LABOR AND BIDEN SHARE AMERICAN WORKER PRIORITIES - APRIL 2021 - Ironworkers
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE
A P RI L 2 02 1
LABOR AND BIDEN
SHARE AMERICAN WORKER PRIORITIES
IN THIS · 4 · American Rescue Plan and the Iron Workers
ISSUE · 6 · Antelope Valley Turnaround
THE
1750 New York Avenue, NW, Lower Lobby
Washington, DC 20006
p (202) 383-4800 · iwmagazine@iwintl.org
ironworkers.org
VOLUME 121 | APRIL 2021 | NUMBER 4 INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
ERIC DEAN JAMES MAHONEY
General President Fourth General Vice President
1750 New York Avenue, NW 227 East 56th Street
Lower Lobby Suite 300A
Washington, DC 20006 New York, NY 10022.
p (202) 383-4810 · f (202) 638-4856 p (212) 302-1868 · f (212) 302-1914
JOSEPH HUNT STEVE PENDERGRASS
FEATURE
General President Emeritus Fifth General Vice President
1750 New York Avenue, NW 110 Main Street
Lower Lobby Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006 Edmonds, WA 98020
4
p (202) 383-4845 · f (202) 638-4856 p (425) 771-4766 · f (425) 771-4769
American Rescue Plan and the Iron Workers WALTER WISE WILLIAM WOODWARD
6 Antelope Valley Turnaround
General President Emeritus
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Sixth General Vice President
Franklin Square Office Center,
20
Lower Lobby 8401 Claude Thomas Rd., Ste. #55,
Ironworker has Ties to Trade Unionist John Quinn Washington, DC 20006
p (703) 627-0401
Franklin, OH 45005
p (937) 746-0854 · f (937) 746-0873
21 Beck Notice RON PIKSA DAVID BEARD
General Secretary Seventh General Vice President
1750 New York Avenue, NW 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
Lower Lobby Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006 St. Louis, MO 63108
p (202) 383-4820 · f (202) 347-2319 p (314) 454-6872 · f (314) 361-8328
DEPARTMENTS KENNETH “BILL” DEAN
General Treasurer
MICHAEL BAKER
Eighth General Vice President
1750 New York Avenue, NW 20515 Nicholas Circle, Suite 5
14 Departmental Reports Lower Lobby
Washington, DC 20006
P.O. Box 850
Elkhorn, NE 68022
23
p (202) 383-4830 · f (202) 383-6483 p (402) 933-3033
IMPACT
STEPHEN SWEENEY KENDALL MARTIN
26 Lifetime Honorary Members First General Vice President
P.O. Box 49
Ninth General Vice President
415 William Street
29
Westville, NJ 08093 Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Official Monthly Record p (856) 456-1156 · f (856) 456-1159 p 540 373-8618 · c 202 702-4848
KEVIN BRYENTON FRANK MARCO
Second General Vice President General Counsel
1434 Chemong Road North Gregorio Marco
Unit 12-13 2 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1650
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6X2 Chicago, IL 60602
Canada p (312) 263-2343 · f (312) 263-2512
p (705) 740-0890 · f (705) 748-3028 International Office
p (202) 383-4815 · f (202) 638-4856
DON ZAMPA
ORGANIZED. SKILLED. PROFESSIONAL.
Third General Vice President
1660 San Pablo Avenue
Suite C
Pinole, CA 94564
p (510) 724-9277 · f (510) 724-1345
On the Cover INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENTS
Apprenticeship and Training LU/DC Staff Retirement
On Feb. 17, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden and senior White p (202) 383-4870 and Shopmen’s Pension Fund
House officials hosted a meeting with a group of labor union p (844) 276-1288
leaders to discuss the importance of the American Rescue Computer Department f (630) 230-3966
p (202) 383-4887
Plan and the president’s plans to create millions of jobs in R&D, f (202) 383-4895 Magazine
manufacturing and clean energy. The meeting included unions p (202) 383-4842
Davis Bacon Office
representing workers from across the United States. General p (202) 834-9855 Mailroom
President Eric Dean was honored to take part in the discussion f (202) 393-0273 p (202) 383-4855
regarding their shared commitment to American workers. Department of Canadian Affairs
f (202) 638-1038
p (705) 740-0890 Maintenance and Jurisdiction
f (705) 748-3028 p (202) 383-4842
f (202) 347-1496
Department of Ornamental,
Architectural & Miscellaneous Organizing
EDITOR: Scott Malley, 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006 | ASSISTANT to the EDITOR: Nancy Folks Metals (DOAMM) p (202) 383-4851
p (847) 795-1710 f (202) 347-1496
THE IRONWORKER ISSN:0021163X Published monthly, except for a combined summer issue, for $15.00 per year by the f (847) 795-1713
Safety
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC Department of Reinforcing p (833) 355-SAFE (7233)
20006. Preferred periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC and additional mailing offices. Printed on union-made paper. Postmasters: Ironworkers f (847) 795-1713
Send change of address to Ironworker, 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006. Canada Agreement Number 40009549. p (866) 336-9163
f (386) 736-9618 Shop Department
p (202) 383-4846
Ironworkers Political f (202) 783-3230
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE,
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Action League
p (202) 383-4803
STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS
Promises kept
M y clearest memory of the 2020 U.S. presidential cam-
paign was standing next to Joe Biden in Iron Workers
Local 67’s hall in Des Moines in January. Then-candidate
that their pension ben-
efit will be there. Beyond
pensions, the American
Biden had come to accept our union’s endorsement and lay Rescue Plan’s unemploy-
out his platform to help ironworkers as president. Getting ment benefits, COBRA
rid of IRAPs, fighting for unionization and delivering that insurance subsidy and
long-sought-after infrastructure bill were at the top of his stimulus checks will help
list. Then he delivered the toughest, most sought-after many ironworker families ERIC DEAN
General President
promise — it might take two years, he cautioned, but as weather tough times.
president he would get relief for our pension plans. What about other prom-
It turns out that Joe didn’t need two years — he got it ises, and what’s next? As I write this, Biden has killed off
done in under two months. The American Rescue Plan IRAPs by executive order and his Department of Labor
he signed into law in March contained massive relief is dismantling the IRAP system piece by piece. He has
funds for our pensions. No previous U.S. president has rapidly turned things around at the National Labor
made relief for union workers such a priority in his first Relations Board, rooting out the anti-union attorneys
major legislation. that the last administration stocked it with and setting
With this relief, President Biden has solved a long- it on a mission to build up labor. Biden’s first months in
standing problem. Past administrations did nothing as the office have been a blaze of executive orders and legisla-
U.S. Pensions Benefits Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), tion putting our priorities into practice.
the insurance fund all of our U.S. pensions rely on, teetered
towards bankruptcy. This made all of our retirements less When we endorsed Biden for
secure and forced participants in the most endangered
president, our union relied on the
plans to face benefit cuts. We were told for decades that the
government would take care of the problem “after the next trust of members that we were
election,” then help never came. The previous president choosing someone who would fight
dangled pension relief in front of us whenever he wanted for ironworkers and could deliver.
something but never took a step toward delivering.
It’s different this time because of Joe Biden’s close rela-
tionships with the Iron Workers and other unions. When
we endorsed Biden for president, our union relied on the Just over a year after we met in Iowa, I sat down with
trust of members that we were choosing someone who President Biden in the Oval Office alongside several
would fight for ironworkers and could deliver. Officers and other labor leaders. We talked about our shared vision
staff constantly worked with the campaign to make sure for a broad, robust infrastructure jobs bill and Biden
their policy fit the needs of union workers, and ironwork- reaffirmed his commitment to craft it with labor by
ers all over the United States turned out to help Biden win his side. Infrastructure is another one of those priori-
the election. Biden making the pension fix one of the first ties that the previous president dangled in our faces but
things he’s done in office is a testament to the power of never delivered. We will need to mobilize our union to
American labor and his commitment to fight for us. get it done. It will be tough, but it’s necessary, and given
Pension relief, and other provisions in the American how things have gone with pensions, I like our chances.
Rescue Plan, will have a profound impact on the lives
APRIL 2021
of thousands of ironworkers. Many will see the rever-
sal of previous cuts to their fixed retirement income
and be able to fully enjoy retirement. Others will be Eric Dean
able to plan for retirement secure in the knowledge General President, 1051885
3
BIDEN DELIVERS
RELIEF AND RECOVERY IN THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
S
ince U.S. President Joe Americans meant to address the Central States bankrupting the
Biden and the new Con- COVID crisis and defend the live- PBGC, the U.S. insurance system
gress came into office this lihoods of affected workers. It that guarantees our pensions.
year, our union has been hearkens back to the New Deal, and Biden’s American Rescue Plan
hard at work lobbying for like Franklin Roosevelt’s legislation provides a direct cash infusion to
the jobs and rights of ironworkers. to beat the Great Depression, the stabilize the PBGC, saves the most
There’s a lot on the agenda — recov- American Rescue Plan puts workers critically endangered plans and
ering from the recession and and unions front and center. restores benefits to workers and retir-
strengthening the labor movement Perhaps the most important part ees who have taken cuts. This is the
— and we’ve already seen great suc- of the law for ironworkers is the largest ever rescue of the pension sys-
cess. Biden signed the landmark support it gives to multiemployer tem and makes all our retirements
American Rescue Plan into law pension plans like ours. Many plans more secure. We will work with the
in March, providing support and were hit with losses in contribu- administration to make sure the
relief as we get through the pan- tions and investments when the money gets to the plans that need it.
THE IRONWORKER
demic. And we are working closely pandemic hit, adding to the uncer- Many ironworkers are out of
with the administration and Con- tainty of plans in critical status. We work across the United States,
gress on infrastructure and energy had been fighting for years for relief and many other industries have
legislation to secure jobs through- for ironworkers in struggling plans, been devastated. Biden’s Ameri-
out the coming years. and even plans in good shape suf- can Rescue Plan directly helps
The American Rescue Plan is a fered from the long-term threat of those workers by extending extra
massive life preserver for struggling large failing plans like the Teamsters unemployment assistance for an
4
additional five months. Likewise,
laid-off ironworkers worried about
their health and welfare coverage
running out will get a 100% sub-
sidy to keep their coverage through
COBRA. These are vital lifelines
to keep people afloat through the
downturn and ready to work when
the recovery takes off.
Returning to a normal, strong brung me to the dance.” He doubled to empower unions, and we are
economy is priority number one, down on keeping unions at the cen- working with his administration
of course. The plan includes over a ter of his infrastructure plan and at every level to move things in our
trillion in economic stimulus, from making sure any bill he signs lifts direction. This administration has
direct checks to taxpayers to state up working people. He asked for granted unprecedented access to
aid to keep public works projects guidance from unions as he works labor and everyone from the White
running. It also turbocharges efforts with Congress on the bill. House on down to people doing the
to get people vaccinated and end the Infrastructure, like pensions, is day-to-day work in the agencies is
pandemic, providing large-scale a long-deferred promise that the incorporating union input. No pre-
support to the health care system. last administration failed to deliver. vious president has given us such a
We need to keep in mind that The problem has grown over the close seat at the table.
this bill was a long time coming. past years and there are trillions But ultimately, it will be the U.S.
After the aid bill at the beginning of dollars’ worth of projects that Congress that has to pass an infra-
of the pandemic, the previous U.S. need building. At the same time, structure bill, not the White House.
president and Senate blocked every the U.S. requires significant invest- There are many snares that have
attempt to get major help as the ments in our electric power and caught infrastructure in the past
economy continued to slide and manufacturing sectors. Fixing our that congressional leadership has to
COVID got worse. The American transportation and energy infra- avoid. We hope that the bill can be
Rescue Plan — and everything in structure would be just the job bipartisan, but there is always the
it — only happened because we creator we need as we climb out of risk that Republican Leader Mitch
won a new president and a new Sen- the pandemic recession. McConnell will try to block it. And
ate. They promised us pension and Bridges won’t build themselves, not every member of Congress is on
COVID relief, we turned out for the and the green energy economy board with making the infrastruc-
election, and they delivered. won’t go union if it is left up to the ture bill pro-union.
corporate world. The next infra- Our job, then, is to keep up the
ONWARD TO
structure stimulus is our chance to pressure on Congress to pass a
INFRASTRUCTURE
grab more of these markets. Strong robust, pro-worker infrastructure
As the American Rescue Plan labor standards like prevailing bill. Our union’s political team is get-
moved through Congress, President wage can secure work for building ting our message in front of everyone
Biden convened leaders of Ameri- trades union members. Apprentice- on Capitol Hill. Nothing moves an
ca’s unions to chart the way forward. ship utilization requirements and elected official like demands from
The American Rescue Plan is our strict rules against independent back home, though, and every local
way to get through this crisis, but to contractor abuse can stop low-road union and individual ironworker
really advance as a nation we need contractors from horning in on should call their Congress members.
the American Jobs Plan to rebuild the market. With the right policy Joe Biden delivered his promise
our transportation system and cre- tools, this bill could be our leg up to help our pensions in the Ameri-
ate good energy jobs. in securing work and strengthening can Rescue Plan. He needs our help
APRIL 2021
Sitting next to General President our union in areas that have been to get infrastructure over the finish
Eric Dean, Biden referred to the closed to us. line. This is no time to sit down and
key role labor played in his election, President Biden is on board count our winnings — let’s get out
saying, “These are the people who with using an infrastructure bill there and pass an infrastructure bill!
5
THE AV TURNAROUND
Antelope Valley, an hour outside
of Los Angeles on the edge of the
Mojave Desert, does not seem at
first like a place where the efforts
of Local 433 (Los Angeles) would
have much of an economic impact.
After all, there are none of the high-
rise towers, monumental bridges
and other high-profile projects that
would be so common in big cities
for them to work on.
In Lancaster and Palmdale, high-
desert communities, the economic
challenge is palpable. These desert
communities were once small and
far away from the Los Angeles met-
ropolitan area. Today, they are part
of a growing economically impor-
tant region in its own right. In fact,
the region is the size of Long Beach
and its two largest cities are the
fifth and sixth largest cities in Los
Angeles County by population. The
traditional industries of aerospace
and manufacturing must now be
supplemented by the renewable
energy sector and infrastructure
improvements for the 21st century.
These communities can and
should continue to use their train-
ing and education opportunities,
plus the relationships that go with
them, to their great advantage. They
LOCAL 433 SEES have cultivated these industries by
encouraging real job growth for
their workforce.
OPPORTUNITY IN
It is an exciting time to be liv-
ing in the Antelope Valley. The
initiatives from all levels and from
the private and public sectors have
ANTELOPE VALLEY
given tremendous impetus for
skilled trades to step in and offer
THE IRONWORKER
their unrivaled career opportuni-
ties with the professionalism they
are known for. Billions of dollars
SUCCESS SETS PATH FORWARD of economic growth have come to
the region and more growth is the
expected projection since the iron-
workers have come to town.
6
TRAINING Palmdale, California. They agreed Local 433 established the
The first and most important fac- to allow Local 433 to use their facil- first-of-its-kind satellite training
tor in reshaping and revitalizing the ities for apprenticeship training in center in Palmdale. Noting the
consideration of Local 433’s com- lack of chances for such training,
economy of the Antelope Valley is the
mitment to give opportunities to an apprenticeship program was
investment in training. Ironworking
local individuals. established for prospective skilled
is a crucial part of many large con-
This relationship, which contin- ironworkers from the Antelope Val-
struction projects and making sure ues today under Local 433 Business ley, without making them travel
the proper skills are taught ensures Agent Johnny Cangey, has gener- over 90 miles to the apprenticeship
that down the line every union job is ated hundreds of leads for potential training center in Orange County.
crafted with pride and an attention apprentices through a Los Angeles/ The ironworkers realized they could
to the critical details. Orange Counties (LA/OC) Building help uplift a new generation of
In 2014, Local 433 established a and Construction Trades Council’s young people in the region by bring-
relationship with the Antelope Val- program called the Multi-Craft ing their apprenticeship program to
ley Youthbuild (AV Youthbuild) in Core Curriculum (or MC3 for short). the Antelope Valley. It would be a
APRIL 2021
7
pathway to a legitimate career and time to give us the opportunity to
has, since 2014, placed just over 300 go the extra mile in our learning.”
applicants into their apprenticeship. In May 2019, AV Youthbuild
People who have gone through held a red ribbon signage ceremony
the apprenticeship have favorable celebrating their relationship with
stories to tell. One journeyman, Local 433 and showed their con-
a Marine Corps combat veteran tinued support by affixing the Iron
named Juan Canales, remarked Workers’ logo and Local 433’s logo
that his instructors had a “passion to the exterior of their building.
for teaching and sharing knowl- Many local elected officials were
edge that extended beyond the in attendance and witnessed the
classroom,” and that the program strength of the Iron Workers’ pres-
“changed [his] life, really, because ence. The relationship between AV
[he] was able to secure a spot and Youthbuild and Local 433 was just
be in a worthwhile career.” Another the first of two partnerships that
journeyman named Heather Ray would bring much opportunity to
echoed the sentiment, saying, “I the region.
have to thank my instructors who The second partnership bringing
stayed after, who took personal positive growth was with Antelope
Valley College, located in Lancaster.
The Iron Workers worked with
these two organizations to take the
classroom-based education and
prospects for career development
and added the value of certified
welding training and other hands-
on aspects that had never been
feasible before at the Palmdale sat-
ellite training center.
The partnership between
the three groups has led to the
THE IRONWORKER
implementation of the same
apprenticeship curriculum in the
Antelope Valley as at Local 433’s
main facility in Orange County.
Currently, the majority of the train-
ing program is available at the new
satellite facility, with the welding
8
portion of the training being held at Mayor R. Rex Parris. “I’m grateful add value to the community. Over
Antelope Valley College for appren- to Local 433 and Antelope Valley the next five years, tens of thou-
tices and journeyman. College (AVC) for actively contrib- sands of jobs in construction will
Since the advent of the pro- uting to the future of Lancaster.” open up in Southern California,
gram, union ironworkers like Juan The ironworkers of Local 433 and the demand for ironworkers is
Canales and Heather Ray have want to pull a generation of young great. But the demand alone is not
been able to work on massive solar people upward into the realm of enough to ensure success in the
projects, hospitals, schools, and hardworking and honest jobs for Antelope Valley.
even LAX. Heather Ray said that the benefit of the community and to Therefore, cultivation of new
her training included learning the spread the prosperity and satisfac- work, specifically in infrastruc-
history of the union, as well as the tion that comes along with being a ture, large-scale public and private
technical knowledge. union ironworker. projects, and in the renewable
“We are glad to see our residents energy sector has been critical. In
taking advantage of these unique WORK an area that traditionally did not
and innovative opportunities. AVC Like other trades entering new view unions favorably, this was a
APRIL 2021
has continued to grow over the years, regions, especially those where challenge. However, two factors
and we can already see how these unions have not been traditionally positively affected their chances at
programs are advancing the qual- accepted, the Iron Workers have being big players in this region of
ity of life here in Lancaster,” said had to demonstrate that they can Southern California. The first was
9
It is an exciting time to be living in the Antelope Valley. The initiatives from all levels
and from the private and public sectors have given tremendous impetus for
skilled trades to step in and offer their unrivaled career opportunities with the professionalism
they are known for.
their investment in the community not only the MC3 program, AV
through their training and appren- Youthbuild and Antelope Valley
ticeship program, which allowed College agreements in place, but
prospective ironworkers a chance were also key in getting commu-
to learn a skilled trade and make a nity workforce agreements (CWAs)
career for themselves. The second was solidified and putting the Iron
the region’s need for infrastructure Workers in the optimal position to
modernization and revitalization as take advantage of the work oppor-
it grew economically. tunities in the Antelope Valley.
The first organization to step Local 433 has signed onto over
in was the LA/OC building trades. a dozen CWAs in the Antelope
Council Representative Chris Han- Valley. Renaming “project labor
nan and Executive Secretary Ron agreements” to “community work-
Miller were instrumental in getting force agreements” was a crucial step
to gathering support from elected
officials and from the community
itself. The new name frames the
agreements in terms of the benefits
to the people involved. These proj-
ects include various local school
districts, Antelope Valley College,
Antelope Valley Fair and Event Cen-
ter and the Antelope Valley Health
Care District’s hospital renovation
and new facilities. The value of these
projects for the community has
been in the billions of dollars.
THE IRONWORKER
10Also notable are the projects that leaders and local officials. The ability Antelope Valley with their satellite
have been related to solar energy, a to offer a jump-start to the econo- apprenticeship program, with their
sizable amount of the renewable mies of these cities is a great benefit. nonpartisan political involvement,
energy sector. In California, where and with their ongoing commit-
19% of the state’s energy is generated POLITICS AND ment to local politics.
from solar power, this is consider- COMMUNITY Their establishment of a satel-
able. Local 433 has completed over The membership of Local 433 has lite apprenticeship program is truly
20 projects in the Antelope Valley earned a distinct reputation through- a unique occurrence and laudable
and is in the planning stages for out the community and political indication of the level of investment
more. The projects the Iron Workers arena. They actively participate at Local 433 has in the community.
will have completed will account for school board meetings, city council Working with other organizations
nearly 5,000 megawatts, or nearly and planning commission hearings. such as AV Youthbuild and the
20% of the state’s solar energy. Consistently packing the rooms Community College to bring about
Moreover, the number of tem- with record numbers, ensuring the a whole new range of career oppor-
porary and permanent jobs added community’s voice is heard, Local tunities has underscored their
to the local economy cannot be 433 members spoke to the availibil- desire to be part of the community
undervalued. The benefits for places ity of chance of an honest career for a long time.
like Lancaster and Palmdale are with a living wage and good benefits. “The city of Lancaster is primed
immense and duly recognized by city They have shown investment in the for investment, whether that’s in our
APRIL 2021
11communities, our infrastructure, or the State of California and Vicin- entire state. Today, because of the
our youth,” said Mayor Parris. ity, concurs, saying, “What Local determined leadership and relent-
Vice Mayor Marvin Crist has 433 has achieved in the Antelope less participation of the members
declared the city is thankful for the Valley area could be a model for to not only remember that the Iron
investment and the opportunity that success anywhere. By all relevant Workers gave them an opportu-
came from Local 433 and Antelope factors, our union density, politi- nity at a life-changing career, but
Valley College, and said, “We say cal clout, membership and work to also remind the elected officials
keep up the great work of bringing opportunities for our union mem- to support employment oppor-
a modernized and efficient future to bers were among the worst in the tunities for union members. All
the community of Lancaster.”
The most important aspect of their
political involvement has been their
bipartisan efforts; the Iron Workers
looked for people who would tradi-
tionally support and want to work
with Local 433, as well as those who
were less than receptive at first. They
wanted to make their presence in the
Antelope Valley about the oppor-
tunities they could provide people
through careers, not politics.
The people who went through
the apprenticeship and have become
union trade members have been
present in city politics, taking the
time to go before the Palmdale City
Council and planning commission
meetings in support of the commu-
nity workforce agreements and the
Iron Workers’ presence in the Ante-
lope Valley. Graduates from the
apprenticeship program have gone
on record to express their love of
their union careers and the oppor-
tunities they have been afforded.
Elected officials such as State
Senator Scott Wilk have been very
supportive of the Iron Workers’
“community first mindset that has
created a totally self-contained sys-
tem that provides mortgage-paying
jobs to our local residents. From the
AV Youthbuild program for at-risk
THE IRONWORKER
youth, the ironworker apprenticeship
to community workforce agreements
with our local government agencies
we’ve given hope, opportunities and
jobs to our people on our terms.”
Donald Zampa, president of the
District Council of Iron Workers of
12of those factors have improved all of us as union members of one
significantly. I am very proud of thing — with a qualified and skilled
the work that Local 433 and the workforce, conscientious manage-
membership have done in the ment to market that workforce to
Antelope Valley.” political and community represen-
tatives and work opportunities to be
FUTURE PATHS had, there is no limit to what can be
In Lancaster and Palmdale, there accomplished by the Iron Workers.
must be room for growth in bold new Local 433 is investing in these
directions. Once rural desert towns, communities for the long term.
and then bedroom communities for Ironworkers are not only building a
nearby Los Angeles, the Antelope renewed community but also a new
Valley is now its own region. With future path forward.
a growing population comes the ———
chance to build these cities’ future. Photos provided by Tara Garner.
The existence of a region like Please note most photos were taken
the Antelope Valley should remind prior to the 2020 pandemic.
APRIL 2021
13CANADIAN DEPARTMENT REPORT
Kevin Bryenton
Ironworkers adapt and succeed
in challenging times
A s we check-in for an
update on all things
north of the 49th parallel, it is
conditions of employment. These tests are tedious but
are a vital addition to the continued safe operation of
the construction industry our members work in and
steady as she goes for the iron- rely upon to provide for the families they support.
worker world in Canada. Work These types of job-site entry protocols do not
is still booming in Ontario and British Columbia and exist in our collective agreements and, as such, have
holding well in Nova Scotia and Quebec. Saskatch- offered up challenges from some members who do
ewan and New Brunswick are on the rebound and not wish to participate. In the collision of freedoms
shutdowns are providing some much-needed work arising in these times, we consistently look to find
out Alberta way for the members of 720. solutions that will work toward our entire member-
Forecasts of declining demand for commercial ship and extended families’ best interests.
rental space are legion. In response, provincial and Accordingly, where a project site has a mandated,
federal infrastructure stimulus packages are being reasonable COVID-19 testing protocol, we strongly
unveiled to keep our people engaged in building encourage our members to cooperate and partici-
this country as we move forward. I hope to have pate. Members should expect that the refusal to do
grandkids someday and I will leave it up to them so will result in not being able to work at that site.
to pay for it. In the meantime, infrastructure is As a general matter, the Iron Workers support
always welcome where it seeds industrial develop- responsible COVID-19 testing as in the best inter-
ment and builds bridges and transport capacity ests of the membership. COVID-19 is a serious
across the country. health and safety matter and is on the list of hazards
As we move through the first full year of this from which we want every member to come home
pandemic, there is some hurry up and wait in terms safely every day.
of our nation’s vaccine rollout. Still, if all holds to As ironworkers, we complete some of the most
the predicted quarterly numbers, every member and challenging tasks in the construction industry daily.
their family should have had the opportunity to get As Canadians, we manage these pursuits in some of
the shot before the leaves start turning in 2021. the harshest climates in the world and do it safely.
Until then, we collectively move in and out of When it comes to the most daunting tasks in the
various provincial lockdowns and get better at deal- building trades, we collectively respond with “we
ing with what this time has brought in terms of the can handle it.” This pandemic is no different.
muscle memory for masks and distancing. I wish you all the best as we claw our way out of
With amped-up testing across many provinces, winter and move on to warmer days and hope to see
some contractors and owner clients have opted to you soon.
add regular COVID-19 testing protocols to their Hang in there!
As ironworkers, we complete some of the most challenging tasks
THE IRONWORKER
in the construction industry daily. As Canadians, we manage
these pursuits in some of the harshest climates in the world and do it
safely. When it comes to the most daunting tasks in the
building trades, we collectively respond with “we can handle it.”
This pandemic is no different.
14APPRENTICESHIP DEPARTMENT REPORT
Lee Worley
Ironworkers reaching new heights with
advanced layout total station training
T he presence of survey equipment can be found
in the deepest corners of early civilization.
Some of the earliest methods were recognized to
and horizontal angles, the slope
distance from the instrument
to a particular point, and an
have derived from ancient Egypt, where tools such onboard computer to collect
as the plumb bob and level first made their appear- and store data and perform tri-
ance in history. Fast forward to present day; we have angulation calculations. Ironworkers use total stations
advanced from the plumb bob, level, lasers, theodo- to plumb columns and precast, layout control points,
lites and transits to the total station. For someone mark elevations and distances and verify as-built con-
who used the old-school methods of layout, measuring ditions with a single setup. With a minimum of two
with a ruler, turning angles with a transit and plumb- reference points fed into the total station, three if you
ing a structure with a plumb bob, it takes a leap of faith need elevation, you can mark off required points or
to trust the total station. The total station takes the determine an object’s location in all three dimensions.
place of the auto level, square, measuring tape and dig-
ital transit (theodolite) with an accuracy of less than Advantages of using total stations
1/8 inch in over 100 feet. • Layout work is carried out very fast.
A total station is an electronic/optical instru- • Accuracy of measurement is high.
ment used for surveying and building layout. It is an • Manual errors involved in reading and recording
electronic digital transit integrated with Electronic are eliminated.
Distance Measurement (EDM) to measure vertical • Calculation of coordinates is very fast and accurate.
In March, the ironworkers from Local 5 (Wash-
ington, D.C.), along with the National Training Fund,
Trimble, Datum Tech Solutions and Leica, partici-
pated in an Advanced Layout Total Station course.
The introductory 40-hour course gave employees
of Vetro Building Envelope, Pioneer Cladding and
Glazing, Berlin Steel and Local 5 the knowledge
and tools to help contractors with advanced layout
methods with the total station. For faster, accurate
layout points, the participants learned to take mea-
surements without leaving the ground to eliminate
the fall hazard associated with layout at heights.
Members of Local 5 participating were Michael
Allen, Bill Peil, Steve Parkinson, Tim Marr, Bob Riv-
ers and Troy Webber.
By completing the course, ironworkers are
embracing newer technology and becoming more
competitive in the field. The demand for this class is
APRIL 2021
growing yearly; for more information on this valu-
able course, please contact your local training center
or the apprenticeship and training department in
Washington, D.C. at (202) 383-4800.
15DAVIS-BACON / PREVAILING WAGE REPORT
Chris Burger
Ironworker, union building trades activist, citizen, patriot:
Local 12’s Herbie Scholz remembered
“O ur dead are never
dead to us until we
have forgotten them,” once
only in the ironworkers but all trades,” said Sim-
mons. Well into his retirement, “He’d call me on a
Saturday from a job site,” said Simmons. “He was
wrote George Eliot. In west- unbelievable. He was second to none.” Simmons
ern Massachusetts and across recalls that the members in a floor vote some time
the border into New York, Herbie Scholz won’t ago voted him a one-time stipend in gratitude for his
soon be forgotten, and the results of his dedication volunteering. In addition, the officers rewarded him
will remain. So many of us come from this genera- a Local 12 gold watch in humble appreciation for the
tion who literally built America. By nearly all local many things he accomplished as a volunteer. Noth-
accounts, Herbie Scholz “broke the mold.” ing, they all agree, could repay what he had done for
Decades after his supposed retirement from his the building trades in the Berkshires.
Local 12 (Albany, N.Y.) career in 1992, Herbert “Her- Born during the Great Depression at Saint
bie” R. Scholz passed from this world at the age of 86 Luke’s Hospital in Pittsfield, young Herbert Scholz
on Jan. 22, 2021. He is survived by his two daughters attended local schools including Briggs, Redfield
and son. In the last year, time and mounting illness and Plunkett. In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Air
had caught up to this dedicated Force during the Korean conflict
ironworker and patriot who served and would serve tours of duty in
his country as a Korean War vet- the war zone. He rose to the rank
eran. His long stint as treasurer of of staff sergeant and served on a
the Berkshire Building Trades was B36 bomber. After an honorable
just one way to give a title to the discharge in 1957, this patriot still
endless, unpaid activities of this hadn’t had enough — he enlisted
man, beloved to local tradesmen. in the Marine Corps Reserve,
His compliance and organizing serving as a rifleman. He served
activism were unusual not only in this capacity until 1961. A few
for anyone’s “golden years” but years prior, in 1959, he had joined
for any man decades younger. Laborers Local 473, making $1.27
There would be no “rocking chair” an hour at the Wyandotte Woolen
for Herbie; he’d be on a picket Mill for the George Emerson Con-
line in the pouring rain when he struction Company. That mill
could have been basking in a well- closed in 1963, ending nearly 140
earned retirement in the Sunbelt. years of mills in the city that once
A one-time bouncer at the once-famous and glitzy supported 11 textile mills. In 1960, he transferred
Showboat nightclub in New Lebanon, New York, he to Teamsters Local 404 and operated a mammoth
knew how to read people. But he also had a heart of Wooldridge TC-S142 ‘Terra-Cobra’ motor scraper.
THE IRONWORKER
gold, a man with generosity and love — he’d leave With it, he was instrumental in building Chesire
his place open for state troopers to come by and get Road (Route 8) by 1960.
coffee and donuts. At this time, he transferred on permit to Iron
“He was a pillar of strength,” said Garry Sim- Workers Local 12. He began work for Farrell and
mons, Iron Workers general organizer and longtime Gregory Erectors on several different projects,
Local 12 business manager. “It broke my heart when including North Adams flood control, a radar
he died. He was a stand-up guy, a true soldier, not installation on Brodie Mountain and, of course, the
16plant that dominated Pitts- workers in western Mass and New York. They do not
field for most of the century, make them like that anymore.”
General Electric, “the GE” Other trades also knew him well. “Herbie was
to locals. He became a full essential. Represented people who never had a voice.
journeyman ironworker in He made sure they had a voice. Not one politician
1970 and worked mainly ever forgot him. If we hit a roadblock, be it a CEO or
as a foreman for Brownell a politician, we’d turn to Herbie,” said friend of 40
Steel on multiple projects years and Berkshire Building Trades President (and
in the northeastern U.S. In carpenter) Tim Craw. One of the trademarks of Her-
1974, then-Local 12 Busi- bie was working across the trades. He served on the
ness Agent Thomas Mullins Taconic High School’s Metal Fabrication Board. He
named Herbie as area stew- routinely recruited youngsters into the trades and
ard. Herbie would keep this helped place them with the craft that best fit them.
title (with the word “volun- Arthur “Art” Butler is another Berkshire labor
teer” added after his retirement) all the way to the legend who often ran with Herbie since the turn of
end. As recently as early 2020, he was on hand for the century when he retired from the state Depart-
the Berkshire Building Trades Council meeting. ment of Labor and Industries (“DLI”). Butler spent
From Local 12’s new headquarters in Albany, much of the same time period of Herbie’s retire-
Business Manager John Bissaillon said of Herbie, ment as the compliance monitor for the Foundation
“His untiring and unrelenting work ethic and life for Fair Contracting of Massachusetts. Together
of service produced countless hours for our mem- they worked to nab non-compliant contractors
bers and signatory contractors. He was a great guy, a (of all trades) and secure back wages for exploited
smart guy, a good labor man.” Local 12 member and workers. Butler said, “He used to call me ‘kid’ – I’m
organizer William “Bill” Carr said, “Herbie was a 82!” He added, “Herbie volunteered his services
tenacious watchdog guarding the western Massachu- for almost three decades. He was respected by all
setts’ border against all non-compliant contractors the trades. He was a great trade unionist. We’re all
and a fierce advocate for all union labor in the area. going to miss him.”
He was pro-union down to the marrow in his bones. Brother Herbie Scholz, 1935–2021, Requiescat in
He will be greatly missed by us ironworkers and all Pace (Rest in Peace).
THE
IRONWORKER
is now available in a
APRIL 2021
digital subscription!
Visit ironworkers.org to subscribe and receive
a convenient web browser based version of our
magazine every month. 17SAFETY & HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
Steve Rank
The heat’s on:
Recognizing and avoiding heat stress and illness
H eat illness is one of the
deadly dozen hazards
our members face in the work-
can rise quickly to dangerous levels if precautions
are not taken, such as drinking water frequently and
having access to shade or air conditioning. Heat ill-
place and is part of the Iron nesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat
Workers 2021 ZERO Inci- exhaustion and heatstroke. Muscle cramping might
dent campaign. Machinery, engines and tools can be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead
quickly overheat, and we need to be aware humans to heat exhaustion or stroke. Heatstroke requires
can overheat too. Each year, members experience immediate medical attention and can result in death.
the symptoms of heat stress in the workplace on dif- The following are some of the common symptoms of
ferent levels and for various reasons. The fact is that heat stress that must be recognized:
heat illness can be deadly and can affect members at
• Heavy sweating.
any age. Thousands of workers in the construction
• Weakness.
industry become sick from exposure to heat, and
some even die. We also need to know heat illnesses • Cold, pale and clammy skin.
and deaths are preventable. • Fast, weak pulse.
• Nausea or vomiting.
Who is affected • Fainting.
by heat illness?
Any worker exposed Installation of reinforcing steel is one of many
to hot and humid common work activities ironworkers perform that
conditions is at risk can produce much higher temperatures in full sun
of heat illness, espe- conditions and must be recognized. The carrying
cially those doing and installation of rebar on decks and walls in hot
the heavy work The heat’s on and temperatures and humid conditions is another common activity
many ironworkers
are rising. that can lead to heat stress and illness. The following
perform daily. Some workers might be at greater risk are some of the common symptoms of heatstroke
than others if they have not built up a tolerance to that can result in death:
hot conditions, including new workers, temporary • High body temperature (above 103°F).
workers, or those returning to work after a week or • Hot, red, dry, or moist skin.
more off. Other factors, such as alcohol consump-
• Rapid and strong pulse.
tion the night before, can contribute to dehydration
• Possible unconsciousness.
that could result in heat stress or illness. In addi-
tion to these situations, ironworkers can also face
How can heat illness be prevented?
many heat waves throughout the year, creating more
exposure to conditions resulting in higher cases of Employers should establish a complete heat illness
prevention program, including:
THE IRONWORKER
heat-related illnesses.
• Provide workers with water and shade.
What is heat illness and how
• Gradually increase workloads and allow more fre-
does it happen? quent breaks for new workers or workers who have
The body normally cools itself naturally by sweat- been away for a week or more to build a tolerance
ing. During hot weather, especially with high for working in the heat (acclimatization).
humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature • Modify work schedules as necessary.
18If workers are new to working in the heat or
returning from more than a week off, and for all
workers on the first day of a sudden heatwave, imple-
ment a work schedule to allow them to get used to
the heat gradually. Working in full sunlight can
increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions
for working in these conditions.
What you should do if you see a member with
heat illness symptoms:
• Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Plan for emergencies.
• Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool
• Train workers about the symptoms of heat-related
cloths or even pouring water on them.
illnesses and their prevention.
• Do NOT give fluids.
• Monitor workers for signs of illness.
We want to make every effort to protect our
The following are some ways to help prevent heat-
members from heat illness, one of the deadly dozen
related illness and fatalities:
hazards our members face in the workplace. Remem-
• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are ber these three simple words: Water. Rest. Shade.
not thirsty. Taking these precautions can mean the difference
• Move to a cooler location, rest in the shade. between life and death. We continue to challenge
• Apply cool, wet cloths on as much of your body all members to “See Something! Say Something!”
as possible. to recognize and avoid workplace hazards. Jeff Nor-
• Lie down and loosen your clothing. ris, Wayne Creasap and I will continue to work
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing. with district councils, local unions and IMPACT
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do regional advisory boards to promote the 2021 safety
in an emergency. initiatives. Please contact the safety and health
• Keep an eye on fellow ironworkers. department at safety@iwintl.org or (833) 355-SAFE
• “Easy does it” on your first days of work in the (7233) if you have any questions about workplace
heat — you need to get used to it. safety and health concerns in the shop or field.
IRONWORKERS APPAREL AND GIFTS ONLINE IRONWORKERSTORE.COM
Shop our latest SEE
APRIL 2021
W H AT ’S
NEW!
collection of
apparel and gifts 19Hunter credits a young Patrick McCarthy from Ire-
IRISH TRADE UNIONIST land as a huge inspiration. McCarthy would eventually
JOHN QUINN
become mayor of San Francisco on two occasions. Hunter
says, “Patrick landed in New York City as a 13-year-old
from Ireland who worked on the canals in his bare feet
during the winter. He ended up as a carpenter in San
Francisco, where he formed a union. He looked at Sac-
HAS CURRENT UNION ROOTS ramento, the capital of California and formed the State
Building and Construction Trades Council of California,
T
rade unionist John Quinn, who helped found which I am president of today.”
the Irish Transport and General Workers Union He finishes, “We are built on
(ITGWU), had been buried in an unmarked grave the back of people like him.”
at Belfast’s Milltown Cemetery since his death in 1935. Hunter is incredibly proud of
That changed in 2013 when a headstone was placed in his great-grandfather, the man
recognition of his trade union role in the Irish labor who helped organize a union in
movement. He was a close friend of Irish trade union the docks to improve working
leaders Jim Larkin and James Connolly. conditions in Sailortown.
Family and friends traveled from across the globe And so, in 2017, Hunter was
to honor Quinn’s work and see the memorial unveiled. back where it all began for him,
One of the attendees was his great-grandson, Robbie in Sailortown. There he happily
Hunter, president of the State Building and Construc- reunited with some old friends
tion Trades Council of California. of the historic docking area of Belfast. During his visit,
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs funded the he was presented by members of SHIP with an account
memorial following an application from the Shared
of James Connolly’s writings in a “Road to the Rising.”
History Interpretive Project (SHIP) to their DFAT
Hunter was also able to visit the Cultúrlann
Reconciliation Fund. Family members
for the unveiling of a new stained-glass
played a large part in the campaign to have
window honoring Connolly.
Quinn recognized.
Hunter’s family history lends much to
Kieran Quinn of SHIP said, “John dedi-
his current role as president of the State
cated as much time as possible to improve
Building and Construction Trades Council
basic working and living conditions of his
of California, an organization for 157 locals,
fellow workers and neighbors. He played
a pivotal role in the union politics of that proudly representing 450,000 skilled con-
era that resulted in Belfast dockers refus- struction workers.
ing to recognize the National Union of In 2016, Hunter received a thunder-
Dockworkers and instead supporting the ous reception and standing ovation for
establishment of the ITGWU.” his spirited and passionate remarks at the
Kieran Quinn continued, “During International Association of Bridge, Struc-
general dock history research that SHIP started carry- tural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers 43rd
ing out since 2007, we became aware of John and his Convention. The ironworkers stood, applauded and
activities and his family history. On discovering John’s cheered as he said, “… I’m so proud of being a union
comradeship with Winifred Carney, James Connolly ironworker. And when I came here in America in 1978. I
and Jim Larkin, and his political and union activities, came through New York, and I came through to Boston.
THE IRONWORKER
we had no hesitation in dedicating one of our 35 tribute I went to Buffalo through the Midwest and I got into
banners to John’s memory.” California and Local 433; when I walked through the
Hunter himself has a remarkable life story. He left door, I looked over the top and it said, ‘Through these
Belfast in 1978 to emigrate to the U.S. as a teenager to doors pass the greatest union people in the world.’ And
become an ironworker, working on various projects I can tell you guys, that was right.
along the West Coast, including what would be become “That’s who we are. That’s who we are. That’s who the
the tallest skyscraper in California — Library Tower. ironworker is.”
20BECK
NOTICE
T
he International Association of Bridge, Struc- providing you and all of us with better wages, fringe
tural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers benefits and working conditions.
and their affiliated local unions have negotiated We believe that it is in your best interests to
a collective bargaining agreement with your become and to remain a full dues paying member of
employer which covers your wages, hours and other this union. However, your obligation under the con-
terms and conditions of your job. This agreement tract’s union security clause is limited to the payment
contains a union security clause that requires all cov- of uniform fees and dues. If you choose not to join the
ered employees, including yourself, after the 7th day of union or choose to resign your current union mem-
employment, to become and remain members of the bership, you are still required to pay equivalent dues
union and pay union dues and fees as a condition of and fees uniformly required of your fees and dues
continued employment. to fund union activities that are not germane to the
The officers, representatives and other members of union’s duties as your bargaining representative, you
your union strongly urge you to become and remain will be required to pay, as a condition of employment,
an active member of the union. As a member, you a fair share fee that represents expenditures only for
will have all the benefits and privileges of member- chargeable activities.
ship. Such benefits and privileges include the right to The fair share fee has been calculated based on the
participate fully in the internal activities of the union. union’s expenditures for chargeable activities. The
Only members can attend and participate in mem- amount of the fair share fee was determined by a
bership meetings and help to develop the contract review of the union’s financial statement for the most
proposals for the collective bargaining agreement that recent audit. Those expenditures that are chargeable
covers your wages, benefits and working conditions, and non-chargeable were identified pursuant to crite-
as well as participate in contract ratification and strike ria approved by the courts.
votes. Only members can vote to set or raise dues and Some examples of expenditures germane to the
fees. Only members can nominate, and elect officers collective bargaining process for which objectors
APRIL 2021
of the union, and only members can run for union may be charged are those made for the negotiation,
office and for convention delegate. More importantly, enforcement and administration of collective bar-
the more members we have in the union will result in gaining agreements; meetings with employers and
greater bargaining strength in contract negotiations, union representatives; meetings with employees on
21BECK NOTICE continued
employment related matters; proceedings on behalf pursuant to its Rules for Impartial Determination
of workers under the grievance procedure, includ- of Union Fees, to resolve challenges to the calcula-
ing arbitration, internal union administration and tion of the fair share fee. A neutral arbitrator will be
management; and other relevant activities, including selected by the American Arbitration Association
litigation, that affect the terms and conditions of your to hear the challenge. The arbitrator will have the
employment. Other chargeable expenditures include authority to determine a fair share fee and order any
the operating and administrative expenses of the adjustments to the fee and refunds, if appropriate, to
union, membership meetings and conventions, and the challenging employees or to the union, from the
social activities open to all represented employees. interest-bearing escrow account, which the arbitrator
The fair share fee does not include any contributions determines are warranted. The arbitrator’s decision
to political campaigns, expenditures for lobbying or will be final and binding.
litigation on matters not related to bargaining unit All challenges to the fair share fee amount will be
matters, collective bargaining, and representation. consolidated for a single hearing, which will be held
The union has determined the fair share fee to be 80% once a year. Each employee filing a challenge must pay
of the regular dues for members. Again, please note his or her own expenses relating to the hearing, includ-
that dues and fees can be changed only by members. ing representation, if any, and attendance. If a hearing
If you choose not to join the union or choose to resign is held, a verbatim transcript of the hearing will be
your current union membership, you will have no say provided. The challenger(s) may obtain a copy of the
in setting the number of dues and fees. transcript at their own expense. A fair share fee payer
If you are not a member of this union and you who files a challenge will have the right to inspect, at
object to paying dues and fees equal to the amount the union’s office, any of the financial records that
customarily paid by union members, you must notify formed the basis for the union’s calculation of the
the union by sending a letter of objection to the Office fair share fee. The employee filing the challenge will
of the Treasurer at 1750 New York Ave., NW, Wash- receive a copy of the rules of the American Arbitra-
ington, D.C. 20006, in the month of July. The letter of tion Association, as well as be informed of the date
objection must also include your full name, mailing and location of the hearing, or the date by which the
address, union membership number and your com- objector must submit his or her position statement.
pany name and location. Upon receipt of your letter We again urge you to exercise your protected, legal
of objection, the union will request the company to right to join or remain with your fellow workers as a
deduct a fair share fee from your paycheck. If the full and active member of your union. If you are not
union does not receive a letter of objection, we will yet a member of the union, request and fill out the
presume that you have no objection to being charged membership application card. If you wish to remain a
the full membership dues and fees. member of your union, you don’t need to do anything.
If the union receives a timely filed objection, the If, however, you believe that your employer is anx-
union’s treasurer will provide the objecting employee ious to weaken your union, or if you believe that a
a summary of major categories of expenditures single individual, all by him or herself, can change
showing how the fair share fee was calculated. Upon the company’s decent wages and benefits and job pro-
receiving the notice of the calculation of chargeable tection, then you may want to abandon your fellow
expenditures, an objecting individual has 30 days to workers and the union. This may be your legal right,
file a challenge, in writing, with the union’s treasurer but we believe that it is neither your moral obligation
THE IRONWORKER
at 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, nor common sense. Before choosing fair share fee
if you have reason to believe that the calculation of payer status over full member status, read this notice
chargeable expenditures is incorrect. The union then carefully and be aware of the benefits of union mem-
will place the amount that is reasonably in dispute bership that you would be giving up. If you do choose
into an interest-bearing escrow account. to change your membership status, you must notify
An independent appeal procedure shall be estab- the union in writing.
lished with the American Arbitration Association, If you have any questions, please call the union office.
22You can also read
