1962 and completed his 8,000-hour TVA apprenticeship in 1967. He L-455 members earn worked nine more years with the tools before being elected Local 40 business manager in 1976, a position he held NACBE safety award another nine years. In 1985, Everett was appointed national apprentice coordinator, and immediately undertook the enormous task of creating a national training cen- ter. The Boilermakers National DAN EVERETT, retired BNAP coordinator, Apprentice Training Center opened its receives his 40-year pin from Intl. Pres. doors in 1991. In addition to offering C. W. Jones at his retirement party. two-week residential courses for apprentices each year, it provides fore- Apprentice Award has become a man and upgrade training. highly cherished symbol of excellence. Taking his lead from the Southeast At a retirement party for Everett Apprentice program’s Paul Wedge given in conjunction with the Con- Award for an outstanding apprentice, struction Division conference, Interna- Everett established a national appren- tional Vice President Don Lacefield tice competition for the winners of said Everett was “one of the finest Boil- competitions in each area. Since its cre- ermakers I have had the pleasure to ❑ ation in 1988, the National Boilermaker work with, and a credit to the trade.” PICTURED AT THEnational NACBE safety award presentation are, l. to r., Intl. Pres. Charles Jones, NACBE Exec. Dir. John Erickson, NACBE Pres. Wendell Bell, award recipients Local 455 Sec.-Treas. Ed Vance and Bus. Mgr. Sam May, and IVP Newton Jones. Tripartite works as union, owner, All five area winners have Texas; and Western States Area, Local 182, Salt Lake City, Utah. zero lost-time injury rates Local 455 Bus. Mgr. Sam May and contractor resolve problem praised the members, saying, “Mem- MEMBERS OF LOCAL 455, Sheffield, Solution benefits all by making job easier, more cost efficient Ala., won the 2001 national safety bers of Local 455 work hard, and they have a good attitude about safety.” A DUCT INSTALLATION job in Mon- Union foremen Brad Robinson and award from the National Association roe, Mich., was incurring excessive Robert Varga Jr. met with the fabricator of Construction Boilermaker Employ- The local helps its members keep that good attitude by providing regular field construction hours because many and made suggested changes for fabri- ers (NACBE), logging the lowest injury of the first unit’s sections were fabri- cation of the next three units. rates of all construction locals. safety training. In June, Local 455 safety instructors will conduct a full week of cated without any consideration to “Their input on overcoming the NACBE has been tracking Boiler- installation. problems (encountered with the first maker injury rates since 1990. Every training for members using local instruc- tors who have been OSHA certified With three more units to complete, unit) will benefit all, including Detroit year they present an award to the local Bob Nagy, BM-ST of Local 85, Toledo, Edison, and should improve total cost in each vice-presidential area with the through the MOST ten-hour safety course for instructors, taught by David Ohio, offered to chair a tripartite meet- of the Low NO program here at the lowest rates. The lodge with the lowest X Haggerty and Bridget McManamon. ing between the Washington Group, Monroe Station,” said Washington overall rates gets the national prize. Detroit Edison, and the Boilermakers to Group Program Manager Joseph Originally the award went to the Keeping safety records and honoring locals with low rates has helped make solve the problem at the Monroe Sta- Heitkamp. local with the lowest lost-time rate, but tion. Not only did this meeting resolve Heitkamp and Detroit Edison SCR for several years running, numerous members more aware of safety, and it shows. Since 1991, the overall Boiler- the problem to everyone’s liking, mak- Project Manager Bill Terrasi said the locals have had lost-time rates of zero, ing the job both easier and more cost outcome of these meetings “will cas- so NACBE has looked at compensable maker lost-time injury rate has dropped from 8.42 in 1991 to only 1.20. In that effective, but it also proved that the tri- cade through the next three units and rates to break the tie. partite system really works. everyone will benefit.” All of the area winners had lost-time same time, the compensable injury rate has fallen from 58.23 to 21.05. Their solution was to have the fore- Nagy couldn’t agree more. Working rates of zero this year: Northeast Area, men installing the duct visit the fabrica- together, labor and management can Local 5, New York, N.Y.; Great Lakes Those reductions have saved employ- ers millions of dollars. More important, tor to discuss how sections for the next make improvements for the general Area, Local 374, Hammond, Ind; Cen- units could be fabricated to facilitate good of a project. ❑ tral States Area, Local 132, Galveston, they have helped our members avoid painful and crippling injuries.❑ installation. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 4 Mar • Apr 2002 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT Local 146 builds largest vacuum tower Boilermakers use 128-wheel carrier and PTC 2000 metric ton crane to move and lift loads weighing up to 500 tons

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 146, Edmon - bottom diameter measures 46 feet; the ton, Alberta, Canada, have been busy top measures 24 feet. building 31 tanks, two PSC vessels, and Local 146 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Cory Chan- the world’s biggest vacuum tower at non reports that over 40 members the Shell Scotsford Upgrade in Ft. worked on this project during its peak, Saskatchewan. performing over 70,000 man-hours in Working for CBI Horton, Ltd., Local record time with no accidents. 146 members are working on an He said, “This was an exceptional upgrade expansion project at the job with an excellent crew and supervi- Athabasca Oil Sands Downstream Pro- sion. It was world-class from start to ject, just east of Edmonton. finish, proving that even large projects Over 30,000 pounds of welding con- can be accomplished without any lost- sumables were used to construct the time injuries.” vacuum tower that stands 160 feet in Photos provided by Ron Traxler of CBI; height from the ground to the top story information by Local 146 member flange, including the skirt. The tower’s Jim Johnson. ❑

LOCAL 146 MEMBERS RIG a PTC 2000 metric ton crane hook (block weight 75,000 lbs.) to lift a vacuum tower at the Shell Scotsford upgrade.

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 146, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, lift the third assembly of the vacuum tower during an upgrade/expansion project.

AFTER THE VACUUM TOWERis assembled, Local 146 members begin the internal work.

HERE’S ANOTHER VIEW of the lift for the vacuum tower assembly. Local 146 MEMBERS OF LOCAL 146 install the internal trusses of a vacuum tower during an members use a PTC 2000 metric ton crane to lift the 430 short ton unit. upgrade/expansion project for the Athabasca Oil Sands Downstream Project. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 5 NEWSMAKERS Back in the driver’s seat With help from friends in Local 112, Selena Buccola is on the road again

WITH THE SUPPORT of Mitternight Boiler Works, Local 112 members installed equipment to help L-112 apprentice Selena Buccola into her motor home and its driver’s seat. After accident, even getting in a car was too much WHEN TIMES GETtough you learn understand. With the help of Local 112 who your friends are. Selena Buccola, a members and Mitternight Boiler bright and promising apprentice of Works, Selena is now able to do that. PICTURED WITH L-112apprentice Selena Buccola are L-112 members, l. to r., Local 112, Mobile, Ala., learned when Mitternight Boiler CEO Norbert Lebaron Heathcoe, shop steward Jim Lough, and Nick Meriwether. she was seriously injured in a swim- Long allowed a group of Local 112 ming accident in August 1995. members to use Mitternight’s facilities, Lebaron Heathcoe, Nick Meriwether, cial thanks also go to Local 112 mem- The accident left Selena a paraplegic, tools, and materials in order to make and shop steward Jim Lough installed bers Frank Griffith and Walter making even the smallest task a chal- Selena’s life a little easier. equipment to help Selena into her Edmonds who repaired mechanical lenge. Try climbing into your car with- Donating their time after regular motor home and its driver’s seat. Spe- problems on Selena’s motor home. ❑ out using your legs and you’ll begin to work hours, Local 112 members Canada’s new budget lifts EI, infrastructure Lobbying by building providing more revenue to the Con- struction Sector Council. trades wins apprentice The budget also includes several pro- benefit improvements visions for contractors that will make union employers more competitive. IMPROVEMENTS IN the December (All dollar figures are Canadian dollars.)❑ 2001 federal budget will help Canadian union construction workers in three major areas: employee insurance, new construction, and job competition. Finance Minister Paul Martin said Keystone Council representatives changes to the Employee Insurance (EI) rules for apprentices were made owing attend workshops in Pennsylvania to the lobbying efforts of building trades unions. Canadian apprentices Awards for outstanding The Keystone Council always believe these workshops promote a will now receive greater funding over a leadership presented includes training at their annual meet- continuing discovery process that pre- four-year period than ever before. ings. This year, Research Director Len pares our members for important deci- Apprentices will be eligible to collect FIFTY-FOUR REPRESENTATIVES of Beauchamp and his assistant, Pam sions in the Boilermaker industry, as Dumler, conducted workshops on the well as assists them in the daily func- EI benefits after only one two-week 30 shop locals throughout Pennsylva- waiting period when they are laid-off nia renewed their commitment to labor grievance procedure and the Family tion of their local lodge.” Medical Leave Act. During the meeting, council commit- to attend school. In addition, they will education by attending educational be eligible for education credits of up to workshops at the annual meeting of the “Pam and Lenny’s presentations teemen presented annual awards for demonstrated excellence through class- outstanding performance, including $400 for each month they spend in Pennsylvania “Keystone” Industrial school. Council, January 17, 2002. room innovations and program devel- the Michael S. Murphy Award for Intl. Vice Pres. Rick Albright, who is opment,” reported Intl. Rep. Bob Leadership to Local D173 President Held at Local 13, Philadelphia, the ❑ chairman of the Canadian Executive meeting included the presentation of Heine, who also serves as the council’s Robert Druschel. business representative. “I firmly Board of the AFL-CIO’s Building and awards for outstanding leadership. Construction Trades Department, said, “The lobbying success on apprentice- ship funding in the recent federal budget is just one example of what can be accomplished when the building trades work together.” The budget also gives $2 billion in start-up funding for the Strategic Infra- structure Foundation, $700 million for housing, and a continuation of the $4 billion infrastructure program, for a total of more than $6 billion in federal infrastructure spending. Government LOCAL 151 PRES. Chuck Goodman (l.), support of Sector Councils will also of the council’s leadership committee, double to more than $60 million a year, presents a leadership award to Local DELEGATES TO THE2002 Keystone Industrial Council meeting are eager to learn. D173 President Robert Druschel. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 6 Mar • Apr 2002 SAFETY & HEALTH Bush’s ergo MAKE IT SAFE plan is weak MORE THAN A YEAR after killing the repetitive motion safety rule the Occu- pational Safety and Health Adminis- HAZARD ALERT: tration (OSHA) had spent ten years devising, the Bush administration unveiled their substitute — a plan to Some construction materials develop voluntary guidelines for selected industries. “Ergonomic” injuries, caused by repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and cause serious skin problems poorly designed work, are the most common workplace health problems. There are steps you Since March 2001, when President can take to prevent George W. Bush signed legislation repealing the OSHA ergonomics rule, serious skin problems Don’t let more than 1.8 million workers have suffered ergonomic injuries. Many of SOME CONSTRUCTION materials contact these injuries may have been pre- can cause serious problems if they get vented if OSHA’s ergonomics stan- on your skin. Burns can put you in the dard had been in force. hospital. Skin infections can risk your with some Business owners had objected to the life. Materials can even go through ergonomic standards because they your skin and make you sick. said they would cost too much.❑ You can become allergic to a mate- construction rial at work and get skin problems. They can be so bad that you cannot materials work with the material, even in tiny Beware of amounts. In that case, you may have to change careers. leave you household Some materials that can ‘itching’ poisons hurt your skin MATERIALS AND SOLVENTS at the workplace can be very dangerous, but • Wet cement to get ordinary household products you use • Some cement dusts daily can be just as deadly. Follow • Lime away. these guidelines to protect your fami- • Metalworking fluids ly from accidental poisoning. • Some paints • Adhesives • pHisoderm with cement or other harsh materi- In the kitchen: • Epoxy resins • Softsoap als. (Pitch, asphalt, and coal tar can • Alcohols • Do keep all cleaning products and After you finish work, wash with be especially harmful if you are in • Toluene the sun. When you work with hot medications in their original con- soap, rinse with water, and dry your • Turpentine asphalt, do not wear synthetic mate- tainers; cleaning product containers hands with clean cloth or paper. provide information on how to treat • Xylene After that you can use mineral oil, rials like polyesters or nylon; they These materials can cause red, melt when they touch hot asphalt.) an accidental poisoning by that petroleum jelly (vaseline), or oil- product. itchy, scaly skin, or painful burns, based lotions. Never use lotions that Wash your work clothes sepa- • Do label dangerous substances with ulcers, and rashes like acne — all have lanolin, limonene (citrus sol- rately. When you get home, do not known as contact dermatitis. vent), or perfumes. wash your work clothes with other poison stickers. Also, pitch and coal tar can cause If you use work gloves, make sure clothes. You want to keep any • Do put things away immediately. skin cancer. Never leave cleansers or medication your hands and the insides of the harmful materials from work off gloves are clean and dry when you your and your family’s clothes. on counter tops where children can What You Can Do get to them. put on the gloves. If your hands have For more information, call your • Don’t store poisonous household FOR ALL THESE MATERIALS, any of the harsh materials on them local union, joint apprenticeship use mild, non-abrasive soaps. when you put on gloves, you can training fund, the Center to Protect products under the sink or in places children can reach. Never use a solvent to clean your make your skin problems worse. Workers’ Rights (CPWR) (301-578- hands. (Alcohol, mineral spirits, (Don’t let the materials get inside 8500 or www.cpwr.com), the • Don’tkeep cleansers or medications turpentine, and limonene are sol- your boots, either.) National Institute for Occupational near food; store them in a separate, vents.) Solvents can irritate your Make sure you use the right Safety and Health (1-800-35-NIOSH locked cabinet. skin and make you very sick. Try gloves for the job. Some gloves will or www.cdc.gov/niosh), or OSHA (1- 800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov). Or mineral oil or vegetable oil with not protect youfrom some of the In the bathroom: soap and water. materials. Or the gloves may not pro- check the website www.elcosh.org. Some soaps can hurt your skin, if tect you for a whole work shift. © 1999, The Center to Protect • Dothrow out old medications; flush you work with caustics like lime or If you have a skin problem that Workers’ Rights. All rights them down the toilet. reserved. CPWR is the research and wet cement. (Soaps that remove won’t go away, see a doctor. Tell • Do buy medicine with child-resist- caustics and do not cause more development institute of the Build- your doctor what materials you use ant caps. damage are pH neutral.) at work. ing and Construction Trades Dept. (BCTD), AFL-CIO: CPWR, Suite • Doread labels before taking. You can use the following bar Use sunscreen with a sun protec- soaps: 1000, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver • Don’tput prescriptions and danger- tion factor (SPF) of 15 or more before Spring, MD 20910. (Edward C. Sulli- ous over-the-counter preparations • Caress you work outdoors, even on cloudy van is president of the BCTD and in the medicine cabinet. days. Do this even if you have dark • Oil of Olay CPWR.) Production of this card was • Don’t leave perfumes, cosmetics, skin. Make sure your hands and supported by NIOSH grant • Dove skin are clean before you put on and other toiletries in reach of chil- CCU310982. The contents are solely dren; even lipstick can be toxic to a You can use the following liquid sunscreen. the responsibility of the Center to soaps: small child. Wear a long-sleeved shirt. It can Protect Workers’ Rights and do not • Aloe Vera 80 help protect your skin from the necessarily represent the official • Cetaphil harmful materials and from sun- views of NIOSH. 2/20/01. In the living room and • Dial burn. Try not to get your clothes wet • Dove bedroom: • Gillette Wash • Do lock up liquor and be sure any • Ivory Safety tips in Spanish alcoholic drinks are out of reach • Jergens of children. • Lever 2000 THIS ISSUE’S SAFETY COLUMN, English and Spanish that we can • Do remove toxic plants if small chil- • Neutrogena “Some construction materials make available in camera-ready form dren or pets are around; many • Rainbath cause serious skin problems,” is to any lodge that believes they may household plants can cause a seri- • Noxema also available in Spanish. be useful. For more information, ous reaction, even death. • Oil of Olay NIOSH has supplied us with a contact the Boilermaker Reporter at • Docheck walls for peeling paint. number of safety columns in both 913-371-2640. • Don’t leave ashtrays, matches, or lighters in easy-to-reach places. ❑ http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 7 STEWARD’ S NOTEBOOK

The Steward’s Sourcebook Rights in conflict: How can you represent two members involved in a dispute with each other? You must protect the rights of both members based on the facts and the contract, not popular opinion ★ ★ ★ Star Stewards ★ ★ ★ OME OF THE MOST difficult tant they write down what actually grievances arise when the best happened while it is still fresh in their interest of one member conflicts, minds. The more they think about what Local 158’s Dave Gullette is a Star Steward or appears to conflict, with the happened, the more they will change Sbest interest of another. For example, if the memory in their own minds. Those DAVE GULLETTE, a two-year chief “The incident caused every brother you file a grievance for a member who first recollections are as close to the steward and 13-year member of and sister at the job site to turn down isn’t getting assigned overtime that he truth as you’re going to get. Local 158, Peoria, Ill., is our most all voluntary overtime until the com- believes is rightly his, those members That’s also why you should inter- recent Star Steward. pany relented,” said Kocher, “and the getting the improperly assigned over- view eyewitnesses as soon as you can. In making the nomination, Local case was solved within a week. Dave time may feel you are taking money out Once they go back to the job, they’ll dis- 158 President Kevin Kocher praised had put his money where his mouth of their pockets —even if the company cuss the incident, and they’ll begin mix- Gullette for his solidarity efforts. was and stood up for his rights and is clearly violating the contract. ing up what they saw with what other “Many people can talk a good the rights of the other 100-plus broth- Fistfights can become nightmares for people tell them. Studies show that game,” said Kocher, “but not all are ers and sisters at the job site. He is a stewards. Members often take sides after a few days people have trouble prepared to back it up with actions, star steward.” after a fistfight, expecting one member telling between what they heard from or their wallet.” to receive better treatment than the others after an incident and what they When the company tried to ignore other. The steward’s duty is to repre- actually saw and heard themselves. a new attendance policy that took the sent the rights of both members based As you question witnesses, remem- bargaining committee the previous Do you know aStar Steward? on the facts of the case. The combatants ber to ask each one to name anyone else three months to negotiate, Gullette and their friends will have other ideas. they think was nearby and may have risked the company’s threat of sus- DROP US A LINE with the name of the Let’s examine an imaginary scenario. seen what happened. The more wit- pension and possible discharge by steward, the local, the company, and a few Jim is a popular member who works on nesses you have, the better. leaving the work site after lunch. He words about why you think this steward is the line right beside Sam. Sam is not Keep in mind that in an arbitration, provided notice to his foreman of his so special. Send a photo if you have one. nearly as popular. In fact, many people just as in a court trial, your case is only intention to leave before his shift We’d like the world to see what a good consider him a royal pain in the ass and as strong as your documented evi- started, and again about four hours steward looks like. feel sorry for Jim, who has to spend dence. Your written notes are the best before he left. Send info to this address: eight hours a day right next to Sam. documentation you have most of the But when he returned to work the Star Stewards One day, they get into a fight. The time, so be sure to take good ones. following Monday, he was placed on The Boilermaker Reporter supervisor breaks it up. Jim and Sam Write down all the details. You never indefinite suspension, even though Boilermakers International are both breathing heavily, red-faced, know which one might be the one that under the new attendance policy the 753 State Ave, Suite 570 and angry. Sam has several red marks turns the case for you. company cannot terminate a man Kansas City KS 66101 on his face and a rapidly swelling lip; with zero points (no absences) if he Jim has a cut over one eye. Eyewitnesses sometimes leaves for half a day. The supervisor immediately sepa- don’t see very much rates the two men and talks to them At this point you have two wit- for Jim, it’s a slam dunk for the com- separately. Then he tells them both to YOU NEED TO BASE any grievance nesses saying Jim started it and one pany, and they refuse to reinstate him. go home because they are on “suspen- you write up on facts, not opinions or blaming Sam. That’s typical. People Based on the facts, the committee sion pending investigation,” what conjecture. But eyewitnesses tend to notice different things. No one sees decides against taking it to arbitration. many people call a “crisis suspension.” talk about what they think may have everything. Eyewitnesses often con- You write Jim a letter explaining why. This is when you arrive. You hear the happened, rather than what they saw. tradict each other. No one in your local wants Jim to go, words “fistfight” and “suspension,”and You may find yourself repeatedly You’re not surprised that the written you included, but you have no choice. you know from experience that there is a saying things like, “Did you actually statements from the fighters differ, too. Sam’s grievance is stronger. He was good chance someone is going to file a see that happen? What were the exact Sam claims they were arguing about being rude, but if Jim had never thrown grievance over this at some point. words he said? Did you hear him who won a bet. When he refused one a punch, there would have been no clearly, or are you saying what it more time to pay off, Jim suddenly fight. Sam says he’s being punished for Anticipate problems and sounded like to you?” began punching him. He says he was what Jim did, and the facts appear to act on them immediately Stay focused on getting a description only hitting back in self-defense. support him. of what happened, not how the Jim, however, says Sam had been So you tell the company you’re will- YOU START GATHERING facts right observer interpreted the event. If you taunting as he often does, cursing him, ing to take this one to arbitration. away. Before Jim and Sam leave, you keep asking people what they actually talking about his family, etc. Jim says he But you never have to. By the time tell them that when they get home they witnessed, not what they think “must” finally couldn’t take it anymore and your arbitration panel has been picked, should write down everything that have happened, you’ll eventually col- popped Sam a couple of times. He got the company cuts a deal, giving Sam happened from 15 minutes before the lect some useful information. the cut when he banged his head half his back pay and removing the fight until 15 minutes after. It’s impor- Let’s continue with our scenario. The against something while they were final warning. fighters are gone, and you’ve taken eye- wrestling. It was stupid, he feels bad Congratulations! You’ve just suc- witness testimony from 11 people. about it, but he just lost his temper. cessfully handled a grievance. Four say they came over when they You now have a great deal of docu- Unfortunately, now a roomful of Don’t tie yourself up in heard noise. They didn’t see the fight. mented evidence regarding the fight. your members are furious with you. Another four say they didn’t look So does the company. They have They accuse you of “taking Sam’s knots trying to keep over until Jim and Sam were wrestling everyone happy. been talking to the same people you side” and say if you had taken Jim’s with each other. They have no idea how have. In a few days, you learn the com- case to arbitration, the company would the fight started or what it was about. pany has fired Jim and has told Sam have given him the same deal. One says Jim and Sam were talking, that he’ll have a “final warning” in his When things get this complex, it is maybe arguing, when suddenly Jim file. If he does anything wrong at all sometimes difficult to convince your began pounding on Sam’s head while over the next year, he’ll lose his job. members that everything you do is for Sam tried to get away. They started Both men immediately file griev- their benefit. But it’s true. Your goal is wrestling. Several people were watch- ances. Jim wants his job back. Sam to make sure the company treats every- ing when the supervisor stopped it. wants that final warning removed. one fairly and equally, in accordance Another says Sam and Jim were with the contract and the law. arguing loudly into each other’s face Your goal is fair treatment Given all the facts, you could never when Jim began punching. Jim got in a for everyone concerned have won Jim’s grievance at arbitration. few good licks before Sam grabbed his You don’t want to waste everyone’s shirt and started trying to wrestle him THE DECISIONS YOU will have to time and money arguing cases that you down. When Sam swung him around make are not easy. Always remember do not have a chance of winning. by his shirt, Jim hit his head on some- that the goal is to gain fair treatment for On the other hand, Sam’s case was thing. Then the supervisor came up. all of your members. winnable, as the company realized. It can’t be done. The final witness says Jim and Sam Jim’s grievance is simple: Did the You have a legal obligation to repre- were arguing before work. They kept at company have “just cause” to fire him? sent everyone in the bargaining unit it all morning. When Sam threw some- Your contract says they can fire any- equally, not just the ones you like. A steward’s goal is tomake sure the thing at Jim, cutting him just above the company treats everyone fairly and one who starts a fight, and they always And if you expect to win at arbitra- eye, Jim began punching Sam. Then have. By Jim’s own admission, he tion, you must argue every grievance equally, in accordance with the they started wrestling and the supervi- contract and the law. “started” the fight. That is, he took the on the documented facts, not conjec- sor showed up. fight from words to fists. Unfortunately ture, probability, or personality. ❑ http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 8 Mar • Apr 2002 ECONOMIC ISSUES Social Security is stronger than ever Trustees add three years Since 1997, Social Security trustees have moved the projected shortfall to projected shortfall back 12 years. This year’s projected Social Security Numbers shortfall date is three years farther out SOCIAL SECURITY TRUSTEESpro- jected March 26 that the system will be than last year’s estimate. Social Security beneficiaries in 2001: 45 million able to pay the full benefits promised to future retirees until 2041, about the Critics call for privatization Total paid in benefits: $400 billion time today’s 28-year-old workers will THIS STEADY IMPROVEMENT does Percentage of Americans 65 & over be eligible to start receiving checks. not satisfy Social Security’s critics, This year’s report is an improvement though. House Majority Leader Dick who are receiving Social Security benefits: 90% on last year’s prediction of a shortfall in Armey, R-Texas, responded to the 2038. In fact, it shows the Social Security trustees’ report skeptically. “While the Percentage of recipients for whom fund is stronger than it has ever been short-term outlook has improved a lit- Social Security is half or more of their income: 67% before in its 67-year history. tle, the long-term outlook is still the What the shortfall means is that, same,” he said. “The current program unless the system is adjusted sometime simply cannot sustain the impending social insurance system launched by plus the Enron scandal, forced Bush to in the next 39 years, Social Security will wave of retiring baby boomers.” President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935. shelve his plan for a while. But Riemer only be able to pay about 73 cents of He’s half-right. The shortfall has not “Most people think the problem with says Bush and GOP leaders are deeply every dollar of benefits promised to been eliminated. But baby boomers Social Security is much worse than it committed to privatization. “It’s the workers, starting about 2041. (born between 1946 and 1964) are not to really is and occurs much sooner than it Holy Grail of rolling back government A similar shortfall occurred in 1982, blame. By 2041, most baby boomers does,” Riemer said. and changing people’s relationship to forcing the Old Age and Survivors will be dead. He said the system could be shored government,” he said. Trust Fund to borrow from the Hospi- The problem is that birthrates are up by using more general tax revenues It could also provide an enormous tal Insurance Trust Fund to meet its declining while life spans are increas- and by raising the limit on the amount windfall for the investment advisors obligations. Congress amended the ing. In 1937, when Social Security made of earned income subject to Social Secu- who spend millions on campaign Social Security law in 1983, and the its first benefit payments, the life rity taxes. donations each year. In the next 11 fund now has a surplus of over $1.3 tril- expectancy was 61, while the birth rate For 2002, any wages a worker earns years, Social Security will take in nearly lion. That surplus will continue to grow was 20 per 1,000 population. Now, life in excess of $84,900 are not taxed for $9 trillion and develop a surplus of $3.7 for about 30 more years. The expenses expectancy is 76, and the birth rate is 14. Social Security. That limit increases trillion. Administering even four per- will be greater than income and the sur- As a result, the number of workers every year in step with the average cent of that money (the portion Presi- plus will begin declining, finally disap- for each retiree is steadily declining. increase in U.S. wages. Doing away dent Bush’s plan allows) would earn pearing entirely in 2041. This trend has been in place since the with this upper limit without increas- Wall Street advisors tens of billions of The projected depletion of the Social 19th century and is expected to con- ing the Social Security benefit formulas dollars in commissions and fees. Security surplus became big news in tinue indefinitely. As with any other could conceivably postpone the short- House Democratic leader Dick the 1990s, fueling a movement to priva- financial program, Social Security must fall indefinitely. Gephardt has demanded that the tize our social insurance system. Yet adjust to changing demographics. However, a tax hike that applies only House vote on restructuring proposals every year, that projected shortfall gets to high-wage earners is not likely to get made by a Social Security commission moved farther into the future. Radical changes not needed anywhere this year. that Bush appointed last year. “The On the other hand, neither is Bush’s American people deserve nothing less HANS RIEMER, an analyst with Insti- plan to privatize Social Security, allow- than a full airing of this issue,” ECONOMICS tute for America’s Future, says the new ing workers to put their Social Security Gephardt said, not to have Republicans forecast should help people see that money into the stock market. Huge “sweep this issue under the rug until BY THE NUMBERS “radical changes are not needed” in the stock market losses in 2001 and 2002, the next election.” ❑ Unemployment rate rises to 5.7% Corporate tax payments UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE two- tenths of a percent to 5.7 percent in March, while 58,000 new jobs were near record low this year added to the economy. PRESIDENT BUSH’S CORPORATE Because the number of workers in tax cut, signed into law March 6, When corporate taxes go down . . . the labor force is growing at a rate of slashes corporate income tax payments about one percent a year, the econ- this year to their lowest level as a share . . . unemployment goes up omy has to create 100,000 new jobs of the economy since the early Reagan every month just to keep the unem- administration. This will be the second ployment rate constant. lowest level in the past 60 years. 8 The number of unemployed work- The latest data from the Congres- 7 ers is now over 8.1 million. Although sional Budget Office and the Joint Com- the overall economy added new jobs mittee on Taxation indicate that 6 in March, many sectors lost jobs. corporate taxes will plummet to only 5 Manufacturing lost another 38,000 1.3 percent of gross domestic product jobs in March. The manufacturing (GDP) this year. That will be the lowest 4 sector has been losing jobs for several since fiscal year 1983, when corporate years. Since April 1998, two million taxes bottomed out at 1.1 percent of the 3 manufacturing jobs —11 percent of GDP on the heels of the huge corporate 2 the total — have disappeared. tax reductions Reagan enacted in 1981. Construction payrolls declined Despite the expected economic 1 37,000 in March, and declines were recovery, the continuing effects of the 0 also seen in retail, wholesale, trans- 2002 corporate tax cuts will keep next 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s portation, and finance payrolls. year’s corporate tax payments at only 1.4 percent of GDP, the third lowest level in the past 60 years. Corporate Taxes Unemployment Rate Credit card debt Since World War II, corporate taxes as a percentage of GDP rate doubles 1992’s as a share of the GDP have fallen in every era except the Clinton years. DOES LOWERING TAXES on corporations create jobs? Appar- CONSUMERS OWE credit card ently not. In recent decades, whenever corporate taxes as a per- companies an average of $8,367 per During World War II 5.6% centage of GDP trended down, unemployment trended up. card-carrying household, up from Truman & Eisenhower 4.5% When corporate taxes went up, unemployment went down. $3,444 ten years ago. Kennedy & Johnson 3.7% With five credit cards for every Nixon and Ford 2.7% During the 1960s, when corporate porations last year decreased their man, woman, and child in the United Carter 2.4% income taxes were nearly four percent share of GDP, and now unemployment States, Americans can charge nearly Reagan and Bush 1.6% of GDP, unemployment averaged is on the rise again. anything —even rent. Clinton 2.1% about the same figure. As the corporate Among other things, this recent set of And they do. In 2001, $1.5 trillion President Bush claims that lower cor- tax share fell through the 1970s and tax cuts will allow unprofitable corpo- was charged to credit cards. In 1992, porate taxes will mean more jobs for 1980s, unemployment rose. When rations to “carry back” their net operat- total credit card usage was about workers, but history does not bear him President Clinton raised corporate ing losses for 2001 and 2002, allowing $500 billion. out. When corporate taxes drop as a taxes, unemployment began falling them to get refunds on taxes they paid It shouldn’t be surprising that in percentage of gross domestic product again, reaching a low of only four per- over the past five years. ❑ 2001, a record 1.5 million families (GDP), unemployment rises. cent in 2000. The tax cuts Bush gave cor- filed for bankruptcy. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 9 LEAP ISSUES 34th Annual LEAPLEAP ConferenceConference

DELEGATES TO THE 34th annual conference of the Boilermakers’ Legislative Education-Action Program (LEAP) get ready to meet with their congressional representatives.

EARLY 200 BOILERMAKER ships in American shipyards. Last year, Congress they only have a few minutes house of Congress, where the same local lodge leaders attended we got improvements in the railroad in which to make a good impression things occur. Only when both houses the 34th annual conference of retirement system and new language and explain our issues. have passed it does it go to the presi- the Boilermakers Legislative for Section 415 of the IRS code so our Abbott went over the basics of lobby- dent for his signature or veto. NEducation-Action Program (LEAP) in retirees get all of the benefits that are ing, giving tips he’s gleaned from his If this sounds complex, it is. In fact, Washington, D.C., March 18-22. coming to them.” more than 20 years in Washington, this explanation is a very short and sim- These politically active members had Jones pointed out that political action D.C. He gave a brief explanation of ple version of what happens with a bill. a full week. On Monday and Tuesday is never easy. It is usually far more complicated. they heard from members of Congress, “People want to shut you up,” he But the drafters of the Constitution political strategists, and other Boiler- said. “They submit laws that would ‘We work with both political wanted it that way. If it were easy, Con- makers who have successfully devel- ban unions from engaging in any kind parties. We base our support gress would pass new laws all the time, oped good relationships with their of political activity.” and the nation would be in constant representatives in Congress. Jones explained that the Boilermak- on a candidate’s record.’ turmoil, unable to keep pace with the Tuesday night they attended the ers endorse candidates based on their rapidly changing laws. Boilermakers’ legislative reception. voting records. CHARLES W. JONES Despite the difficulty of passing laws, This reception offers an opportunity for “We are nonpartisan,” he said. “We International President Abbott did not let Congress off the hook LEAP delegates to meet and speak with give credit where credit is due, and we for their inaction on such important members of Congress in a casual let them know when they are wrong. how a bill becomes a law, both to help issues as a prescription drug program atmosphere. We work with both political parties. delegates understand the process and for Medicare and workplace safety. The rest of the week, delegates spent We support candidates based on their to show why it is so difficult to get any “Congress has become very good at on Capitol Hill, taking the Boilermak- records. To borrow from President legislation passed. naming roads and buildings,” he said. ers’ agenda to their representatives and Bush, either you’re with us or you’re Generally, to become a law, a bill “They’ve managed to put Ronald Rea- senators in their offices. against us. We only support candidates must pass both houses of Congress and gan’s name on just about every struc- Guest speakers included Representa- who are willing to work with us.” be signed by the president. ture in the country. If they were nearly tives Jack Quinn (R-30th NY) and Neil Jones ended his talk by exhorting the Just getting a bill through one house as good at doing the business of the Abercrombie (D-1st HI), political strate- delegates to work hard for their mem- of Congress can be an ordeal. First, it is nation as they are at naming things, we gists Roger Blacklow and Tom Linden- bers while in Washington. assigned to a committee that governs would be much better off.” feld, and American Shipbuilding “Many union legislative programs that type of legislation. For example, a Assistant to the Director of Legisla- Association President Cindy Brown. don’t work because they just come to railroad bill would go to the transporta- tion Bridget Martin gave an in-depth town and talk to each other. We go to tion committee, where it would be look at the five issues delegates focused Education on the issues is Capitol Hill and talk to the lawmakers. assigned to the railroad subcommittee. on in their lobbying. the first order of business We meet directly with members of First the subcommittee discusses the Each year the legislative department Congress, and we talk to them about bill. They can pass it, defeat it, or just chooses a handful of issues to empha- INTL. PRESIDENT Charles W. Jones the issues that affect our members. Use hold onto it indefinitely. They can also size during the LEAP conference. kicked off the conference, explaining to your time wisely while you’re here so amend it. If they pass it, then the full Thousands of bills are introduced into delegates the importance of our legisla- you can do the job your members sent committee has the same choices —to Congress each year, and our legislative tive and political action program and of you here to do.” pass it, defeat it, or change it. department keeps track of several the LEAP conference. Following President Jones’s talk, Usually a bill will go to more than dozen. They choose a small number of “We’ve been coming to this meeting Legislative Director Ande Abbott one committee and more than one sub- these so that all of the delegates going to for 34 years,” Jones said. “We’ve explained how our Legislative Educa- committee. the Hill can all talk about the same ones. accomplished a great deal. The LEAP tion-Action Program (LEAP) works If it gets passed by all of them, it is This year, there were five issues: fast- program has become a very necessary and prepared delegates for their ready to go on the floor for debate and track trade authority, bills affecting our part of the Boilermaker operation. We appointments with their congressional vote. But not right away. The leader- apprenticeship program, the Title XI have worked with members of Con- representatives. These educational ses- ship of whatever house it is in decides shipbuilding loan guarantee, a cruise gress to save jobs when companies sions are extremely important to the when it will be discussed and voted on. ship bill, and funding for Amtrak. wanted to shut down their plants. We success of the conference and of LEAP. If somehow the bill makes it through have gotten their support for building When delegates meet with members of that house, then it goes to the other Continued on page 10

http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 10 Mar • Apr 2002 LEAP ISSUES

CHARLES W. JONES REP. NEIL ABERCROMBIE CINDY BROWN REP. JACK QUINN International President (D-1st HI) American Shipbuilding Assoc. (R-30th NY)

He said these tax breaks would help money on this! To them it’s just another “We can’t let what happened on Sept. them create jobs, but there was nothing opportunity to pile up the bucks with- 11 be used to put up a fog machine to in the bill that required them to do so. In out sharing any of those hard-earned keep us from seeing the truth,” he said. fact, Enron, which had just laid off 7,000 dollars — your tax dollars — with the “We all want international security. But workers, was slated to get a $245 mil- working people who are backing up you cannot have international security lion refund if his package passed. our response to terrorism.” around the world without rock-solid But the Senate, with its one-vote He had especially harsh words for economic security here at home. How Democratic majority, did away with President Bush’s Committee on Social can we be prepared to deal with terror- those tax cuts. They changed the bill so Security Reform. ism if we do not have a merchant it provided extended unemployment “Privatizing Social Security,” he said, benefits for laid-off workers, but no tax “means turning over your Social Secu- cuts for the rich. rity money to the same people who ‘You cannot have were running Enron. If the Boilermak- Members of Congress are ers union tried to do even half of what international security among guest speakers the corporations are doing every day around the globe without with their accounting tricks and bank ROGER BLACKLOW rock-solid economic LIUNA Natl. Political Coord. ONE OF THE BEST parts of every accounts in the Cayman Islands, every LEAP conference is hearing about labor leader would be in jail and every security here at home.’ what is going on in Washington local would have a U.S. attorney bang- directly from the people who should ing at your front door. REP . N EIL ABERCROMBIE know: the lawmakers themselves. “But these guys are getting away (D-1st HI) Monday afternoon, LEAP confer- with it. Right now, accounting compa- ence delegates heard from one of nies all across the nation are pouring marine that is worthy of the name? labor’s best friends, Rep. Neil Aber- money into Washington to keep from We’re arguing about getting rid of crombie (D-1st HI). Abercrombie has being regulated the way unions are.” Amtrak. We should be expanding had a good relationship with the Boiler- Abercrombie reminded delegates of Amtrak. We need high-speed rail makers since he first began running for the importance of keeping members across this country connected with a office in 1972, and he has spoken at focused on the issues that bring us merchant marine that is second to none every LEAP conference over the past together — economic issues. He took in the world.” ten years. He is a dynamic speaker, and issue with those members who vote He took issue with President Bush’s the crowd always likes his talks. against labor-endorsed candidates and attempts to suggest that fast-track trade This year he began by telling that he support NRA-endorsed candidates. authority can help us win the war on was ashamed. “I am ashamed,” he “The only thing workers have in terrorism. “Fast-track is not anti-terror- TOM LINDENFELD said, “because every year I come to you common with the candidates the NRA ist,” he said. “Fast-track is globaliziing LSG Strategies and urge you to get behind Democrats endorses is the gun issue, and the peo- poverty. America’s working poor so we can take back the House of Rep- ple pulling the strings of the NRA haven’t seen a raise in the minimum Continued from page 9 resentatives. And we come close, but know it. They get your vote by letting wage since 1994, but the rich have got- Martin went over these bills in detail we still haven’t quite made it.” you keep your gun, then they ship your ten tax cuts worth a trillion dollars. so that delegates would be able to talk Having a Democratic majority in the job overseas. I hope you’re a good shot, “They ask you to sacrifice for our war intelligently about them when they House is an important point for Aber- because if all of the NRA candidates on terrorism. The only sacrifice the called on their congressmen. (See page crombie and for the Boilermakers, win you’ll have to hunt for your dinner. wealthy have made in this war is to 12 for brief discussions of these five because the party with the majority If guns are that important to you, then postpone the Super Bowl one week.” issues.) Then she discussed the upcom- gets to name the chairman of each com- form a gun caucus within the AFL-CIO Abercrombie told the delegates that ing November elections, outlining a mittee. Abercrombie is the ranking so you can have pro-worker, pro-gun if the Democrats get a majority in the ten-point plan for getting out the vote member on the construction subcom- candidates. ” House this fall, nearly every committee for the candidates we support. mittee of the Armed Services Commit- Abercrombie repeatedly came back will be chaired by a pro-union con- This year’s elections are extremely tee. With a Democratic majority, he to the war on terrorism, which he gressman, because unions have been important, because the Democrats have would be named chairman and could believes is being used to distract voters able to keep candidates who support a very thin majority in the Senate —one be very helpful to us in getting our leg- from other important issues. vote. The Senate has been our only line islation heard and voted on. Continued on page 11 of defense to stop President Bush from Abercrombie talked about one of the passing anti-worker laws. If the biggest problems workers have when it Democrats lose control of the Senate comes to political action. Many of our and do not gain control of the House of members don’t vote. Representatives, President Bush will be “It must be frustrating,” he said, “for able to pass his entire agenda. those of you struggling to get legisla- That agenda is staunchly anti- tion passed to help workers all over this worker, as Martin made clear. Among country, and then you learn that there other things that he has publicly stated are brothers and sisters in your own he would like to do is to repeal the local who have not registered to vote Davis-Bacon law that protects con- and do not vote.” struction workers’ wages, establish a Never one to mince words, Aber- “paycheck-deception” law to keep crombie laid into those politicians and unions from informing their members businessmen who are trying to take about political issues, and privatize advantage of the events of September Social Security. 11 to further their own agenda. Bush has been assaulting unions “Those smug guys in the administra- Delegates share their experiences since he took office. Fortunately for tion think they can use September 11 to workers, many of his anti-union and back down every working man and ONE OF THE MOST informative sessions of the conference came when five del- anti-worker executive orders have been woman in this country by masking egates from local lodges that have successful LEAP programs shared their expe- overturned by the courts. what they do in the name of patriotism. riences with the other delegates. Learning what other locals have tried and what A good illustration of Bush’s agenda They try to justify budget cuts, and tax worked for them is extremely helpful for local lodges who are trying to build is the “economic stimulus” package he breaks for the rich, and dipping into the their programs. They covered such topics as organizing your LEAPcommittee, attempted to pass early this year. He Social Security trust fund, all in the getting involved with your state or regional labor council, forming your own promoted this bill as a way to stimulate name of the war on terrorism. local lodge PAC, and raising money for CAF by putting a CAF check-off clause the economy, but in fact all it did was “On the way into my office the other in your collective bargaining agreement. Pictured above are the five lodge mem- give major corporations billions of dol- day I saw a sign on 14th Street, ‘Home- bers who spoke: l. to r., Charles Miles of L-696, Joe Murray of L-13, Dan Quinn of lars in tax breaks. land Security Expo.’ They’re making L-154, Tony Jacobs of L-169, and Frank Secreet of L-549. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 11 LEAP ISSUES

Continued from page 10 them in office all these years, and now they have seniority. Members give $500k to CAF “Nancy Pelosi is the House Democ- Northeast Area, Locals ratic Whip, the highest-ranking office ever held by a woman in the history of 154 and 744 earn annual this country. And she’s pro-union. She CAF fundraising awards got where she is with union help.” Abercrombie ended his talk with a LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Ande call to action. “If we all hang together, Abbott presented three awards at the we’re going to win in November. And 34th annual conference of the Legisla- when labor wins, America wins. Let’s tive Education-Action Program go to victory in November.” (LEAP), March 18-22: one each to the Delegates also heard from Rep. Jack vice-presidential area and local lodge Quinn, a Republican who represents contributing the largest amount of the 30th Congressional District in New money to the Campaign Assistance York. He told delegates he believes the Fund (CAF), and one to the local lodge most important thing we can do is to having the highest CAF contribution keep communication open. per member. He talked about his experience as a CAF is the Boilermakers’ Campaign MEMBERS OF LOCAL 154, Pittsburgh, Pa., accept an award for the highest contribution teacher and a member of the teachers Assistance Fund, the fund we use to give to CAF by a local lodge, L. to r., Kevin Miller, James Steigerwald, Thomas O'Connor, union. For a month in 1975, they were money to the campaigns of federal can- Dan Quinn, Michael Ventrone, Intl. Pres. C. W. Jones, Tony Smarra, and Stanley Wolfe. on strike. “That strike taught me the didates who support our issues. All importance of having a single, unified CAF contributions are voluntary. No voice,” he said. When he first came to dues money may be used to support Washington, he formed a labor round- candidates for federal office. Top ten locals donating to CAF Members of Local 154, Pittsburgh, Pa., table back in his home district. “I found Local/Location 2001 CAF Donation Per Member VP/Area that I was making some tough votes, earned the CAF award for the largest but the message amount of money Local 154—Pittsburgh, PA $51,311.79 $39.02 Murphy/Northeast wasn’t getting raised for CAF by a Local 105—Chillicothe, OH 37,691.11 62.71 McManamon/Great Lakes back home. So I ‘When the margin is only six local lodge. In Local 13—Philadelphia, PA 36,500.00 39.46 Murphy/Northeast put together a votes, even a small group of 2001, Local 154 Local 744—Cleveland, OH 36,141.71 106.93 McManamon/Great Lakes labor roundtable members raised pro-union Republicans can Local 193—Baltimore, MD 28,946.60 97.14 Murphy/Northeast so I and my staff $51,311. Local 5—New York, NY 22,515.46 68.44 Murphy/Northeast could meet with make a big difference.’ Members of Local 29—Boston, MA 19,508.15 55.74 Murphy/Northeast union reps., with Local 744, Cleve- Local 1—Chicago, IL 15,000.00 39.79 McManamon/Great Lakes no agenda, just an REP. JACK QUINN land, Ohio, earned Local 60—Peoria, IL 11,000.00 40.29 McManamon/Great Lakes opportunity to (R-30th NY) the CAF award for Local 549—Pittsburg, CA 10,307.00 15.43 Lacefield/Western States talk — to hear the local lodge their concerns, and tell them what I was having the highest CAF contribution doing on the Hill,” he explained. per member. Their average per member The roundtable has grown from 12 contribution in 2001 was $106.93. This is Ten BAD excuses for NOT donating to the people to 28. They still meet regularly, the fifth year in a row that Local 744 with no agenda unless there’s a very members have earned awards for their Boilermakers’ Campaign Assistance Fund hot topic on the table. He credits these fundraising efforts. meetings with establishing his strong The Northeast Area earned the vice- 1 I pay enough union dues. 6My pension is decades away. I relationship with labor. presidential area award by raising Unions can’t use dues money to don’t care what politicians do “It worked so well,” he said, “I $186,027 for CAF in 2001, an increase of support federal candidates. about retirement and Medicare. decided to put one together in Wash- 84.5 percent from their wining 2000 con- What about job security? We fight ington. Our group is up to 35 or 40 tribution of $100,845. 2 We can’t raise enough money to to keep jobs in America, too. members of the House. We do the same The Northeast Area has won the vice- make a difference. thing here I do back at home. We get presidential area award for most dona- If 50,000 Boilermaker members 7I’m near retirement. Why should I together and talk. I had the Secretary of tions to CAF since the awards program paid $1 a week to CAF, we would care about jobs for the future? Labor over to talk to us about a month began. This area also generally has the have $2.6 million to help support LEAP also works to protect Social ago. I’ve had AFL-CIO President John best wage-benefits packages in the worker-friendly candidates. Security, Medicare, and pensions. Sweeney in our meeting.” country. This is no coincidence. When Political strength won’t change I can’t afford it. The point of these meetings is com- your local has strong ties to the commu- 3 what we get in the contract. 8As little as $1 per week makes a dif- munication and access. nity and is politically active, you have Politically-strong locals consistent- ference — less than a bag of chips. “Business and industry have a seat at more power at the bargaining table. ly negotiate better contracts. the table. They have lobbyists who The amount of money raised by Boil- 9It’s too much of a hassle. knock on our doors every day. I don’t ermakers for the Campaign Assistance 4 Congress would not dare get rid of Sign a form and it comes right out know why unions can’t have a seat at Fund increased by $108,270 last year, health and safety laws, overtime of your paycheck. the table, too,” he said. from $395,128 in 2000 to $503,398 in 2001. pay, or other worker protections. “When we get a chance to discuss the That’s an increase of 27.4 percent. Who’s going to stop them? 10The boss doesn’t want me to. issues that directly affect working fami- To learn more about how your local Most companies have a political As long as the other guys con- action committee, and they want lies, we can make decisions. It would be can raise funds for CAF, consult the 5 tribute, it doesn’t matter if I do. politicians to listen only to them. crazy for me not to talk to organized Boilermaker LEAP Manualor call Ande What if they stop? Many small labor, not to talk to workers, because Abbott at 703 560-1493. ❑ donations make us strong. It’s time for action, not excuses you are the people I represent.” Quinn stressed the importance of you need to know that you can see meetings like this at a time when what we’re doing and that you will businesses shutting down every day Republicans hold a small majority in support us when the time comes. because of unfair foreign competition. Support LEF the House of Representatives. “It gets a little crazy up here,” he said, “I see the administration relaxing “When the majority is only six or referring to the elections coming up in EPA standards when we’re finally THE LEGISLATIVE Education Fund seven, we can get together a group of November. “We’ve got 435 districts up starting to get some clean air in the (LEF) is used to educate our members what I call ‘enlightened Republicans,’ for election and 25-30 senators. So the Northeast. Acid rain has been declining on issues and candidates. LEF pays for Republicans who understand working schedule and our agenda will get jittery in New York and New Jersey. To all of a the legislative office in Washington, families, who understand those issues, in August and September. That’s when sudden relax those standards is an D.C., the LEAP conference, and all fly- and we can make a difference — even if we need you the most. We need your error that will have bad effects for ers, bulletins, and other political educa- we’re doing nothing but playing grass-root efforts.” years. We’re going to need to talk to the tion materials that go to members. defense. A lot of the time, we’re not try- Quinn acknowledged how much administration on these things,” he Unlike CAF, local lodge union dues ing to get a bill passed, we’re just trying help a motivated union local can be for said. “That’s why we need each other.” may be used to fund LEF. But lodges to stop someone else from passing a a candidate. When Quinn was finished speaking, must elect to do so; generally, lodges bad bill.” “Grass-root efforts help more than Legislative Director Ande Abbott set aside a small amount per member Quinn pointed out that even if the anything else at any level,” he said. pointed out that Quinn’s labor caucus to send to LEF each month. Democrats win enough seats in the “Money is important, but your grass- amounted to about six representatives Despite the enormous impact that 2002 elections to have a majority in the root efforts —making phone calls, put- in 1994. political issues have on the lives of our House, their margin will be very small. ting up signs, getting the word out for “Now we have 18 to 20 Republicans members and their families, only one- When the margin is small, things can go the candidates who are looking out for who vote with us on many issues. You third of U.S. locals participate in LEF. either way. That’s why access to your workers —that’s what helps most.” need to know who your friends are, Without this fund, the Boilermakers congressman is so important. Quinn ended his talk by reminding and to know who your friends are, you would have no legislative program. It “Your congressman needs to know delegates of some of the issues on need to read our voting scorecard to see deserves your support. who you are and what you want. He which he and the Boilermakers agree: whether they are voting with us or To learn more about how your local ❑ needs to know you’re back home in his “I’ve been against fast-track trade against us on the issues.” can participate in LEF, consult the Boil- district watching what he does,” Quinn authority since it was introduced. I ermaker LEAP Manual or call Ande ❑ said. “Those of us who are working for fought NAFTA. In Buffalo we have Abbott at 703 560-1493. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 12 Mar • Apr 2002 LEAP ISSUES What is at stake in 2002? 36 Governors Control of the Senate Control of the House GOVERNORS SET the economic and legislative DEMOCRATS HAVE a majority in the Senate — by REPUBLICANS HAVE an 11-vote majority in the agenda for state legislatures and greatly influence only one vote. The Senate has become the court of last House. Turning six districts around would enable our what laws are enacted. The anti-union, right-to-work resort, stopping much anti-worker legislation pro- Democratic friends to chair committees and give law Oklahoma passed last year would have gotten posed by President Bush and passed by the House. If them more control over the type of bills that come up nowhere without the active support of the governor. the Republicans gain control of the Senate in addition for debate and vote. In the Republican-held House, Florida’s Governor Jeb Bush had an enormous impact to the House and the presidency, anti-worker Repub- our bills do not even get on the calendar and parlia- on last year’s presidential election through policies he licans will be able to run rough-shod over all the laws mentary maneuvers available only to the majority put into place long before election night. that protect workers. party help them sneak anti-worker bills through. State Legislatures Local Elections Ballot Initiatives STATE LEGISLATURES NOT ONLY create nearly LOCAL OFFICIALS determine who does business in IN RECENT YEARS, state-wide ballot initiatives all of the laws you live under every day, but they also your community, where factories will be built, and intended to erode workers’ rights and weaken unions control the way most federal money is spent in your how your schools are managed. Local elections have been introduced in dozens of states. A few state, from building roads and schools to the rules for decide who will make these decisions, so they have passed, such as Oklahoma’s new right-to-work law. receiving Medicaid and Medicare. more immediate impact on you than all the others. We must be aware of them and vote them down. Legislative Issues LISTED HERE are five issues that the Boilermakers who came to the LEAP con- ference spoke to their congressmen about. They represent only a tiny fraction of the 6,000 bills that will be introduced into Congress this year. The Boilermakers’ legislative department keeps track of hundreds of bills that affect the economic security of our members —bills that influence trade, work- place safety, wages, benefits, training, and dozens of other subjects. We oppose fast-track trade authority ● Fast track passed the House in December. We must stop it in the Senate. ● It limits the amount of debate allowed on trade bills ● It bars Congress from amending trade deals ● It does not require workers’ rights and environmental safeguards Target 5000 ● It doesn’t require countries to comply with international labor standards When workers run, all workers win ● It doesn’t prevent our trade laws from being weakened UNION ● It doesn’t give the Senate an opportunity to debate changes to U.S. trade laws THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAMis simple: Get union members elected to public office. If every local were able to elect one member to public office at any We oppose apprentice bills H.R. 877 & 1950 level, our influence over the way this country is run would be enormous. ● They undermine union apprenticeship programs Many have already run for office and succeeded: • 2,640 union members hold public office going into the 2002 election. ● They undermine Bureau of Apprenticeship (BAT) Standards • 26 Boilermakers have been identified as holding public office. ● They allow inferior training programs in the construction industry H.R. 877 IN 2002, OUR GOAL is to double the number of union members holding public office. The AFL-CIO has established a separate PAC fund for union member can- ● Gives companies a windfall of $15,000 per trainee for training that does not didates only. Encourage members of your local to seek public office. Running a comply with current state and federal apprentice standards successful campaign is not easy, and serving the public can be difficult, but the ● Doesn’t hold employers accountable for training performed rewards are incomparable. ● Doesn’t require continued review of future programs ● Doesn’t include safety training requirements Boilermakers holding public office H.R. 1950 ● Opens loopholes for contractors to certify inferior apprentice programs EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US can make a difference by voting and partici- pating in grass-root efforts year-round. But imagine the difference you could We support Title XI Ship Loan Guarantees make if you held public office. The following Boilermakers know. They wanted ● They guarantee loans for the construction of commercial ships in the U.S. to make a difference, so they ran for office and won. ● They help sustain the shipbuilding industry and shipbuilding jobs Name Local State Office ● They help sustain the defense shipbuilding industrial base ● We need $50 million in FY 2003 to sustain U.S. commercial shipbuilding John Devlin Local 28 NJ City Council Lyle Grimes Local 37 LA Committee Member ● Carry over appropriations have been depleted Rick Horn Local 105 OH Board Member ● Approval of just one ship would empty the coffers Philip Skowfoe Local 197 NY County Legislator ● U.S. Treasury received $150 million in revenues from fees collected by Title XI Gene Townsend Local D239 MT Mayor Delbert Lathim Local 242 WA County Commissioner We oppose cruise ship bills S.127 & H.R. 2901 & Public Utilities District Commissioner ● Brian Battefield Local 484 IL Education Board Member They allow foreign-built ships to be used in the domestic U.S. market Todd Cooley Local 484 IL City Council Member ● America’s capability to build ships for the U.S. Navy could be harmed Greg Dewitt Local 484 IL Town Council Member ● Thousands of shipyard workers and supplier workers could lose their jobs Harley Garrett Local 484 IL Village Trustee, City Council Member ● They jeopardize laws allowing only U.S.-flagged ships to work in U.S. waters Jim Grady Local 484 IL Education Board Member ● The U.S. cruise ship industry was hit hard by the events of Sept. 11 James Lerch Local 484 IL Township Trustee ● U.S. cruise ship companies have filed for restructuring under Chapter 11 Max Myers Local 484 IL School Board Member Dave Newell Local 484 IL Mayor ● Two newly-built coastal cruise ships, two paddle wheelers, and two 1,900 Gale Pool Local 484 IL Education Board Member passenger cruise ships are available for purchase by any company wishing to George Strutt Local 614 CT City Council enter the U.S. cruise market today in compliance with U.S. law Charles Miles Local 656 TN County Industrial Development Board Morris Powell Local 656 TN Democratic State Committee We support full funding for Amtrak Grover Skyles Local 656 TN City Commissioner ● Amtrak is America’s only passenger rail service & Sequatchie Co School Board ● Inadequate funding has reduced its ability to serve its eight million passengers Steven Gromala Local 696 WI Chairman, Board of Commissioners ● Passenger rail is more fuel efficient than either cars or airplanes Thomas Hampton Local 903 MS Judge ● Greater use of passenger rail would reduce our need for foreign oil Sherman Ivy Local 903 MS Constable Floyd McKee Local 903 MS Constable ● Amtrak was created because private rail companies were losing money Casey Weeks Local 903 MS Board Member ● No passenger train system in the world operates without subsidies Billy Joe Wright, Jr. Local 903 MS Mayor ● Airlines and highways get 70 times the subsidies Amtrak gets Brian Hickey Local 1851 MA Housing Board Member ● Plans to privatize Amtrak would cost more than funding it properly http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 13 LEAP ISSUES Who will we elect in 2002? Targeted Governor Thirty-six governors . . . Races TWENTY-ONE governor races could be close. The four below are important wins for labor:

California — Gray Davis DAVIS (D) IS A GOOD friend of Cali- fornia workers, but he has taken criti- cism because of the state’s budget problems and the electric power crisis. His opponent, Bill Simon (R), is a busi- nessman who would like to see Califor- nia power become fully deregulated.

Illinois — Rod Blagojevich BLAGOJEVICH (D) has a 94 percent union voting record in a state with 1.5 million union voters. He has raised $4.7 million, but Illinois hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in 25 years. Michigan — David Bonior ONE OF THE BOILERMAKERS’ strongest supporters in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bonior (D) has a 96 Key for Both Maps White means there is no race this year. percent lifetime union voting record. Pennsylvania — Robert Casey, Jr. Republican Incumbent Democrat Incumbent Independent Incumbent ANTIABORTION, PRO-GUN, and pro-union, Casey (D) is running neck Republican-held Democrat-held Independent-held and neck with former Philadelphia Open Seat Open Seat Open Seat Mayor Ed Rendell. Casey has the endorsement of every major union in Pennsylvania. Targeted Senate Races . . . thirty-four senators THESE FOUR STRONG supporters of workers expect tough challenges in 2002 and need our help:

Iowa — Tom Harkin Minnesota — Paul Wellstone Missouri — Jean Carnahan South Dakota — Tim Johnson

WE HAVE A CHANCE to unseat anti- worker senators with these four pro- worker candidates:

Arkansas — Pryor Colorado — Strickland New Hampshire — Shaheen North Carolina — Bowles FOR MORE INFORMATION on these or any other candidates, contact your state AFL-CIO COPE office or the Boil- ermakers’ Legislative Department: 760-560-1493. . . . and all 435 members of the House MANY AMERICANS DO NOTrealize Democrat is a friend of workers, most that U. S. Representatives are elected in are, so when they control Congress, we House of Representative Targeted Races every even-numbered year. That get more of our bills passed. Openseats take away the incumbent’s Vulnerablemeans we have a pro-worker makes for a lot of campaigning. This year, analysts say 180 Democ- advantage. Anyone can win. person in that seat now who has been tar- As Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) rats in the House are safe and 200 New Seats not only have no incumbent, geted for defeat. puts it, “I don’t get a free ride. I have to Republicans have nothing to worry but no history, so no candidate knows how Opportunity means the anti-worker per- renew my license every two years.” about. That leaves 55 races that could they’ll vote. Anyone can win. son in that seat can be defeated. With all 435 seats up for grabs every go either way. two years, control of the House can The Boilermakers’ Legislative AL-03 Open IA-02 Opportunity MS-04 Vulnerable PA-13 Vulnerable change from one party to another sur- Department expects 25-30 races to be AZ-01 New Seat IA-04 Opportunity NC-08 Opportunity PA-15 Opportunity prisingly quick. No political analyst extremely important. The list provided CO-07 New Seat IL-19 Vulnerable ND-AL Vulnerable PA-17 Opportunity foresaw the Republicans taking both here may change by November, but if CT-02 Opportunity IN-02 Open NH-01 Open PA-18 Vulnerable houses of Congress in 1994. Their mar- you live in one of these districts, you CT-05 Vulnerable MD-02 Opportunity NM-01 Opportunity TN-04 Open gin is now down to 11 seats, and should get to work now to ensure that FL-08 Opportunity MD-08 Opportunity NM-02 Open TX-25 Open Democrats believe they have a chance your district is represented by someone FL-22 Opportunity ME-02 Open NV-03 New Seat US-02 Vulnerable to take back the House this year. who will look out for the working men That would be good for Boilermak- and women of this country. GA-03 New Seat MN-06 Vulnerable NY-02 Vulnerable WA-02 Vulnerable ers and all workers. Though not every GA-11 New Seat MS-03 Opportunity OH-03 Vulnerable WV-02 Opportunity http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 14 Mar • Apr 2002 CONGRESSIONALPAGE IDRECEPTION Boilermakers host congressional reception Congressional representatives, Activists from other unions, lobbyists who support The Tuesday night reception provides a chance to our agenda, and political strategists also address the talk to public officials in a more relaxed setting. special guests attend 34th annual meeting, offering advice and information. Receptions like this one are what makes Washington Boilermaker LEAP reception Delegates spend the rest of the week meeting with work. On any given night, dozens of receptions are individual congressmen in their offices. These meet- being held by all kinds of different groups. THE MAIN PURPOSE of the LEAP conference is to ings are the heart of the LEAP conference — a chance The photos on these two pages are a record of put local lodge leaders in contact with the people in to talk directly with a congressman or aide about which congressmen took the time to come to our the federal government who may be able to do their issues that concern Boilermaker families. reception and meet our delegates. ❑ members some good. The Tuesday night congres- sional reception is an important part of that. The first day-and-a half of the conference is devoted to education. Boilermaker Legislative Director Ande Abbott and his assistant, Bridget Martin, start off the conference by talking about upcoming legislation that we may want to support or oppose. They give advice on ways to make your meetings with your congress- men go smoothly and distribute bulletins describing our positions on potential legislation. Talks by members of Congress are a high point of the educational meetings. These invited speakers give insight into what is happening in Congress and how REP. ROBERT ADERHOLT (R-4th AL), represented by SEN. EVAN BAYH (D-IN), represented by Todd they feel about the direction the country is headed. Mark Busching, fourth from left, with, l. to r., Bobby Manotti, second from left, with L-374 delegates, l. They also offer advice on how to get the most out of McGahey and Ed Vance, L-455; Bob Henson, L-108; to r., Paul Maday, Manotti, Stephen Hurm, and your meeting with your congressman. Busching; John Helvin, L-108; Danny Phillips and Kenn Roger Dortch. Crenshaw, L-112; and Mikell Robinson, L-108.

REP. JAMES CLYBURN (D-6th SC), second from left, REP. WILLIAM COYNE (D-14th PA), fourth from right, REP. JOSEPH CROWLEY (D-7th NY), second from left, with, l. to r., Intl. Pres. Charles W. Jones, Clyburn, IR with Local 154 delegates, l. to r., Stanley Wolfe, Kevin Rep. Michael McNulty (D-21st NY), fourth from left, and Steve Beal, and Intl. Sec.-Treas. Jerry Willburn. Miller, Thomas O'Connor, James Steigerwald, Tony Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-5th NY), second from right, Smarra, Coyne, IST Jerry Willburn, Dan Quinn, and with L-5 delegates, l. to r., Leg. Dir. Abbott, Crowley, Michael Ventrone. Tom Klein, McNulty, Ackerman, and Tom Cook.

REP. NORMAN DICKS (D-6th WA), second from right, REP. ELIOT ENGEL (D-17th NY), center, with Local 5 REP. PHILIP ENGLISH (R-21st PA), rep. by Bob Holstee, with Local 502 delegates, l. to r., Mike and Debbie delegates Thomas Klein (l.) and Tom Cook. with L-154 delegates, l. to r., S. Wolfe, C. Goodman of L- Owens, Dicks, and IR Steve Beal. 151, K. Miller, T. O'Connor, T. Smarra, IR B. Heine, Holstee, J. Steigerwald, M. Ventrone, and Dan Quinn.

SEN. MICHAEL ENZI (R-WY), rep. by Scott Fleming, with, l. REP. RICHARD GEPHARDT (D-3rd MO), represented REP. EARL HILLIARD (D-7th AL), second from right, with, to r., M. Murphy, L-S1978; Fleming; J. Quiroz, L-S1978; Dee by Bill Frymoyer, third from right, with, l. to r., Ken left to right, Bobby McGahey and Ed Vance, Local Jense, Interwest Mining pres.; IVP Othal Smith; Pat Akers, Brock and David Holman, L-1012; Dominic Fornelli, 455; Hilliard; and Danny Phillips, Local 112. Bridger Coal Co.; and Bob King, Interwest Mining. L-483; Frymoyer; IR Jim Pressley, and Bill Blastenbrei Jr., L-1012.

REP. WILLIAM JEFFERSON (D-2nd LA), center, with REP. SHEILA JACKSON LEE (D-18th TX), center, with REP. SANDER LEVIN (D-12th MI), fourth from right, with L- Local 1814 delegates, Errol Ally, at left, and Intl. Vice President Jim Hickenbotham (l.) and Intl. 169 delegates, l. to r., James Calouette, James Christopher Burnett, on the right. President Charles W. Jones. McDonnell, Michael Card, Tony Jacobs, Levin, Richard St. John, John Vardon, and Steve Gromala of L-696. Continued on page 15 http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 15 CONGRESSIONALPAGE IDRECEPTION

REP. STEPHEN LYNCH (D-9th MA), center, with Local 29 REP. FRANK MASCARA (D-20th PA), center, with REP. CAROLYN MCCARTHY (D-4th NY), at left, and Rep. delegates, l. to r., Jack Meade, Joe Birolini, Paul Local 154 delegates, l. to r., Kevin Miller, Stanley Felix Grucci Jr. (R-1st NY), second from right, with Local Meade, Reed, Shawn Meade, Stephen Goodhart, Wolfe, Tony Smarra, Dan Quinn, Mascara, Michael 5 delegates, l. to r., Tom Cook (McCarthy’s brother), and Kevin Sharland. Ventrone, James Steigerwald, Thomas O'Connor, Intl. Pres. Charles W. Jones, and Tom Klein. and IR Bob Heine.

REP. MAJOR OWENS (D-11th NY), second from right, SEN. JACK REED (D-RI), fourth from left, with L-29 REP. RALPH REGULA (R-16th OH), fourth from right, with l. with Local 5 delegates, l. to r., Tom Cook, Intl. Pres. delegates, l. to r., Paul Meade, Joe Birolini, Ken to r., Peter Nedeljkovic, L-1086; Jeffrey Beitel, L-1073; Charles W. Jones, Owens, and Thomas Klein. DelaCruz of L-614, Reed, Stephen Goodhart, Shawn Terry Heiser, L-1191; IR Ron Lyon; Regula; Charlie Meade, Kevin Sharland, and Jack Meade. Lemon, L-900; Wyndham Sparling, L-105; and Jeff Lyon.

REP. JOHN SHIMKUS (R-20th IL), fourth from left, with SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE (R-ME), rep. by Kelly Becker, fifth SEN. DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI), represented by Patty Illinois delegates, l. to r., Ben Kosiek and John Riel, L-1; from left, and Rep. Tom Allen (D-1st ME), rep. by Matt Bouch, center, with L-169 delegates, l. to r., James Bill Staggs, L-483; Shimkus; Dominic Fornelli, L-483; Bill Coffron, fourth from left, with L-29 delegates, l. to r., Shawn Calouette, Tony Jacobs, Michael Card, Bouch, James Mulconnery, L-363; Kelly Street and Paul Craig, L-484; Ed Meade, Stephen Goodhart, Paul Meade, Coffron, Becker, McDonnell, John Vardon, and Richard St. John. Hebert, L-60; James Surratt, L-484, and IR Howard Cole. Jack Meade, Don Dinwoodie of L-920, and Joe Birolini.

REP. TED STRICKLAND (D-6th OH), third from right, with REP. BART STUPAK (D-1st MI), rep. by Brian Hutcherson, REP. BENNIE THOMPSON (D-2nd MS), at right, with l. to r., Terry Heiser, L-1191; Peter Nedeljkovic, L-1086; fourth from left, with L-169 delegates, l. to r., IR Len Eddie Havard of Local 110 (left) and International Jeffrey Beitel, L-1073; Strickland; Jeffrey Beitel II; Gunderson, James McDonnell, Tony Jacobs, President Charles W. Jones. Wyndham Sparling, L-105; and Charlie Lemon, L-900. Hutcherson, Michael Card, John Vardon, James Calouette, Steve Gromala of L-696, and Richard St. John.

REP. LYNN WOOLSEY (D-6th CA), second from left, with BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADESDepartment NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS Board (NLRB) Local 549 delegates, l. to r., Mike Williams, Woolsey, (BCTD) President Ed Sullivan, center, with BCTD Sec.- representatives William Cowen (l.) and Al Palowich (r.) Intl. Pres. Charles W. Jones, and Frank Secreet. Treas. Joe Maloney,a member of Boilermaker Local with General Counsel Representative Mike Stapp. 128 (l.), and Intl. Sec. Treas. Jerry Willburn.

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONSBoard (NLRB) member DAVID LAURISKI, asst. sec. of labor for mine safety, AMERICAN PORTLAND CEMENT Alliance Legislative William Cowen with, l. to r., IST Jerry Willburn, IP C. W. third from right, with, l. to r., Mike Murphy, L-S1978; IVP Affairs Director Mark Washko, at left, with Intl. Vice Jones, IVP N.B. Jones, Cowen, Blake & Uhlig attnys. Othal Smith; Joe Quiroz, L-S1978; Lauriski; Intl. Pres. President Jim Hickenbotham. Mike Stapp & Mike Manley, & IVP Jim Hickenbotham. Charles W. Jones; and John Perkins, L-S8. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 16 Mar • Apr 2002 LOCALPAGENEWSID Local 191 celebrates 50th anniversary Re-chartered in 1951, obtain employment for Local 191 mem- bers in the construction and mainte- Local 191 can trace its nance repair industries. roots back to 1898 A highlight of the evening’s celebra- tion was the presentation of 50-year OVER 300 PEOPLEattended the 50th membership pins to Local 191 mem- anniversary celebration of Local Lodge bers Stan Betts, Bud Brown, Corkey 191, Victoria, British Columbia, Bryant, Howie East, Roy Gallop, Art Canada, on November 24, 2001. City, Holland, Carl Miller, Wes Morhart, employer, International, and trade Ernie Smith, and Darrell Walker. union representatives from all across Even though lodge members were Canada joined active and retired Local celebrating their 50th anniversary, 191 members at the dinner. Local 191 can trace its roots back to In his opening remarks, Intl. Vice 1898, when it was originally char- Pres. Rick Albright said, “This celebra- tered for boilermakers who built boil- tion honors all members, past and pres- ers and steamers during the Yukon ent, who have made Local 191 the Gold Rush. Following the rush, mem- success that it is through their inspira- bers built ships for the whaling fleet. LOCAL 191’S EXECUTIVE BOARD, front row, l. to r., Vice Pres. Frank Blackley, Bus. Mgr. tion, perspiration, skill, reliability, and Bill Morrison, and Pres. Jim Fitzpatrick. Standing, l. to r., Rec. Sec. Danny Lyle, Trustee During World War I, Local 191 mem- Del Anderson, Inspector Ken Plante, Trustee Kim Harper, and Trustee Randy Defrane. dependability.” bers earned $0.50 an hour building Chartered in 1951 as a shop, ship- freighters and wooden-hulled, yard, and marine lodge, Local 191 steam-driven sternwheelers. The members have faced unemployment in charter lapsed in 1944, but was re- L- 744 retiree to celebrate recent years due to a decline in ship- chartered in 1951 for workers at the building. Albright praised BM-ST Victoria Shipyard. ❑ 66th wedding anniversary William Morrison for his efforts to Excess debt delays retirement for many Borrowing by older workers defined by borrowing. Before 1950, no one had heard of a credit card. Now increased during the 1990s there are five active credit cards for MANY WORKERS NEAR retirement every man, woman, and child in the are so far in debt they can’t afford to country, racking up more than a trillion stop working. Credit counselors say dollars a year in charges. that more older workers are seeking Workers who reach 50 with little or their help to lower runaway debt than no savings may try to make up for their ever before. It’s no surprise. poor planning with risky investments. The Federal Reserve Board’s Survey They’re ripe for con artists, but they can of Consumer Finances shows that lose their life savings making legiti- households headed by 55-to-64-year- mate investments, too. The stock mar- olds spent 13 percent of their income on ket boom of the late 1990s drew in debt payments in 1998, compared to many new investors who did not only nine percent a decade earlier. understand the risks and lost huge sums when the market crashed in 2000. They increased debt in every area — WALTER AND VERA HARRISON to Local 744 (Cleveland, Ohio) in 1957, consumer loans, credit cards, mort- Another risky venture is a home- equity “loan consolidation.” You use will celebrate their 66th wedding and retired in 1979. He and his wife still gages, and home equity loans. anniversary on June 30, 2002. Walter, keep in touch with Local 744, and are The National Institute on Aging’s your house as collateral and take out a large loan which you use to pay off 89, joined Local 132 (Galveston, Texas) regular attendees of the local’s annual Health and Retirement Study shows in 1942. He transferred his membership dinner dance. ❑ that one out of seven 64-year-olds has a your credit cards. The problem is that negative net worth. In other words, you still owe the money, you still have they owe more than they own. your credit cards so you can borrow Keep your papers organized Several factors caused the increased even more money, and if you fall debt among older workers. behind on a home equity loan, you L-582 member designs wide, a three-year calendar, a section Couples are having children later in could lose your house. for notes, and a section to record life, resulting in education and wed- If you find yourself deep in debt and ‘Boilermaker Organizer’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. ding expenses when they’re in their 50s nearing retirement, don’t panic. Look Moore, a 29-year member, first cre- and 60s. The easy credit of the 1990s in your phone book for a nonprofit JERRY MOORE, a member of L-582, Baton Rouge, La., has designed a book ated the organizer in 1994 as a way of convinced many workers to refinance credit counselor. These agencies work keeping accurate records for taxes, their homes and take out the cash. And with you and your creditors to help intended to help construction members keep records of their jobs. The “Boiler- hours worked, benefits, mileage, and unlike their parents, who saw the you pay off your debts. They can some- his nuclear security five-year back- shortages of the Great Depression and times get creditors to lower their inter- maker Organizer” includes a daily time log and sections to record job informa- ground check. the rationing of World War II, the baby est rates, even forgive some of your For more information, write to the debt, and they charge little or nothing tion, wages and benefits, and mileage boom generation grew up in a world following address: for their service. ❑ and expenses. The book also features phone num- Jerry Moore bers for the MOST, health & welfare, 29912 S Palmetto #1 Board lifts some limits on and construction local offices nation- Walker, LA 70785 Health & Welfare benefits Medicare HMOs misinform IN JANUARY, the Board of Trustees of Treatment for your dependent the Boilermakers National Health and child’s congenital anomalies is now callers about switching plans Welfare Fund lifted some limitations to covered by the plan, even if you After June 30, participants rest of the year. In the past, Medicare receiving benefits for all active and weren’t participating in the plan when allowed patients to switch programs retired Boilermakers eligible for health your child was born. will be ‘locked in’ for 2002 on a monthly basis. care benefits under this fund. Likewise, stroke and trauma victims “People enrolled or considering The announcement ended limita- can get benefits for speech therapy to A NEW STUDY by the Medicare enrolling in Medicare HMOs in 2002 tions that require an accident, illness, or correct impairments caused by the Rights Center (MRC), shows that 80 percent of Medicare HMOs are provid- need to know they can only switch out other condition or event to occur while stroke or trauma, whether they were of their HMO once in the first half of the you are covered by the plan. covered by the plan when the incident ing older and disabled Americans with inaccurate information regarding year. Beginning in July, they can’t get Participants can now receive care for occurred or not. out of the HMOs at all — even if their the repair of disfigurement (including The only limitation in all of these Medicare’s new “lock-in” rules. Under the new rules, people with doctors leave their HMOs, their HMOs injury to natural teeth) resulting from cases is that you must be covered by the no longer cover their medications, or an accident, even if the accident plan when your expenses for these con- Medicare will only be allowed to make one health plan change from January they . . . need to relocate temporarily,” occurred while you were not eligible ditions occur. explained Diane Archer, MRC presi- for the plan. However, the expenses Please direct questions to the Admin- through June 2002, and after June 30 ❑ they will be locked into whatever plan dent. She criticized the lock-in rule for must be incurred while you are cov- istrative Office at 913 342-6555. doing away with continuity of care.❑ ered by the plan. they are enrolled in at that time for the http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 17 LOCAL NEWS Members earn service pins Two long-term NTL members receive Boilermaker watches

THESE MEMBERS OF LOCAL D579, Lantz, NS, Canada, are receiving their 20-year pins. Local 1, Chicago, Ill., pins for continuous years of member- presents membership pins ship to the following: 60 Years— Charles Flaishans Jr.; 55 Years—Colby JOHN SKERMONT, BM-ST of Local 1, C. Crippen, Charles Flaishans Jr., James Chicago, Ill., reports presentation of pins C. Roberts; 50 Years—Joe Audia, Carl William Henni, Charles Flaishans Jr., for continuous years of membership to THIRTY-SEVEN YEARmember Bobby THIRTY-THREE YEAR member James the following: 60 Years—Louis W. Benz, Roy McElvany, William J. Pollock, Clayton, at left, receives a Boilermaker DeVries, at left, receives a Boilermaker Daniel Raggio; 55 Years—Daniel Rag- Donald L. Rabach, Carl R. Renfroe; 35 watch from NTL Sec.-Treas. Wil Hinojosa. watch from NTL Sec.-Treas. Wil Hinojosa. gio; 45 Years—John J. Burns, Richard Years—Paul W. Booth, Bobby G. Grigg, Hoigard, Donald Rutherford; 40 Sherman B. Hardwick, Dennis Hoskin, National Transient Lodge members Clayton and DeVries Years—John J. Burns, James Patterson, Harry H. Kravako, William L’Heureux, James Sullivan; 35 Years—Ted Smigiel- James Tedlock Jr.; 30 Years—Ronald B. together represent over 70 years of union membership Ball, Paul W. Booth, William C. Dodge, ski; 30 Years—Jack Stoner; and 25 NTL SEC.-TREAS. Wil Hinojosa has years) and James DeVries (33 years), as Years—James Carpenter, David Dicker- Ronald J. Ivey, Thomas F. Jenerou, presented two Boilermaker watches to a small token of appreciation for their son, William Feeney, William Franken- Everett B. May, William J. Raredon, bach, Raymond Garcia, Michael Michael J. Skewis, Rodney P. Van NTL members Bobby Clayton (37 many years of dedicated service. ❑ Gonzalez, Paul Gurgone, William Har- Brocklin; and 25 Years—James Denk- ris Jr., Howard Johnson, Raymond ins, John P. Donohue, Patrick Ellis, Three generations of the Dupuis Lewis, Kenneth Maloney, Patrick Larry Godfrey, Arthur Gould, Gregory Nolan, Phillip Owens Jr., Michael Ryan A. Hall, Keith R. Herwick, Anthony N. family are Local 237 members Jr., Eddie Sanks, Thomas Schremp, Jacobs, Marc E. Johns, Irvin L. Klein, Abdul Aleem Sharif, Daniel Spano, Robert Kuznicki, Lawrence Louzon Jr., Robert Stewart, and Antonio Uribe. William Rabach, Anthony Rose, Michael St. Louis, Robert Spears, Larry Local 60, Peoria, Ill., Stockwell, James C. Vago, Michael presents membership pins Weglarz, K. M. Wellnitz. MICHAEL WOOD, BM-ST of Local 60, Local 374, Hammond, Ind., Peoria, Ill., reports presentation of pins presents membership pins for continuous years of membership to the following: 60 Years —George CHARLES H. VANOVER, BM-ST of Green; 55 Years—Vernon Hackman;45 Local 374, Hammond, Ind., reports Years—Lydell Karrick, Earl Main, presentation of pins for continuous years of membership to the following: Elbert Moreland, Victor Wood; 40 IN DECEMBER 2001, Jason Dupuis was sworn in as a member of the Boilermak- Years—John Moss; 35 Years—James 50 Years—Raymond J. Arsenault, James A. Rossi Sr., James L. Shaw, Mike ers union, becoming a third-generation member of Local 237, Hartford, Conn. Chavez, Richard Clark, Robert Cun- Jason’s father, David Dupuis, coordinator of the Northeast Area Apprentice- ningham, Lathaniel Fleming, Randel Yurkovich; 45 Years—John Jurkash, Gerald J. VonAlmen; 35 Years— ship Committee, is a former Local 237 business manager. Jason’s grandfather, Garrels, Francis Kirby, Harold Magnu- Edward Dupuis, once served as president of Local 237. son, James Poshard, William Sack, Michael J. Austin, William E. Carter, Richard Smith, Paul Thatcher, John Michael P. Clifft, Paul F. Davis Jr., Julius Pictured, l. to r., are Edward, David, and Jason Dupuis, L-237 BM Anthony DeFrancesco Jr., and L-237 President Mark Pinard.❑ Yusko; 30 Years— Gary Bauer, Larry H. James, Jack M. Lamont, Richard Bridges, Bruce Brown, Ronald Opiola, Charles L. Patton, David A. Bushong, Richard Davis, James Down- Schoettlin, Earl D. Schwartz, Murl D. St Germain, Frank Scott; 25 Years— years of membership to the following: ing, John Ganson, William Grayson, Schwartz, Raymond L. Smith, Walter Charlie Bristow, Steve Cantrell, Mike Kevin Ashley, Bruce Carroll, Stephen Michael Gualandi, Philip Hasty, Talandis Jr., Ralph D. Wade, George W. Cheatum, Don Duncan, Mike Willert, Edgett, John Hines, Norman Hines, William Jones, Rodney Lochbaum, White; 30 Years—Harry T. Bingham, Harlan Witherspoon; and 15 Years— Perry Hines, Charles Isenor, Daniel Kenneth Lusk, Tom Naughton, Rodger D. Burnett, John E. Cole, Jimmy Frank George Jr. Isenor, Dwayne Isenor, Hugh Isenor, Michael Noel, Alfred Phillips, Donald J. Colbert, Joseph K. Crook, Michael H. John Isenor, Martin Isenor, Monson Raineri, Alan Rodda, Eugene Shep- Elder, Roger W. Flamion, David L. Gar- Local D579, Nova Scotia, Isenor, Phillip Isenor, Vaughn Isenor, herd, John Williams, Michael Wood, ner Jr., Terry L. Gillem, Joseph W. presents membership pins Victor Isenor, Gary McNeil, Keith Victor Wood; 25 Years—Mark Huddle- Hagedorn, Larry K. Hauger, Terry V. Myers, Kenneth Myers, Barry Preeper, ston, Wayne Inman, William Laicoff, Jones, Felix I. Maldonado, Stephen L. RAYMOND BLACK, sec.-treas. of Laurie Preeper, Richard Preeper, Paul Thomas Miskel, Carl Peter, David Rein, Plowman, Michael D. Roberts, Leonard Local D579, Lantz, NS, Canada, reports Ross, James Sherman, James Singer, Joseph Wolschlag; and 20 Years— Traskell, Robert S. VanZant, Lee R. presentation of pins for 20 continuous Robert Weagle, and Barry Whidden.❑ Bradley Jarvis, Daniel Jarvis, and Ran- Welche; 25 Years—Ralph E. Alvey Jr., dall Jarvis. Darryl K. Bartochowski, Mark A. Fos- ter, John M. Giovingo, Craig A. Holley, Local 151, Erie, Pa., Ronald D. Hoover, Patrick F. Hynes, New scholarship for welders presents membership pins Robert M. Peelman, Randell J. Romig, Orville Smith, Ralph D. Socci, Allen M. THE KILIAN FELIX CONLON mously, along with the gold cord rec- CHARLES GOODMAN, president of Wood, Gary P. Zuchowski; and 20 Memorial Scholarship Endowment — ognizing Conlon as a Magna Cum Local 151, Erie, Pa., reports presenta- Years—Gerald A. Bradley, Robert A. The Young Welders Fund — has been Laude graduate. tion of pins for continuous years of Flamion, William C. Grambo, James E. established with the West Virginia The scholarship will provide tuition, membership to the following: 35 Grunhard, Phyllis A. Hale, Tommy University at Parkersburg to honor the books, fees, and transportation (if neces- Years—Mike Porter; 30 Years—Frank Lane, William J. Lopez, Daniel M. Local 667 apprentice killed in a motor- sary) to students who attend WVU- Baganski, Manual Costa, Gary John- Lynn, Terry L. Marchand, John L. cycle/truck accident on Nov. 1, 2001. Parkersburg. Applicants should meet a stone, Bill Kane, Gary Mazzocco, John Nolen, Guillermo Romo, Ernest Created by Conlon’s parents, majority of the following criteria: 1. Ochrang, Marc Posterli, Charles Schar- Secuskie, Nick Vojvodich, Jason D. $6,400 of the initial $10,000 scholar- majoring in welding or industrial main- rer, Terry Shamp, Wendell Watters; 25 Vuletich, Terry Weaver, and Dennis R. ship funding came from family, tenance; 2. resident in Wetzel, Tyler, or Years—James Blevins, Rick McCurdy, Whitham. friends, co-workers, and members of contiguous counties; 3. ability to James Young; and 15 Years—Mel Local 667, Charleston, W.Va. demonstrate financial need; and 4. the Bergstorm, Ron Fortney, John Fortsch, Local 531, Amarillo, Texas, According to his mother, Conlon first in their families to attend college. Jeff Frum, Richard Riesdorph, Ed presents membership pins loved to weld, and hoped to become Students interested in applying for Unger, and Russ Wade. a top-notch, certified welder. He the scholarship should contact their GARY ADAMS, BM-ST of Local 531, worked full-time as a Local 667 high school counselors or the univer- Local 169, Detroit, Mich., Amarillo, Texas, reports presentation Boilermaker apprentice, and traveled sity at 304 424-8340. Contributions presents membership pins of pins for continuous years of mem- 128 miles round trip, two to four can be sent to the Kilian Felix Conlon bership to the following: 35 Years— days a week, to earn his Associates Memorial Scholarship Endowment at JOHN A. MAREK, BM-ST of Local 169, Johnny Hall, Ronnie Hall; 30 Degree in Applied Science. His par- WVU-Parkersburg, 300 Campus Dr., Detroit, Mich., reports presentation of Years—John Felkner, Lloyd Pool, Ken ents received his degree posthu- Parkersburg, WV 26101. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 18 Mar • Apr 2002 SETTLEMENTSSETTLEMENTS New Contract Summaries A brief listing of recent agreements signed and ratified by Boilermaker local lodges

DNCL — St. Louis, MO tion, effective Dec. 1, 2001 104 members who repair tioner warehouse for Three to Nov. 30, 2004, for eight ships at the Foss Shipyard; States Supply Co . CAREY ALLEN , working direc- Local 27 members who effective June 18, 2001 to Negotiation Teams tor of the CLGAW Division, perform field maintenance July 1, 2004, for 60 Local D351 — Stoneport, MI reports contract ratifica- service for the Nooter 104 members who build You don’t get what you deserve . . . INTL. REP. MARK KELLY tion, effective Jan. 14, 2002 Construction Company. and repair ships at Marco to Jan. 14, 2007, for nine reports contract ratifica- . . . you get what you negotiate Seattle; effective Oct. 11, tion, effective Oct. 16, 2001 members of the National D37 — Seattle, WA 2001 to Nov. 1, 2002, for to Oct. 15, 2005, for 126 EVERY SIGNED CONTRACT is the result of many long Cement Lodge who make one Local 104 member who INTL. REP. MICHAEL ATCHISON members of Local D351, hours of work by the team of local lodge members Portland Cement at Lafarge performs welding repair in Waukegan, Ill. reports contract ratifica- Stoneport, Mich., who pro- entrusted to negotiate with the company. Pictured here tion, effective Nov. 1, 2001 work at New Way Forming, duce crushed lime stone at are some of those negotiating teams. Inc.; and effective June 26, D6 — Buffalo, IA to Oct. 31, 2005, for five the Presque Isle Corp. members of Local D37, 2001 to July 1, 2004, for 15 Local 104 members who CAREY ALLEN , working direc- Seattle, Wash., who work D374 — Grantsville, UT tor of the CLGAW Division, at Lafarge of Canada. repair ships at Pacific reports contract ratification, Fisherman, Inc. INTL. REP. MICHAEL ATCHISON effective Nov. 1, 2001 to Oct. L-45— Richmond, VA reports contract ratifica- 31, 2005, for 79 members of L-112 — Mobile, AL tion, effective Oct. 1, 1999 Local D6, Buffalo, Iowa, M. FRANK HARTSOE , BM-ST to Sept. 30, 2002, for 14 of Local 45, Richmond, Va., INTL. R EP . DENNIS KING members of Local D374, who make Portland cement reports contract ratifica- at Lafarge. reports contract ratifica- Grantsville, Utah, who tion, effective Dec. 3, 2001 tion, effective June 16, 2001 work at Chemical Lime. to June 15, 2004, for 15 S7— Belleville, IL to Dec. 2, 2003, for 26 Local NEGOTIATING A FOUR-YEAR agreement for Local 45 members who produce members of Local 112, D387 — Picton, ON Mobile, Ala., who make D6 members at Lafarge in Buffalo, Iowa, are, INTL. REP. JAMES PRESSLEY ASME tanks, vessels, and INTL. REP. S TAN PETRONSKI kneeling, l. to r., Dick Jackson, Chuck Hopwood, reports contract ratifica- exchangers for Adamson barrels at the Greif tion, effective Jan. 15, 2002 Brothers Corporation, and reports contract ratification, and Michael Heaton; standing, l. to r., Dan Kemp, Global Technologies. effective Dec. 1, 2001 to Nov. Robert Lytle, IR Carey Allen, Denis Roese, Hans to Jan. 14, 2005, for 153 effective June 1, 2001 to Schrama, Jan Baker, and Alain Pfaff. members of Local S7, L-72— Portland, OR March 1, 2002, for 60 L-112 30, 2005, for 133 members of Belleville, Ill., who produce members who work at Local D387, Picton, Ontario, and maintain fireplace and MEMBERS OF LOCAL 72, Mitternight Boiler Works. Canada, who work in the space heaters at Empire Portland, Ore., have ratified cement plant at Essroc Comfort Systems, Inc. a contract, effective Oct. 1, L-146 — Edmonton, AB Canada, Inc. (See supporting 2001 to Sept. 30, 2004, for article on page 19.) 20 members who work in DEAN MILTON, BM-ST of M10 — Milwaukee, WI Local 146, Edmonton, AB, the fabrication shop repair- D400 — Vancouver, BC INTL. REP . DAVID LAWRENCE ing pressure vessels for Canada, reports contract ratification, effective Sept. ROB LAUZON, BM-ST of reports contract ratification, C.H. Murphy/Clark Ullman. effective Nov. 1, 2001 to Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 31, 2004, for District Lodge D11, 31, 2004, for 12 members of L-83 — Kansas City, MO 27 Local 146 members who reports contract ratifica- Local M10, Milwaukee, Wis., perform fabrication work at tion, effective Sept. 1, NEGOTIATING A THREE-YEAR agreement for mem- who make beer taps for the JOHN SEWARD of Local 83, Alberta Exchanger Ltd. 2001 to Aug. 31, 2003, for bers of Local 112 at Greif Brothers Corp., are, l. to r., Perlick Corp. Kansas City, Mo., reports 27 members of Local Marcus Wilson, Janice Williams, and Larry Crooms. contract ratification, effec- L-158 — Peoria, IL D400, Vancouver, British M13 — St. Louis, MO tive Nov. 15, 2001 to Nov. Columbia, Canada, who 14, 2004, for 18 Local 83 INTL. REP . HOWARD COLE fabricate farm equipment reports contract ratifica- PATRICIA THOMAS, bus. mgr. members who make insu- at Artex Fabricators, Ltd. of Local M13, St. Louis, lating products at Thermal tion, effective Feb. 17, 2002 to Feb. 14, 2004, for six Mo., reports contract ratifi- Ceramics. L-483 — Alton, IL cation, effective Feb. 17, members of Local 158, 2002 to Feb. 17, 2005, for six L-104 — Seattle, WA Peoria, Ill., who maintain INTL. REP . J AMES PRESSLEY Local M13 members who equipment to produce rail- reports contract ratifica- perform chrome plating GARY POWERS, business rep- road track at Teleweld, Inc. tion, effective Feb. 6, 2002 and polishing of diversified resentative for Local 104, to Feb. 6, 2005, for 25 mem- materials at the St. Louis Seattle, Wash., reports S185 — Belleville, IL bers of Local 483, Alton, Ill., NEGOTIATING A NINE-MONTH agreement for Plating Company. contract ratification, effec- who produce chemicals for tive June 18, 2001 to July 1, INTL. REP . JAMES PRESSLEY Willert Home Products. Local 112 members at Mitternight Boiler Works, reports contract ratifica- are, pictured above, l. to r., L-112 BM-ST Danny L-27 — St. Louis, MO 2004, for 45 Local 104 mem- Phillips, shop steward Jim Lough (standing), bers who repair ships at tion, effective Jan. 6, 2002 L-486 — Litchfield, IL to Jan. 5, 2005, for eight Mitternight CEO Norbert Long, and Intl. Rep. DONALD LINK , BM-ST of the Duwamish Shipyard; INTL. REP . J AMES PRESSLEY Dennis King. Pictured below are, l. to r., committee Local 27, St. Louis, Mo., effective July 1, 2001 to members of Local S185, Belleville, Ill., who work in reports contract ratifica- members Kenn Crenshaw, Mitternight Pres. Walter reports contract ratifica- July 1, 2004, for 45 Local McRae, and Wayne Lacey. a plumbing and air condi- Continued on page 19 NLRB approves Avondale settlement Shipyard rehires 54 workers, pays $2.15 million Avondale to pay back the U.S. Navy more than $5.4 million in in back pay to employees fired illegally legal fees related to the case, WINNING ANOTHER IN a tion for the next six years, commit- remove all records of anti-union string of victories, 54 Avondale ting numerous illegal acts. disciplinary actions from the Industries shipyard workers in The workers’ fortunes turned in employment files of 12 other New Orleans are back on the job 1999, when Litton Industries pur- workers, and compensate all of the following successful negotiations chased the shipyard and recog- workers — those who lost their in December. The workers had nized the union. jobs as well as those who were dis- been fired for union activities dur- In the spring of 2000, Avondale ciplined — for lost pay, benefits, ing a long organizing drive. agreed to pay a $357,750 OSHA and seniority. The National Labor Relations penalty for safety violations The judge also ordered the ship- Board approved a settlement uncovered by Boilermaker Safety yard to pay all legal costs incurred between the New Orleans Metal & Health Specialist Milan Racic by the labor board and the Metal Trades Council and Northrop during the organizing campaign. Trades Council, from 1994, when Grumman, which now owns the More important for the workers, the AFL-CIO affiliate first filed shipyard. The agreement rein- they agreed to revise the safety unfair labor practice charges states the 54 workers with full back and health program that had been against the shipyard. pay, totalling $2.15 million. created by the former owners. Members of Boilermaker Local NEGOTIATING A THREE-YEAR contract for Local 1247 In 1993, workers at three Avon- In July 2001, an administrative 1814, New Orleans, make up a members at Finkl Forge, are, l. to r, seated, Vice Pres. dale locations — New Orleans, law judge ordered the shipyard to significant portion of the 4,200 James Green, Pres. Wendell Baumstark, and stand- La., Gulfport, Miss., and Tallulah, reinstate 22 workers who were Avondale shipyard workers rep- ing, Chris Cairns, Michael Tornow, Thedford Daniels, La. — voted for union representa- fired illegally between 1994 and resented by the New Orleans and James Bishop. Photo by IR Howard Cole. tion. But Avondale fought the elec- 1997. His order also required Metal Trades Council. ❑

http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 19 SETTLEMENTSSETTLEMENTS Add CAF check-off to your next contract A few pennies a day add up the only way our union can make these contributions is if our members donate to a significant contribution money to and raise money for CAF. ONE OF THE BEST ways to become Many lodges collect donations from an active political force on behalf of members or have fund-raising activi- workers is to donate to the Boilermak- ties, but the ones that consistently raise ers Campaign Assistance Fund (CAF). significant sums for CAF all have a CAF is the fund we use to make check-off clause in their contracts. financial contributions to the cam- paigns of candidates who support us CAF donations are voluntary on the issues our members tell us are WITH A CHECK-OFF clause, those NEGOTIATING A FOUR-YEAR CONTRACTfor members of Local Lodge D387, most important to them. members who choose to donate to CAF Picton, Ontario, Canada, at Essroc, are, l. to r., Dale Welsh, Don Clegg, Wes Unions are not allowed to use dues can have a small amount deducted Bardy, Douglas Pitt, Tom Wells, Intl. Rep. Stan Petronski, and Philip Williams. money to support candidates for fed- from each paycheck for that purpose. eral office. We must create a Political Even small donations add up quickly. Action Committee (PAC) which is Donating only two cents-per-hour funded entirely by money voluntarily worked, for example, adds up to over Local D387 wins in donated by members, staff, and the $40 a year for the average member. families of members. CAF is the Boiler- You’d never even notice that 80 cents makers PAC. double jeopardy or so coming out of your paycheck Candidates who support workers each week. Yet if 50,000 members con- Members stop decertification attempt by a vote of rarely have as much money for their tributed two cents-per 103-3, then negotiate and ratify improved contract campaigns as candi- hour-worked, CAF dates who support Donations to CAF are would have over $4 mil- MEMBERS OF LOCAL D387, Picton, union’s position at the bargaining large corporations. In lion for each federal the 2000 elections, busi- entirely voluntary — the Ontario, Canada, got a double wham- table, the decertification petition election to support can- my last fall when their contract with strengthened it by demonstrating to nesses outspent work- check-off provision just didates who will work ers 15 to 1. We expect Essroc Canada, Inc., came up for rene- the company the workers’ solidarity. makes it easier to do. for our issues. gotiation. Before they could negotiate The lodge’s leadership, and the way them them to outspend Donations to CAF us 18 to 1 this year. the agreement, they had to fend off a the members stood together and solid- are always voluntary. Workers will never be able to give decertification attempt. ified their position in the Brotherhood, The check-off clause just makes it eas- Just as negotiations began, a hand- impressed Intl. Vice Pres. Jim our candidates as much as corpora- ier to donate. All you have to do is fill tions and the wealthy give theirs, but ful of D387 members filed a decertifi- Hickenbotham. He said, “I am proud out a form, and a specified amount cation petition with the Ontario labour of Bardy and the entire executive we must do our part to make sure they will be deducted from each paycheck. can buy at least a few advertisements relations board. The board determined board for uniting the membership.” Most companies have their own the petition warranted an election. Intl. Rep. Stan Petronski praised the on television each week, or they will PAC that collects contributions from have no chance at all of being elected. Local D387 President Wes Bardy negotiating committee for their excel- management. Our members deserve worried that the decert election would lent work. “Each and every one of the Every penny we put into the cam- the same opportunity to support the paign of a candidate who supports our weaken their position at the bargain- bargaining committee members deliv- candidates of their choice. ing table and possibly destroy the ered the membership’s wishes at the agenda is a penny well spent. Politi- The Boilermakers legislative depart- cians always remember who helped union’s presence at the plant. But table. They were truly remarkable.” ment has model language for contract those worries came to a quick halt. With both the decertification and them get elected. check-off clauses. Contact them at Supporting a candidate with a finan- In November, the members voted negotiations behind them, Bardy said, (703) 560-1493. Help your members overwhelmingly — 103 to 3 — to “Now we can concentrate on the cial donation as well as our grassroots take advantage of this painless, effi- efforts creates a strong relationship. And remain members of the Boilermakers membership and make improvements cient way to contribute to CAF. ❑ union. Instead of weakening the for the future of this Brotherhood.” ❑

New contract summaries A summary analysis of these contract settlements Continued from page 18 L-1247 — Chicago, IL Prepared by the Research and INTL. REP . HOWARD COLE tributions are $1.29 for the accident indemnity. Of these, vide a one-week paid vaca- tion, effective Oct. 15, 2001 Collective Bargaining first year, $1.33 the second 22 pay a set dollar amount tion. Thirty-three agreements to Oct. 15, 2004, for 39 reports contract ratifica- Department of the International year, and $1.37 in the third ranging from $110 to $450 provide a two-week and members of Local 486, tion, effective Nov. 22, 2001 Brotherhood of Boilermakers year. One facility contributes per week. The average rate three-week paid vacation. Litchfield, Ill., who make to Nov. 23, 2004, for 70 a percentage, not enough for for the first year is $280.18. Thirty-one agreements pro- farm equipment for members of Local 1247, THIS ANALYSIS of the 34 an average. Of the remaining agree- vide a four-week paid vaca- Worksaver, Inc. Chicago, Ill., who make agreements outlined on Fifteen facilities offer a ments, five provide a per- tion, 15 agreements provide a large commercial forgings pages 18-19, is based on 401(k), 11 also have compa- centage of the employee’s five-week paid vacation, and L-677 — Kingston, PA at Finkl Forge. information provided in the ny-sponsored plans. Three weekly earnings as the ben- four provide a six-week paid Contract Summary and facilities participate in a efit. The most common dura- vacation. Of these agree- Transmittal Report forms, and INTL. REP. ROCCO DEROLLO L-1667 — Marion, OH profit sharing program, and tion of time off is 26 weeks ments, 11 provide vacation reports contract ratifica- covers approximately 2,091 one pays into a local lodge found in 17 agreements. pay based on a percentage of INTL. REP . RON LYON reports employees. pension plan. In Canada, earnings. One agreement tion, effective Jan. 13, 2002 Life Insurance/AD&D to Jan.12, 2003, for mem- contract ratification, effec- Wage Increases three facilities participate in contributes to a vacation tive Jan. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, the Registered Retired THIRTY-THREEagreements fund for their employees. bers of Local 677, Kingston, TWENTY-FOUR facilities Savings Plan, which is simi- provide life insurance. In 27 Pa., who work at the R&H 2006, for 170 members of received pay increases in Paid Holidays Local 1667, Marion, Ohio, lar to Individual Retirement of the agreements, there is a Mfg. Co. 2001, averaging $0.66 per set dollar amount ranging ALL OF THE agreements who work at Sypris Accounts (IRAs) found in hour or 2.50 percent. Twenty- the U.S. from $5,000 to $41,000. The provide for paid holidays.The L-802 — Chester, PA Technologies (formerly seven facilities will receive average benefit for the first number of paid holidays known as the Dana Corp.). pay increases in 2002, aver- Shift Differential year is $18,629.63. The ranges from eight to 13. The INTL. REP . ROCCO D EROLLO aging $0.55 per hour or 2.45 TWENTY-EIGHTagreements remaining agreements multi- average is 10.38 days. reports contract ratifica- L-1916 — Frankfort, NY percent. Twenty-seven facili- report a second-shift premi- ply wages by 2080 hours for tion, effective Jan. 1, ties will receive pay increas- um, of which 27 have a cents- the benefit amount, or pay Other Provisions INTL. REP . ROCCO DEROLLO 2002 to Dec. 31, 2004, for es in 2003, averaging $0.49 per-hour premium ranging equal to the annual salary. THIRTY-THREE agreements 40 members of Local 802, reports contract ratifica- per hour or 2.74 percent. from $0.10 to $1.00. The aver- Twenty-six agreements providefuneral leave. Paid Chester, Pa., who work tion, effective July 1, 2001 Twelve facilities will receive age is $0.40 per hour. The provide Accidental Death and leave for jury dutyis found in at Horizon Stevedoring, to June 30, 2004, for mem- pay increases in 2004, aver- remaining agreement pro- Dismemberment (AD&D) 31 agreements. Union leave bers of Local 1916, aging $0.46 per hour or 2.82 vides a percentage of pay as insurance. In 22 of the agree- language is found in 16 Inc., and effective April percent. One reported wage 1, 2002 to March 31, 2004, Frankfort, N.Y., who work the premium. ments, there is a set dollar agreements. Seventeen at Union Tools Co. increases in 2005 and 2006, Twenty-eight agreements amount ranging from $5,000 agreements provide all or for L-802 members who not enough for an average. have a third-shift premium, of to $41,000. The average bene- partial reimbursement for work at Penn Terminals. L-2000 — Chester, PA Pension which 27 provide a cents- fit for the first year is the purchase of safety per-hour premium ranging $17,068.18. The remaining shoes, and 23 provide for L-1086 — Cleveland PHILLIP EVANS , BM-ST of ALL FACILITIES participate in from $0.15 to $1.00. The aver- agreements multiply wages prescription safety glasses. Local 2000, Chester, Pa., some type of pension pro- age is $0.46 per hour. The by 2080 hours for the benefit Seven agreements provide a INTL. REP. R ON LYON reports gram. Fifteen facilities partici- severance payment a three-year contract reports contract ratifica- remaining agreement pro- amount, or pay equal to the tion, effective Oct. 17, 2001 pate in the Boilermaker- vides a percentage of pay as annual salary. package, and eight extension, lengthening the Blacksmith National Pension to Oct. 16, 2004, for 11 the premium. agreements provide paid contract to June 15, 2006, Trust. Their contributions Vacation leave for those persons who for members of Local 1086, Local 2000 members who range from $0.25 to $2.20 per Sickness &Accident ALL OF THE agreements have spend two weeks at military Cleveland, Ohio, who work blast and paint steel at hour for the first year. THIRTY AGREEMENTS pro- a vacation policy. Twenty- encampmenteach year. at Drop Die(formerly Prime Plate Ind., Inc. Average cents-per-hour con- vide weekly sickness and eight of the agreements pro- known as Wyman-Gordon). http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 20 Mar • Apr 2002 A LOOK AT THE PAST L-359’s history shows ability to adapt

IN 1892, WORKERS USE horses to deliver this scotch marine boiler for the S.S. Joan, built by Boilermakers at the Albion Iron Works in Victoria, British Columbia.

IN THE 1960S, LOCAL 359 members place a top on a digester in Prince George. Chartered in 1946, Local 359 members add to the strong Boilermaker base already established in Canada LOCAL LODGE 359 of the the membership of Local 191 of the Boilermakers may be one of the first boilermakers swelled to 14,000 mem- locals to open an archive room to mem- bers with a closed shop agreement. It bers. It’s named for Don J. Vinoly, the was the largest local union in Canada. longest standing business manager of The chartering of Vancouver Local the lodge. Business Rep. Bob Banish 359 coincided with the major boiler job has arranged to have archival photos at the B.C. Sugar Refinery in 1946. On mounted on one wall and has gathered March 15, Local 359, representing boil- several shelves of albums containing ermakers in construction and contract photos and old documents. Display shops, was issued its charter. The cases carry additional memorabilia. monthly dues were set at $3.25 for The welding and fitting components mechanics and $2.50 for helpers. of the boilermaker trade evolved from Initiation fees were $10 for mechanics IN THE 1970S, LOCAL 359 members assemble the first scroll casing in a Vancouver work done by blacksmiths. The earli- and $7.50 for helpers. A mechanic shop, following its arrival from Japan for the Mica Creek dam in British Columbia. est riggers were sailors and loggers. earned $1.22 per hour. One of the first They were highly skilled in the use of actions of the lodge was to affiliate replaced steam power on the national ings were rendered obsolete by the ropes and blocks and capable of work- with the Building Trades Council. railways. The changeover was reflect- laying of steam lines beneath city ing in the air. The demand for boilermakers ed in the membership of the boiler- streets from a central steam plant. In the late 1890s, industry in the increased again with the announce- makers union. There was a drop of 70 However, steel fabrication plants province was booming. The first local ment of huge construction projects on percent in the railway membership. grew in number between 1950 and union of boilermakers was established the Island and in the Interior. Pulp Big changes were coming to the for- 1975. Boiler shops turned their atten- in Victoria in January 1889. Three mills were springing up all over the est industry as well. The internal com- tion to the fabrication and maintenance months later, a Vancouver local was province and oil refineries were bustion engine became more common of tanks, vessels, and heat exchangers also chartered. expanding. The Alcan Project, creating with the move from the steam donkey that had to be custom built for the mul- The early boilermakers worked in the largest underground powerhouse to the motorized donkey. Huge log- titude of businesses springing up. the logging industry, on industrial in the world at the time, required hun- ging trucks were replacing train trans- The province was again going full machinery, and with the steam engines dreds of boilermakers. port. Even the towboats pulling log bore in the 1960s with the construction and boilers on ships and trains. The post-war period, which brought booms were converting to diesel. of major dams and more pulp mills. In 1919, there were 1,600 (British with it a tremendous increase in the Electric power was taking over steam During the early 1960s, the lodge Columbia) members in the boilermak- size of objects to be lifted, resulted in power in the sawmills as well. developed fitters and riggers exams. ers’ union. It was the largest union in an increased demand for riggers. In the 1960s, central heating was The first class graduated in 1965. the province. With the growth of the Technology had a major impact on introduced in downtown Vancouver. In 1963, the lodge developed a pre- shipbuilding industry during WWII, the trade in the 1950s. Diesel power Boiler rooms in the city’s largest build- apprenticeship training system. This was also the year organizers were suc- cessful in signing up workers in the fabricating industry. Excerpts from the Boilermaker History During the mid-1960s, benefits beyond hourly rates were added: Railroad workers were taken out of the statutory holiday pay, vacation pay, a The Railroad Retirement Act Social Security system and union offi- pension plan, and an apprenticeship- cials were made eligible. EARLY ISSUES of the Boilermaker Jour- on its fairness and practicality, and training fund. President Roosevelt signed both the By the mid-1980s, the economy in nalmentioned Boilermakers who still passed by the Senate on June 14, 1934. Retirement Insurance and the Tax Bill worked at the trade in their 70s and President Roosevelt signed the final the province was slowing down. on August 29, 1935, and the railroads Then-Premier Bill Bennett declared sometimes even in their 80s. These version on June 27. It set retirement promptly fought it and won again. tough old Boilermakers were justly guidelines and required joint contribu- Expo ’86 an open site. This policy and At this point President Roosevelt other anti-union legislation had a proud of their staying power, but in all tions of four percent of payrolls from himself stepped in. He suggested both likelihood they kept working because railroads and two percent from tremendous impact on the construc- sides try to negotiate a compromise tion trades and the labour movement they couldn’t afford to quit. employees. Railroad companies while the brotherhoods’ appeal of Jus- Several railroads had pensions, but promptly attacked it as unconstitu- in general. Rights lost during this peri- tice Bailey’s order was pending, and od are still being fought for today. there was no assurance they would be tional, and the Supreme Court agreed. Roosevelt’s massive re-election victory there when needed. Many retiring In May 1935 it ruled that the law was Because of the nature of boilermaker in November 1936 lent added author- work (highly skilled, short term, and employees found out the hard way, outside Congress’ power to regulate ity to his suggestions. when their railroads went bankrupt. interstate commerce. working with large numbers of They started negotiating in January employers throughout the province), The Boilermakers wanted some- Wagner tried again in 1935 with a 1937, and by June 24 of that year they thing better. bill revised to meet the court’s objec- Local 359 has been able to retain over had struck a deal. Congress passed the 90 percent of the market share. ❑ Sen. Wagner introduced the first tions. This one called for payment of bill, and for the first time in history, pension bill to Congress in 1932. It was annuities directly to retired railroad railroad Boilermakers had a pension. Source: Tradetalk, a publication of the drafted with the help of the Railway workers by the federal government. British Columbia & Yukon Territory Building To this day, our members in the rail- & Construction Trades Council. Adapted from Labor Executives’ Association, revised The tax rate ended up being 3.5 percent road division and International staff in 1933 after Wagner chaired hearings for both employers and employees. an article by Leslie Dyson. Photos by Joshua are covered by Railroad Retirement. Berson. Used with permission. http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 21 LOCAL NEWS L-128 completes successful turnaround

LOCAL 128 MEMBERS, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, work over 35,000 man-hours, completing the Imperial Oil Ltd. PART OF THE FALL turnaround at the Imperial Oil Refinery in Fall Catcracker Turnaround on time, within budget, and accident free. The day crew is pictured above. Sarnia included installation of a 135-ton cyclone/plenum. Working over 35,000 regenerator at the Imperial Oil TIW Steel Platework superintend- planned schedule and budgets. We Refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. ents Val Bourgion and Jean Gauthier wish to offer our gratitude to all of man-hours, members Working for TIW Steel Platework, praised the brothers of Local 128 for your members who participated in finish job within budget Local 128 members once again their efforts in both the pre-turn- the successful turnaround.” demonstrated the Boilermaker around assembly work and the cat- Local 128 Bus. Rep. Dale Quinn said NINETY MEMBERS OF Local 128, Advantage by working over 35,000 cracker turnaround. They wrote: “All the fall turnaround included several Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have com- man-hours and completing the job on of the work was carried out without a heavy lifts, including the installation pleted a cyclone change-out on the cat- time, on budget, and accident free. single medical incident, within the of a 135-ton cyclone/plenum. ❑ cracker (catalytic cracking unit) and Yost turns tools of the HMI employees are now trade into a work of art Boilermakers, too

HMI EMPLOYEES USE a crane to move a JLG lift (man lift) onto a floating drydock (anchor chains visible at right). Two shipyards merge to become Pacific Shipyard EMPLOYEES OF HONOLULU Marine, Inc. (HMI), formerly known as the Kewolo Shipyard, became mem- bers of the Boilermakers union on November 13, 2001. The Boilermakers first made contact with HMI employees in October 2000, when John King, BM-ST of Local 204 (Honolulu, Hawaii), and Intl. Rep. John Chapman were working on an organiz- ing campaign at the Marisco shipyard. On December 31, Local 204 consoli- dated with Local 627 (Phoenix, Ariz.). But communication with HMI employ- ees did not stop with that consolidation. With the support of Intl. Vice Pres. HANGIN’ IT UP by Earl S. Yost, a member of Local 667, Charleston, W. Va. Don Lacefield and Local 627 BM-ST Allen Meyers, King and Chapman Welding or painting, L-667 member exhibits artistic flair remained in contact with the HMI employees. When HMI announced its EARL S. YOST, a 31-year member of tured in his print, “Hangin’ It Up.” The merger plans with Honolulu Shipyard, AN HMI EMPLOYEEsandblasts the side Local 667, Charleston, W. Va., is a man lantern was his father’s, the belt came Inc. (HSI), King and Chapman knew of a barge. of many talents. Not only is he an elite from a good friend, and the tools came the time was right to begin their organ- Boilermaker craftsman, but he is an from numerous people. izing campaign. company will be formed — Pacific accomplished artist as well. For more information, or to view Now the HMI employees have union Ship, Inc. — with HMI employees per- Yost believes most people who work other Yost prints, visit the web site forming mostly commercial work and ❑ representation and are looking for- with their hands for a living will recog- listed below. ward to a promising future with HSI. HSI employees working primarily on nize at least one or more of the tools pic- http://www.bluebeepaintings.com Under the merger agreement, a new military contracts. ❑ http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 22 Mar • Apr 2002 IN MEMORIAM

WITH DEEP SORROWthe International Brotherhood records the death of these members as reported to the International 374 Kwiatowski, Zygmunt 663 Dirgo, George G. Secretary-Treasurer’s office, and extends its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families. 374 Suggs, William 667 Huffman, Jollie 395 Mesner, F. W. 667 Snyder, Silvie LOCAL & NAME 27 Breen, Burette 112 Butler Jr., Mathew 455 Fretwell, Kenneth 697 Sherfinski, Hubert NTL Hale, Robert 27 Hubbard, Lester A. 146 Mason, Ernest 483 Edwards, Lester A. 698 Fothergill, Charles NTL Higdon, Walter M. 28 Vinci Jr., John 193 Wagner, Dewey 500 Ivie, Edward 744 Bowles, Charles NTL Sitzes, Ronald 30 Bridges, Floyd M194 Wierzchowicz, Stanley 549 Bradshaw, Vernon 1100 Murphy, James R. 5 Pasqua, Peter 40 Rager, Homer 197 Riviello, Anthony E. 587 Garry, Joe 1100 Puls, Rheinhard H. 6 Antonini, Gelso 72 Jefferson, Raymond C. 199 Hurst, Grady 592 Barfield, Charles 1162 Mastrocola, Dominc 6 Dawson, Philip C. 79 Dempsey, Burnham 290 Volpone, John 600 Thon, Carlyle H. 1509 Medrow, L. A. 10 Lauer, Floyd P. 92 Leader, George 374 Biever, A. J. 656 Hulgan, John M. 1940 Dynko, Michael

DEATH BENEFITS Boilermakers nationwide to miss THE DEATH BENEFIT PLANunder the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust has paid the beneficiaries of the following deceased members who were covered by the plan BNAP instructor Dale Dunham since the last issue of our publication. AUSTIN DALE DUNHAM, 31, a weld- LOCAL, NAME & BENEFIT 29 Monaco, Ralph A. 6,000.00 ing instructor at the Boilermakers Intl. Collier, James M. $6,000.00 30 Brown, Robert L. 6,000.00 National Apprentice Program’s NTL Barton, Ira W. 6,000.00 30 Newcomb, Howard 10,888.54 (BNAP) national training center in NTL Bissey, John W. 6,000.00 30 Sutphin, George A. 6,000.00 Kansas City, Kan., died unexpectedly NTL Bryant, Paul D. 587.50 37 Acosta, Santos D. 6,000.00 on April 6, 2002. NTL Delahoussaye, Phillip 6,000.00 37 Jenkins, Edward W. 6,000.00 “He’d only been an instructor with NTL Hale, Robert L. 6,000.00 37 LeBlanc, Joseph Bruce 6,000.00 us for about three years, but in that time NTL Higdon, Walter M. 6,000.00 37 Loveless, James F. 6,000.00 he earned the respect of every appren- NTL Hogenmiller, Ronne 6,000.00 37 Williams, Wm. F. 6,000.00 tice who went through our program,” NTL Mast, Wayne E. 6,000.00 40 Grant, William F. 6,000.00 said BNAP instructor John Standish. NTL Pyron, Winford A. 6,000.00 40 Smith, Wallace G. 6,000.00 Dale, a third-generation Boilermaker, NTL Roesch, Chester M. 6,000.00 40 Williamson, Kenneth 3,000.00 was a member of Local 531, Amarillo, NTL Wilford, Billy C. 6,000.00 45 Lee, Claude 6,000.00 Texas, a graduate apprentice, and a 1 Bonk, John S. 6,000.00 69 Newell, Edwin E. 6,000.00 member of Wyandotte Masonic Lodge 1 Cooley, Lester 6,000.00 72 Haggblom Sr., George 1,000.00 #3. In 1998, he married Barbara Harn- 1 Klauber, Joseph 6,000.00 72 Hennigan, Fred D. 6,000.00 den, who has worked as office adminis- 1 Kopczynski, Casimir 6,000.00 72 Kriko, Alfones S. 6,000.00 trator for the training center since it Linda Dunham of Cripple Creek, Colo.; 1 Moore, James H. 6,000.00 72 Kuchar, James J. 6,000.00 opened in 1991, and the previous ten father, Darrell Dunham, Canon City, 1 O'Brien, John J. 6,000.00 72 Laurent, Frank J. 6,000.00 years for the Boilermakers’ Health & Colo.; and maternal grandparents, 1 O'Malley, Joseph M. 6,000.00 72 Myers, Harvey J. 6,000.00 Welfare Fund. Their daughter, Claire William and Cleo Adams of Amarillo. 1 Patula, Charles S. 6,000.00 72 Olsen, Rodney E. 4,500.00 Austyn Dunham, was born in 1999. Contributions can be made to his 1 Villicana, Florencio 4,500.00 72 Place, Sam S. 6,000.00 Other survivors include his step- daughter, Claire Austyn Dunham, c/o 5 DeMayo, John J. 6,000.00 72 Trantham, Alvin L. 6,000.00 daughters, Bridget Addie and Nicole Brotherhood Bank and Trust, 756 Min- 5 Van Pelt, Robert C. 6,000.00 72 Walsh, Hugh D. 4,500.00 Harnden; five grandchildren; mother, nesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101. ❑ 6 Antonini, Gelso 1,125.00 74 Bergman, William B. 6,000.00 6 Barrientos, Salvador 6,000.00 74 Moody, James B. 6,000.00 IF YOU HAVE NOT yet been furnished this information, contact your local lodge, secure the beneficiary forms, complete the required information and forward to the Administrative Office of the Pension Fund, 6 Bezayiff, Fred J. 1,000.00 79 Dempsey, Burnham 6,000.00 83 Rehfuss, Paul W. 6,000.00 754 Minnesota Avenue, Suite 522, Kansas City, KS 66101, at the earliest possible date. NOTE: These addi- 6 Brady, Durwood T. 6,000.00 tional death benefits can only be derived for members who worked under a collective bargaining agree- 6 Colon, Joseph 6,000.00 83 Roller, James L. 4,500.00 ment with an employer contributing to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust. 6 Davis, Andrew 6,000.00 83 Wyatt, Eddie J. 6,000.00 84 Hanser, Harold 6,000.00 6 Enroth, Eric T. 4,500.00 177 Stark, Arnold 6,000.00 574 Proto, Andrew F. 6,000.00 6 Geller, Harvey S. 4,500.00 84 Prothe, Milton G. 6,000.00 85 Flowers, Louis J. 3,901.80 182 Prince, Charles E. 6,000.00 574 Tsakalides, Savvas 1,382.65 6 Gonzalez, Manuel P. 6,000.00 193 Glacken, Edward C. 6,000.00 582 Aguillard, Jerry C. 6,000.00 6 Lauer, Floyd P. 6,000.00 85 Hawk Jr., Robert F. 4,500.00 92 Estell, Ronald A. 6,000.00 305 Kelley, Willard J. 6,000.00 582 Klieber, William D. 693.63 6 Pina, Joseph 6,000.00 347 Hines, Earl W. 6,000.00 582 Poole, Beverly 1,500.00 6 Pudoff, William 4,500.00 92 Gonterman, Charles 6,000.00 92 Goodwin, John M. 6,000.00 363 Buschschulte, Wilfred 6,000.00 582 Stevens, Sidney A. 6,000.00 6 Shook, Edward W. 2,262.45 368 Sweeney, Eugene 4,500.00 583 Hardman, David 6,000.00 6 Silvestro, Sam S. 6,000.00 92 Kappus, Fred 6,000.00 92 Kuntzman, George V. 6,000.00 374 Divine, Jack L. 6,000.00 587 Blume Jr., Johnnie P. 6,000.00 6 Tomko, Michael 6,000.00 374 Giovingo, John M. 6,000.00 587 Daville, Albert J. 6,000.00 6 Whitley, Brian D. 11,037.80 92 McGuire, John R. 6,000.00 92 Pajong, Erich P. 6,000.00 374 Johnson, Jack R. 6,000.00 587 Manning, Bobby 6,000.00 6 Winspear, George D. 6,000.00 374 Lewis, Arthur 6,000.00 587 Mouton, Claniss 6,000.00 7 Coghlan, Edward P. 6,000.00 101 Hougland, George B. 6,000.00 104 Bringedahl, Carl H. 2,700.00 374 Watson, Jack M. 6,000.00 587 Rach, Irwin C. 6,000.00 7 Consiglio, Salvatore 6,000.00 374 Young, Harold A. 6,000.00 587 Royer, George T. 6,000.00 7 Thompson, John R. 192.13 104 Brown, Leslie G. 6,000.00 104 Collins, Israel J. 6,000.00 397 Smiley, Joseph J 6,000.00 587 Turner Jr., John C. 6,000.00 13 Eschenbach, John E. 6,000.00 449 Schwartz, Edwin H. 6,000.00 587 Young, Enand 6,000.00 13 Maurer, Dale S. 6,000.00 104 DeMerritt, Lawrence 6,000.00 104 Markham, Irvin N. 6,000.00 449 Tanck, Arnold R. 6,000.00 592 Stinett, Charles E. 6,000.00 13 McHugh, Gerard 114.09 454 Smith, Felton C. 168.42 627 Ferguson, Clarence J. 6,000.00 13 Stefanik, George M. 6,000.00 104 Pike, Randy L. 6,000.00 104 Potts, Russell P. 6,000.00 469 Dicks, Lendel L. 6,000.00 647 Alber, William 6,000.00 26 Barnes, Collie 3,000.00 483 Pocuca, George S. 6,000.00 647 Belford, Earl F. 6,000.00 26 Newton, Edgar M. 6,000.00 104 Schudeiske, Carl E. 6,000.00 487 Kust, Roger J. 6,000.00 647 Hedberg, Gunnar K. 6,000.00 26 Oglesby, Warren C. 6,000.00 104 Young, Raymond W. 6,000.00 105 McGinnis, Harry 6,000.00 487 Leurquin, Milton V. 6,000.00 647 Janeczek, Chris A. 3,319.07 26 Pitts, Guster C. 6,000.00 487 Van Ess, Jule 6,000.00 647 McKay, Vincent 6,000.00 26 Ward, John M. 2,215.68 105 Richardson, Patrick J. 7,925.41 105 Townsend, James C. 6,000.00 500 Spangler, Warren Lee 6,000.00 647 Morton, Steven L. 15,000.00 27 Gross, Adolph 6,000.00 D500 Bruning, Rodney O. 6,000.00 647 Olsen, Louis Edwin 6,000.00 27 Keller, Albert L. 6,000.00 106 Simpson, Thomas G. 6,000.00 112 Burnham, Matthew F. 6,000.00 531 Bryan, Billy J. 6,000.00 647 Pletka, Stanley C. 6,000.00 27 Lynch, Lemuel R. 6,000.00 531 Garrard, Jack Y. 6,000.00 656 Smith, Charles R. 1,205.44 27 Osborne, Joseph C. 6,000.00 113 Kirk, Audrey E. 6,000.00 113 Wisley, Elois 6,000.00 549 Bradshaw, Vernon O. 6,000.00 667 Calvert, Eugene G. 6,000.00 27 Pomeroy, Donald W. 6,000.00 549 Dork, Guy H. 6,000.00 667 Conlon, Kilian F. 7,844.61 28 Finck, Adam R. 11,000.00 124 Malwitz, William A. 6,000.00 132 Rico, Catarino 6,000.00 549 Dyslin, Lyle A. 6,000.00 667 Eskew, Clifford H. 6,000.00 28 Jenkins, Clell F. 14,473.36 568 Kalahan, Elwood E. 6,000.00 667 Guess, Maxie 670.50 28 Tizzolino, Frank J. 5,000.00 154 Bacon, Francis E. 6,000.00 169 Abbatoy, Fredrick L. 6,000.00 568 Karli, John M. 6,000.00 693 Daniels, John D. 6,000.00 28 Vinci, John 4,971.48 568 Lake, Lawrence L. 6,000.00 696 Parrett, Roger J. 6,000.00 169 Hooppaw, James H. 6,000.00 29 Corbesero, Edward F. 6,000.00 568 Reed, Donald A. 6,000.00 744 Davitt, Patrick L. 6,000.00 744 Foster, Nelson R. 6,000.00 744 Johannes, William A. 6,000.00 744 McCrone, Keith E. 77.84 752 Panciocco, Francis G. 6,000.00 Moving? Tell us where . . . Mail form to: 890 Sabell, Frederick J. 6,000.00 Name 1086 Kleis Jr., Frank J. 6,000.00 1212 Elgnezabal, Julio 6,000.00 New Address Publications Department 1234 Cross, Ira G. 6,000.00 753 State Avenue, Suite 565 1509 Jaworski, Ralph J. 6,000.00 City 1509 Wuethrich, Melvin F. 6,000.00 Kansas City, KS 66101 1592 Rank, Jupiter M. 6,000.00 State or Province Zip 1600 Keckler, Dale B. 6,000.00 Local Lodge No. Register No. 1670 Wiener, Laura 3,000.00 (Also please notify the secretary of your local lodge.) (Allow five weeks for change of address.) 1978 Ziegler, Gary D. 6,000.00 2000 Keeth, Edward L. 276.26 http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter Mar • Apr 2002 23 CONSUMER NEWS Need an attorney? 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http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org the Boilermaker Reporter 24 Mar • Apr 2002 COMMENTARY Use your contract to protect your pension Pension reform bills in Congress are weak 401(k)s — not nearly enough to allow them to diversify sufficiently to protect their investments. N THE MONTHS following the ber, lawmakers have introduced 13 Traditional defined-benefit pension Enron collapse, members of Con- pension-reform bills. With all that plans combine the deposits of a large Igress started talking about all kinds activity, you’d think they could pass a number of workers into an investment of reforms —tax reforms, accounting law to protect your retirement money. pool. Using this large pool, they can buy reforms, pension reforms. Unfortunately, the only bill that has stock in hundreds of companies across After all, Enron executives had cut a gotten through the House of Represen- the entire spectrum of the economy. A wide swath. They cheated the U.S. gov- tatives is President Bush’s plan to decline in one company’s stock — even ernment out of tax revenue by banking reform 401(k) pensions. His plan a bankruptcy — does not significantly offshore, defrauded their shareholders would require the company to inform affect the overall value of the fund. with accounting tricks, and stole their you when they make changes to your A good example of this advantage is employees’ pensions by freezing the plan, allow you to get investment the Boilermaker-Blacksmith Pension’s employees’ 401(k) accounts so execu- advice from the company managing Enron experience. Like most pension tives could sell their Enron stock while your 401(k), and allow you to sell funds, the Boilermaker-Blacksmith the price was still high, only unfreezing employer-matched stock in your Pension held some Enron stock. When them after the stock was worthless. account after only three years. Enron bankrupted, our fund lost about If the world were governed by the The problem is that none of these $5 million. That’s a lot more money laws of fairness, these people would reforms would have saved Enron than any investment manager wants to end their lives in prison. But we are employees from losing their entire life see go out the door. governed by the laws Congress makes. savings when Enron went bankrupt. But this loss accounts for less than It is still unclear what laws they have one-tenth of one percent of the $6 bil- Charles W. Jones broken —if any. lion Boilermaker-Blacksmith fund, so International President And for all their talk of reform only a None of the pension reform it will have no noticeable effect on few weeks ago, Congress now seems retiree benefits. content to leave things as they are. bills now in Congress would Their advantages to the businesses No individual can spread his invest- that have them is the reason they have No surprise there. This year’s Con- have saved Enron workers ments that widely. gress is essentially the same Congress Pooled-fund pensions have another become so widely used. About 42 mil- from losing their life savings lion Americans now have 401(k)s. that squashed President Clinton’s advantage, too. Benefit payment levels attempts to outlaw offshore tax havens. when Enron went bankrupt. are based on average life spans, but few Many Boilermaker members have 401(k)s as their only pension plan. The Center for Public Integrity esti- people live exactly the average span. mates that these money-launderers Funds left over when people die earlier Our Research and Collective Bar- gaining Services Department can help cost the U.S. Treasury $195 billion a Enron informed its employees about than average are used to pay benefits to year, money that the rest of us taxpay- the freeze that destroyed their pensions. those who live longer. That way, every- these lodges negotiate better 401(k)s. Some improvements they might ask for ers have to make up. But the only tax Simply informing isn’t enough. Work- one gets full benefits for life. reform the Republican-held Congress ers need to be involved in the decisions. But a 401(k) can run out if you live are more member involvement in plan changes, more unbiased investment passed was a law making it difficult for Advice wouldn’t have helped them, longer than average, leaving you with- the IRS to audit wealthy people. Now either. Wall Street investment advisors out a pension check at an age when you advice, limiting the amount of com- pany stock to no more than 20 percent, workers poor enough to qualify for the considered Enron one of the best bets probably won’t be able to go out and Earned Income Credit are three times on the market. In fact, only four days get a job. To guarantee yourself full and having the company match employee contributions at least partly as likely to be audited as taxpayers before Enron filed for bankruptcy, two retirement benefits for life, you need to making over $150,000 a year. of the most respected investment firms have a lot more money in a 401(k) than with cash instead of company stock. Your International is also ready to Accounting reform is no more likely in the world — JP Morgan and Credit you would in a defined-benefit plan. to happen. Harvey Pitt, President Suisse — still rated Enron stock a A 401(k) pension plan is a much bet- help you negotiate participation in the Bush’s chairman of the Securities and “strong buy” or “long-term buy.” ter deal for the company than for the Boilermaker-Blacksmith pension into your contract. We believe this multi- Exchange Commission (SEC), used to The problem with 401(k) reform is worker. By issuing stock to match be a lobbyist for the accounting indus- that, at the end of the day, you still have worker contributions, the company not employer plan is the best retirement plan for Boilermakers. try. He believes accounting regulations a 401(k). These accounts are a good only avoids the cash outlays associated should be “voluntary.” President Bush supplement to defined-benefit retire- with defined-benefit programs, but Whatever you decide, you need to act on your own behalf and protect your agrees, opposing rules that would ment plans, but they are not well-suited they also gain more control over the make corporations report the true cost to being your primary pension plan. supply of shares of their company pension through collective bargaining. If you wait for Congress to enact of executive stock options. The main problem is their size. Most stock. That control can enable them to Pension reform was the only one that workers are lucky to be able to put a influence the stock’s price. effective pension reform, you could be seemed to have a chance. Since Decem- few thousand dollars a year into their waiting a long time. ❑ L-169 names training center to honor Ed Rokuski Rokuski laid groundwork tional representative, a post he held Story and photos by MARTY MULCAHY, until he retired Jan. 1. editor, Detroit Building Trades. Used for L-169 training center, “It’s a great honor to have your name with permission. now his name’s on the wall put on a building,” Rokuski said. “It feels good, but it’s hard to explain why. RIGHT: A PLAQUE ATthe entrance of the THE PERSON WHO was the driving I guess it’s nice knowing that your L-169 training center honors retired force in establishing Local 169’s train- business manager and name will be on something that will be Intl. Rep. Ed Rokuski. ing center now has his name on the here for a long time—unless they put a building. for-sale sign on the building,” he added BELOW: LOCAL 169 instructors (l. to r.) The “Ed Rokuski Boilermaker Local with a laugh. Jim Howard and Tom McKinney, Ed 169 Training Center” is the same build- Rokuski’s legacy at Local 169 Rokuski, L-169 BM-ST John Marek, ing in Dearborn, Mich., that the local includes more than a name on a build- President Tony Jacobs, BA Don union has used to train journeymen ing—the son of a boilermaker, Ed’s Cochran, Larry Bittner, Exec. Bd. and apprentices since 1989. Only the members Jim McDonnell, John four sons also took up the trade and are Vardon, Dwight Tobaison, Greg Covetz, name has been changed to honor journeymen. Ed Wlodyka Jr., Doug Erngren, and Rokuski, the local’s former business The 4,000-square-foot training center instructor Ed Kowalski. manager, who retired Jan. 1 as an Inter- operates day and night with three full- national representative. time instructors, and is currently serv- “Before we had this building, we ing more than 200 apprentices. On the basically did training on the job,” said curriculum are welding certification Local 169 BM-ST John Marek. “Now, courses, journeymen upgrading, rig- we’re in a different league. Ed initiated ging exercises, and safety. Marek said the training center. He led the union in he knew the training program was on negotiating money for the building, he the right track in 1999, when then-boil- made sure it was equipped, and that ermaker apprentice John Vardon won instructors were hired. That’s why the Boilermakers’ National Apprentice we’re honoring Ed. He took the bull by Competition. the horns.” “When it comes to training, this Rokuski, 62, has been in the trade for building has been a tremendous plus 42 years. He became assistant business for our organization,” Marek said, “and manager of Local 169 in 1976, and was we’re grateful to Ed for all he did to business manager from 1984 to 1994. make it happen.”❑ That’s when he became an Interna- http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org