A NEW DIRECTION FOR LOCAL 7In a record turnout, the members of Local 7 chose a new direction for the local.

In a convincing show of support, a new President, Secretary Treasurer and ViceChairman of Marble were elected.

Thomas Lane with 63% of the vote defeated interim President James Bartalone.Bartalone assumed the role of President when Charles Hill retired. He held the officefor the 4 months prior to the election.

Chris Guy in a three way race with Joe Adriano and James Skellenger garneredover 48% of the votes virtually doubling that of his opponents.

Ron Nicastri secured the position of Vice Chairman of Marble by a 2-1 margin.The new officers are confident their good working relationship will enable Local 7 toimprove upon existing conditions and forge a strong productive future.

The large turnout was attributed to the members concern that the former direc-tion Local 7 was not the one that most benefited the majority of the members. Themembers voted, and their concern was registered.

The Total Votes registered were:Lane 765 (63%)Bartalone 442 (37%)

Adriano 322 (27%)Guy 571 (48%)Skellenger 291 (25%)

Nicastri 715 (67%)Jimenez 356 (33%)

The newly elected, took office officiallyJuly 1, 2007.

TILE, MARBLE & TERRAZZOBAC LOCAL UNION No. 7 NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY

September 2007Issue 2 Vol. Two

Table ofContentsA New Direction ....................1

State of the Union ..................2

Secretary-Treasurer Report ...2

From the Editor’s Desk.........3

BAC Leadership Conference....3

Dates to Remember ...............3

Atlantic City News ................4

The Brooklyn Beat..................4

Garden State Review .............4

Metro Report...........................4

Long Island Sounds...............4

Congratulations......................4

JATC Apprentice Competition..5

JATC Report............................5

In Memoriam..........................6

Retirement Club .....................6

Retiree Spotlight.....................6

Welcome New Field Reps.....7

Service Awards.......................7

Special Thanks........................7

NEWS @ SEVEN

Pictured from left to right: Ron Nicastri, Tom Lane and Chris Guy

2

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Ihope that everybody enjoyed their sum-mer. The work status for Local 7 has beenextremely busy in all of the regions that

we cover. The employment outlook over thenext several years continues to project anincrease in workload for the Local 7 mem-bership. Projects such as Harrah’s andBogotá Casinos are in the early stages. The

work at Xanadu and Jersey City will eventually explode. Shea,Yankee and the Nets Stadium will begin late in 2007. BatteryPark, Goldman Sachs, the Trade Center and several projectsdowntown are still a year away from starting. The expansion ofthe 7 train and the Javitts Center next year is expected to revital-ize the interest in expanding the west side of Manhattan into amini city. White Plains, New Rochelle and Monticello are allexpected to continue to prosper over the next several years. Thisis the bright side of our future.

The dark side of our future is that the amount of workersentering the non-union sector continues to increase at a greaterrate than the newly organized union worker. If we examine thenumbers we can see that in 1973 the non-union constructionsector had 2.5 million workers and the union sector had 1.8 mil-lion workers. In 2003 the union sector maintained its 1.7 millionworkers, while the non-union sector expanded to 5.5 millionworkers. We are continuing to maintain our membership andeven increase our reported hours, but we have continued tolose our percentage of market share. This is evident on the nonunion jobsites in the outer boroughs of Manhattan, Long Island,upstate and portions of New Jersey. In order to change thesetrends Local 7 will have to develop strategies to upgrade thetraining of the current membership, such as steward training,foreman training, and blue print reading. We must also organ-ize new qualified members and develop new qualified contrac-tors to take the work back from the non union sector. For thosemembers who have been in the union for several years youknow that with every boom in the construction industry thereis eventually a recession. This means that we need the total par-ticipation of the membership at picket lines, rallies and demon-strations in order to preserve our future. It is your job. Maintainit and preserve it.

The following is a report on the improvements that haveoccurred over the summer.

• The local has developed a web site that all memberswill have access to. You can access it at Local 7TMT

• The initial plans have been approved to create ascholarship fund for Local 7 member’s children forcollege or a trade school. You will be kept informedon when this will start.

• Starting in October the Local will asses’ and collectinterest for delinquent benefit payments via a TradeBoard or Federal Court.

• The Tile Associated employers and the union willwork together to fully implement the voucher sys-tem over the next several months.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome ErnestoJimenez and Adolfo DiCosmo to the staff of Local 7. I have nodoubt that with your support these agents will be an asset to theorganization.

I would like to sadly acknowledge the passing of Field RepRon Ade. Ron was an asset to the local and will be hard pressedto replace. His work ethic, dedication to the local and his men,and loyalty was unparalleled. His contribution as Field Rep,Vice Chairman, and Trustee was always welcome. My condo-lences to his wife , Chris, his daughters, Jennifer and Lauren,and all his friends and co-workers. His presence will be sorelymissed.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all the members whosupported me in the recent elections. Your show of confidenceencourages me to continue on a new positive direction for ourunion and you its members.

Sincerely,

Tom Lane

HHHHHHHHH State of the Union HHHHHHHHH

PresidentThomas Lane

Secretary Treasurer ReportBy Christopoher Guy

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I begin my tenure as your SecretaryTreasurer, I would like to thank all thosewho supported my candidacy, and to

everyone that came out to vote. I am truly hon-ored to be able to serve you in this capacity,which has such an impact on you and your families. This respon-sibility that you have entrusted to me will have my utmost atten-tion, so that we can all receive what we are entitled to.

As your Secretary Treasurer, I assure you every effort will bemade to improve the collection system, (your benefits) not onlywith the contractors but also with the fund office. I plan to furtherenforce the receipt program. But, in order for the receipt system

to work, I need the help and cooperation of all Local 7 members.With the work outlook for the next several years being

extremely optimistic, Local 7 should be in a position to start sev-eral programs that will positively affect all members. I believe thecreation of a scholarship fund will be a wonderful asset to offer ourmembers and their families. Another topic for consideration is theformation of a Retiree Club that will allow old friends to keep intouch.

Recently, Local 7 lost a very valuable asset, Ron Ade. Ronwas a tireless Field Rep and Trustee serving Local 7’s members.He will be greatly missed. Personally, I have lost a good friendand co-worker. I extend my deepest sympathies to Ron’s wife,Chris and his two daughters, Jennifer and Lauren.

Chris Guy

Sec’y-Treas.Chris Guy

3

Iam happy to report the newsletterhas been given a “green light” forfurther production by the new lead-

ership of Local 7. I thank them for theirdecision.

I would like to congratulate the newPresident, Thomas Lane as well as thenew Secretary Treasurer, Chris Guy fortheir victory in the June elections. I am

confident Local 7 is “NOW in the best hands it could be in.”With this leadership Local 7 will be moving into the techno-logical and computer society in earnest.

I would also like to welcome newly appointed fieldreps, Ernesto Jimenez and Adolfo DiCosmo . I am con-vinced each will contribute to making Local 7 more memberfriendly than ever before. Jimenez brings bi-lingual talentsto a craft that has nearly 70% Hispanic members, several ofwhich have questions that previously went unanswereddue to the language barrier. DiCosmo brings a familiarityof both northern and southern New Jersey and the respectand confidence of the present New Jersey field reps. I amconfident the members of Local 7 will show these new rep-resentatives the same courtesy and respect afforded theother field reps.

Personally I would like to thank those members whosupported me in my campaign for Vice-Chairman ofMarble. I thank you for the congratulatory messages andcommit myself to informing ALL Marble crafts of upcominginformation they should all be aware of.

Once again I remind the members that they have anopen forum to ask their questions, voice their approval ordisapproval or simply share with the membership some-thing they feel is important by writing to “Letters to theEditor”. All letters should be addressed to:

Letters to the Editorc/o News @ Seven45-34 Court SquareLong Island City, NY

Remember, all letters must be signed but will be publishedanonymously if requested.

BAC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Local 7 participated in the recent LeadershipConference at Notre Dame University August 4-8.This year it was attended by President Lane, Secretary

Treasurer Guy, Vice-Chairman Nicastri, and Field Rep Gahn.Subjects covered this session were: Use of the DodgeReports, Computer Training in Word, Excel, & PowerPoint,Recent Jurisdictional Decisions and their impact on unions,Methods of Organizing, Classification of Workers, HiringPractices, Steward Training, Drugs & Alcohol in the WorkPlace, Bargaining Conflicts and Resolutions, New Productsand A discussion on right to work states with emphasis on therecent New Hampshire Case.

From theEditor’sDesk

by Ron Nicastri

On a Somber Note

Shortly after most of this newsletter was completed, Local 7suffered the loss of Field Rep, Ron Ade, who succumbed to a heartattack while on vacation with his family. Though I had neverworked with Ron in the field with my tools, I forged an affinitywith him from the day he started. He will always be New JerseyRon to my New York Ron. I was fortunate to spend quality timewith him on several occasions as participants in educational con-ferences for the trustees of Local 7. There I began to appreciatehis wry sense of humor that always brought a smile to your face.My wife and I became close to Ron, his wife Chris, and his daugh-ters, Jennifer and Lauren. I wish I had longer to cultivate that rela-tionship.

Knowing my love of blueberries and living in the “BlueberryCapital of the World” I received from him a case every year. I willnot be able to look at a blueberry in the future without thinking ofRon. I will miss him, as will all of Local 7.

Pictured from left to right: Ron Nicastri; Tom Lane;IU President, John Flynn; IU Secretary Treasurer, James Boland;

Chris Guy; and James Gahn

September 3Labor DayUnion Holiday

September 5Chapter MeetingLong Island City, NY

September 12Chapter MeetingElizabeth, NJ

September 13Chapter MeetingGlassboro, NJ

September 21-23Apprentice Competition Finals

Washington, DCOctober 3

Chapter MeetingLong Island City, NY

October 8Columbus DayUnion Holiday

October 10Chapter MeetingElizabeth, NJ

October 11Chapter MeetingGlassboro, NJ

November 12Veterans DayUnion Holiday

November 17MEGA MEETINGElizabeth, NJ

November 22-23Thanksgiving RecessUnion Holiday

D AT E S TO R E M E M B E R

4

AtlanticCity

News

Atlantic City isbooming onceagain with cur-rent work at theBorgata and

work on Harrah’s to begin in the early fall.Work has also begun on the newest casi-no, The Revel, situated next to theShowboat. There is other considerablework outside the Atlantic City limits. Thefuture looks bright!

The recent election of Tom Lane asPresident, Chris Guy as SecretaryTreasurer and the other vice chairmenensure a new and better direction forLocal 7.

I would like to congratulate DaveOliveri, John Williams, and BrianGussford for being returned as ChapterOfficers for the Atlantic City ChapterMeetings. I would also like to congratu-late the new field rep appointees, ErnestoJimenez in Manhattan and AdolfoDiCosmo in Northern New Jersey.

Finally, special thanks go out toApprentice Instructor, Ken Cheli and theapprentices he teaches for their work onthe Urban Promise House Project forExtreme Makeover.

-F. Williams

The BrooklynBeat

Since the last newsletterthere have been manypositive developmentsin Brooklyn. Thebiggest developmenthas been the Hilton

Hotel on Duffield Street. This project wasbuilt non-union by John Lam for FlintlockDevelopers. This was the job targeted bythe Brooklyn Board of Business Agentswith rallies, demonstrations and handbillings. Through their efforts and thoseof local politicians the contractor wasfined for numerous violations. Since amajor rally on Friday June 8th, John Lamhas met with the Building Trades of NYand is currently taking bids from unioncontractors for the remaining work.

Though this is a tremendous victoryfor the union trades that have participat-ed in targeting this project from thebeginning, we need to build on this effortand not forget the hard work thatbrought success.

-Blaise Toneatto

Metro ReportFirst, I would like to extend my congratulations to newly electedPresident, Tom Lane; Secretary Treasurer, Chris Guy and Vice

Chairman, Ron Nicastri. I firmly believe that the union is in the best hands it could be in.I would also like to welcome aboard the newest Field Reps., Ernesto Jimenez and AdolfoDiCosmo.

Metro New York is experiencing a period of growth not seen in many years.Unfortunately, the non-union sector is as busy as we are. We must never give up our vigi-lance in dealing with these non-union entities. Members should attend rallies, demonstra-tions and picket lines whenever possible.

I have found a trend emerging where members seem to take Mondays and Fridays off.This does not help them, the contractor or the industry. We must protect our work becausenon-union workers NEVER miss a day.

I personally enjoyed the opportunity to advance my labor education at the recentLeadership Conference given at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana and theGeorge Meany National Labor College in Maryland.

- James Gahn

Garden StateReviewI would like to say welcome to the newest members of the Local 7 staff,Ernesto Jimenez and Adolfo DiCosmo. I am certain they will workwith the other field reps and do a great job. Work continues to lookgood. Work continues to proceed at the Freehold Raceway Mall. Inaddition there are upcoming renovations at the Livingston andRockaway Malls. There will be school work in Elizabeth and atPrinceton University.

Please remember that this is an important election year. We have the opportunity tochange the political face of this nation to a pro-union atmosphere it has not seen in the past8 years. Do not forget to exercise your right to vote in November.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Tom Lane, Chris Guy, and Ron Nicastrion their recent election. The future of Local 7 is in good hands.

-R. Ade

Ron Ade passed away suddenly, shortly after submitting this article.See Page 6

The GardenState

Review

Long Island SoundsWork in Nassau and Suffolk has not been as busy as the otherboros, but there is potential in upcoming projects such as theBarnes and Noble Bookstore, a 2 Story project in Lake Grove, a

2 billion dollar project in Hempstead, along with the billion dollar project including theNassau Coliseum renovation.

Queen County is much busier. Queens West, Shea Stadium and many school projectsensure much needed work in this area now and in the future.

I would like to applaud the newly elected officers, Tom Lane, Chris Guy and RonNicastri for a great campaign. I also congratulate Ernesto Jimenez and Adolfo DiCosmo,the new Field Reps for Manhattan and Northern New Jersey. The Union is again, on theright track.

I have found many members working the weekends and then taking off on Mondays.This does not accomplish anything. You must make the effort to show up every day, ontime and ready to work. It is the only way we can protect our industry.

-William Hill

CONGRATULATIONSLocal 7 would like to extend its congratulations to Thomas Lane for com-pleting his studies in Labor Studies and graduating with a Masters of Artsin Labor and Policy Studies. His effort to improve on his labor education,his willingness to share his knowledge with his staff, serves Local 7 mem-bers, its contractors and industry in general with an unparallel enthusiasm.

JATC Apprentice Competition Semi-Finals

5

JATC ReportOn behalf of Ken Cheli, Apprentice instructor at the IMI Facility in Bordentown, NJ, and myself, I would like to congratu-

late our new President, Tom Lane, Secretary Treasurer, Chris Guy, and Vice-Chairman, Ron Nicastri on their success in therecent elections. We are looking forward to working with them and advancing the apprentice program to new heights.

The apprentice program for related training and upgrading will resume in September after the summer break.The BAC International Union is sponsoring an apprentice contest for tile, marble, and terrazzo apprentices. This year com-

peting in the semi-finals in Philadelphia are:

Tile Marble TerrazzoShaun Bowman Chris Pronewski Raymond Gudehus Benjamin PanatoAdam Higgins Thomas Ugenti Chris SchrammKevon Maynard

Raymond Gudehus and Chris Schramm placed first and second respectively in the marble division and Kevon Maynardplaced second in the Tile Division. The finals will be held in September at the new National Training Center in Bowie,Maryland. Ken Cheli and myself congratulate the winners and wish them success in the finals.

Remember, the apprentices are our future and we need to assure they get placed in a good working environment where theycan learn their craft from their Journeymen brothers. If any member is working on a public project job where there are four ormore teams or a private job with 3 or more teams, please contact me at 718-706-7229. Thank you for your help and concern.

John Cosentini, JATC Coordinator.

Center Photo(kneeling l. to r.) Chris Schramm, RayGudehus. (standing 1. to r.) Sec’y.-Treas. Chris Guy, Chris Pronewski,John Cosentini (JATC Coordinator),Kevon Maynard, Adam Higgins, Pres.Tom Lane, Shaun Bowman, Tom Ugenti

6

Retiree Spotlight

Rocco StagnittaRocco Stagnitta was born on July

31, 1909 in Manhattan. He enjoyed aheritage of Stone Masons that datedback to his relatives in Italy. Hejoined the Marble Carvers, Cutters,& Setters Union Local 4, in October1925. In the capacity of a foreman,he worked on projects such as theWorld Trade Center, Museum of Art,St. Patrick’s Cathedral and atLincoln Center carved the lettersinto Avery Fischer Hall. In 1957 Hebecame president of Local 4 and in1965 He became Business Managerwhere he served until 1976 when heretired. In October 2000 he receiveda plaque from Local 7 acknowledg-ing 75 years as a union member. OnJuly 31, 2007 he celebrated his 98thbirthday and 82 years a member ofthe union.

Retirement ClubFor some time now members have approached me regarding

establishing a Retiree Club. For a number of years the marble indus-try has had a low scale version wherein they would meet once ortwice a year over breakfast to reminisce catch-up on each other’s livesor simply to shoot the breeze.

I would like to take this astep forward and include allLocal 7 retired craftsman.Having a more solid basewould open the door to,retiree trips, sporting events,picnics, as well as breakfastsand luncheons.

I ask all retired membersof Local 7 in all Tile, Marble& Terrazzo Crafts interestedin participating in thisendeavor to please contact me, Ron Nicastri, at the union hall byphone (718-786-7648) or mail (45-34 Court Square, Long Island City,NY 11101) Attention: Ron Nicastri on Envelope.

If interest in this Retiree Club grows, as I expect it will, I anticipatea Retiree Column in the upcoming Newsletters.

The most recent Retiree Breakfast.

In Memoriam

On August 12, 2007 Local 7 lost one of its ownwhen Ron Ade passed away suddenly while onvacation on a cruise with his family.

Ron started his career with Local 77 on July 7,1977 recently celebrating 30 years as a member.He worked in the field in southern New Jerseyworking on many of the major casino projects. In2001 he became a field representative for Local 7, amega local that combined the crafts of Tile,Marble, & Terrazzo. While serving Local 7 in thatcapacity, Ron served as Chapter Chairman of southern New Jerseyand as an OSHA instructor conducting many classes for his members.He was elected to the office of Tile Vice Chairman and also served asa trustee on the Tile funds.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter Jennifer and herhusband Jeremy Chin, and daughter, Lauren and her husband DanielKreifus. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family.

Ron will be sorely missed by the staff of Local 7 who were oftenguided by his input and contributions as well as his ability to use that“dry sense of humor” he had to solicit a well timed laugh.

Ron L. Ade1950-2007

In Memoriam

Ron Ade

Thomas Bennet

Todd Maloney

Vincent Marzocca

Louis O’Conner

Peter Remia

Dominick Rito

Local 7 wishes to Congratulatethese members for achieving

the respective Milestones of Service.

Service Awards

Members with 50 years of ServiceFrank Bilello

Anthony Dinapoli Sr.Vincent FerrantelliPhillip Fornabaio

Albert IndriRonald Orosz

Anthony Sciarrino

Member with 40 years of Service

Daniel Corazza

7

Local 7 would like to take this opportunityto welcome its newest field representatives.

Ernesto JimenezErnesto comes to us from theMarble Polisher’s craft. He enteredthe union in 1996 as a maintenanceman for Port Morris. In 2000 hebecame a Marble Polisher and hassince worked for MBSC as a leadman and shop steward.

He is bi-lingual and speaks Spanish fluently, a usefultool in today’s market where over 70% of marblerestoration workers are Hispanic. He has completed 2years of studies at Queens College and is married with3 children. He will be an asset to the Local in bringingthose members unaware of union activities, functions,meeting, rallies and demonstrations due to a languagebarrier back into the union family.

Adolfo DiCosmoAdolfo Joined Local 77 in 1987working for several companies inNew York and New Jersey. In 1996he became a tile mechanic. He hasacted as shop steward andForeman on several of the AtlanticCity projects especially Tropicana

and Resorts. He is married with 5 children. He hasexpressed an excitement in working ion conjunctionwith the other members of Local 7’s staff. His territo-ry will be the northern section of New Jersey where heanticipates a close relationship with the members in hisarea.

Welcome to the New Field Representatives

To my Hispanic Brothers,

While I worked with my tools in the field in theMarble Polisher’s craft, I was often approached by mySpanish speaking brothers to explain to them localunion issues. I tried to assist them as much as possible.

Now in my new position of field rep I intend totake this assistance a step further. It has come to myattention that many questions as to informationregarding the wages, fringe benefits, and the condi-tions of the current collective bargaining agreementshas not been adequately explained to many of themembers.

If any of my Spanish speaking brothers have anyquestions regarding any aspect of our industry I urgethem to contact me at the union hall 718-786-7648.

I further suggest that all members attend the unionmeetings where their questions can be heard andanswered by the entire Local 7 staff. A listing of thetime and sites of all chapter meetings is on the back ofthe newsletter.

Ernesto Jimenez

Special ThanksI would like to extend a special thanks to Patty Pavlak

for all her support and help over the past years. Throughher work at the Indiana Processing Unit, she has suppliedquick and accurate information whenever asked, aidingLocal 7 in administering the needs of our men.

Attention Local 7 Members

Local 7 is in the process of completing its web page. Overthe months it will be improved, refined, and added to. When itis completed it will afford members information they have neverhad access to before, including: A copy of the latest newsletter, acalendar of important upcoming dates, ability to downloadforms necessary in processing fund matters, and the ability tolink to the offices of DH Cook, so that each member can track hisor her benefits paid by the contractors.

The web site address is: http://www.local7tmt.com

TILE, MARBLE & TERRAZZOBAC LO CAL U N I O N No. 7NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY45-34 Court SquareLong Island City, New York 11101

Local 7 Website Addresshttp://www.local7tmt.com

Field Reps Home OfficeTelephone Numbers

Adolfo DiCosmo 917-734-7922Chris Guy 845-986-9167William Hill 516-731-3262Tom Lane 631-698-4160Ron Nicastri 631-928-1785Ernesto Jimenez 718-476-6348Blaise Toneatto 718-961-6870Frank Williams 856-939-3203

Any member who has business or questions for the TileAssociation Funds, Marble Industry of New York Funds, or D.H. Cook should first direct their call to Melissa at the Union

Hall from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 718.786.4392.

UNITEDWE STAND

Long Island CityK of C Hall49-18 Queens BoulevardLong Island City , NY1st Wednesday of the Month • 5:00 pm

Elizabeth ChapterBayway Polish Home625 Pulaski StreetElizabeth, NJ2nd Wednesday of the Month • 5:00 pm

Atlantic City ChapterPainters Hall12 High StreetGlassboro, NJ2nd Thursday of the Month • 5:00 pm

Mega Meetings are held twice a year. Members will be notified as to time and place.

Union Office Hours are 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

RememberTO PAY YOUR DUES!

Send to: BAC Processing Center1657 Commerce DriveSouth Bend, Indiana 46628

Anyone that is behind 3 months in dues will bedropped and subject to an additional

$150.00 re-instatement fee.

First Class U.S. Postage

PAIDLong Island City, NY

Permit No. 1153

Locations and Times for Chapter and Mega Meetings