V41N6 | The Boilermaker Reporter

Counting on strength innumbers, members hopedistrict will sustain lodgesTEXAS LOCALS HAVE been hit hardby nonunion competition. There usedto be six Boilermaker constructionlodges in Texas. Only four remain.And when work is slow, it’s a finan-cial strain to keep some of these lodgesrunning. But all that should changewith the formation of the Lone StarDistrict Lodge.

On September 24-25, 2002, represen-tatives from four Texas locals attendedthe first convention of the Lone StarDistrict Lodge in Spring, Texas. Intl.Vice Pres. George Rogers chaired themeetings, where members of Local 74(Houston), Local 132 (Galveston),Local 531 (Amarillo), and Local 587(Orange) met to discuss and approvethe new district’s referral rules and by-laws, as well as elect district officers.

Ronnie Keck, Local 74, was electedto serve as the district’s business man-ager and executive secretary. Alsoelected were District President DennisSmith (Local 74), Vice President JamesL. Kirkland (Local 587), TrusteeChairman and Rec. Sec. RobertHuepers (Local 132), and TrusteeCharles Thomas (Local 531).

By pooling resources — both man-power and financial — the districtlodge will help meet employer needs,keep members working closer tohome, and sustain its affiliated lodges.

The district lodge will collect fielddues and then equally distribute one-half of one percent to each of the affili-ated lodges. This extra income willhelp maintain a lodge through slowwork periods. In addition, when workis abundant at one local while othersin the district are slow, the district candraw members from other affiliatedlodges, allowing members to work

closer to home instead of having toboom across the country.

The district lodge is good foremployers, too. Being able to drawworkers from four affiliated localsassures Boilermaker employers that

there will be enough manpower to filltheir jobs when needed.

“There is strength in numbers,”explained Rogers. “And the districtlodge can provide that strength whileits affiliated lodges retain their autono-

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 203, St.John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, arebuilding a new penstock for M&MEngineering Limited at Granite Lake,a remote wilderness area in centralNewfoundland.

“The penstock is 20-feet in diameterand 520-feet in length,” reports L-203President Harold Furey. “When com-pleted, it will produce 40 megawatts ofpower and will be tied into the New-foundland hydro transmission lines.”

Hydroelectric plants produce elec-tricity using gravity instead of burn-ing fuel. Water from a lake, reservoir,or river flows through a water wheelor turbine, which spins the magnetsin the generator. The penstock is thepipe or conduit that carries the waterto the turbine.

The penstock Local 203 membersare building in Newfoundland will

Local 203 membersbuild 520-foot penstock

Continued on page 5

L-203 MEMBERS prepare to lower one ofthe penstock sections into place.

L-169’s Anderson placessecond; Southeast reps.earn team prizeJERRY FULK OF LOCAL 667,Charleston, W.Va., is theBoilermakers’ outstanding apprenticeof the year.

Representing the Southeast Area,Fulk earned the top marks at the 15thannual Boilermakers NationalApprenticeship Program’s (BNAP)outstanding apprentice competition,held Sept. 15-19, 2002, at the BNAPtraining center in Kansas City, Kan.

Nathan Anderson of Local 169,Detroit, Mich., representing the GreatLakes Area, placed second.

Southeast Area representatives, Fulkand John McWhorter (Local 105,Chillicothe, Ohio.), won the BNAPteam competition award.

This is the third year that each par-ticipating apprenticeship area sent twocontestants to the national competi-

tion, who were then judged individu-ally and as a team.

Each of this year’s eight contestantsis a winner, as each had to place eitherfirst or second in his area’s competi-tion in order to participate in the

national contest. Not only are theywinners, but they are leaders, too.

“History has demonstrated that ourcontestants are leaders, not only asapprentices, but throughout their

Continued on page 8

Texans form Lone Star District

http://www.IBB.workingfamilies.com http://www.boilermakers.org

Reporterthe Boilermaker

Local 667’s Jerry Fulk winsapprentice competition

Local NewsBoilermakers are hard at work . . . . . . . . .5

Training & EducationNatl., Area, and Local Programs . . .6-9Steward’s SourcebookWhat to do if asked for advice . . . . .11Settlements . . . . . . . . . . .12Letters to Editor . . . . . . .13

IN THESE PAGES

Vol. 41 No. 6 Nov • Dec 2002

The Official Publication of the InternationalBrotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship

Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, andHelpers, AFL-CIO

Charles W. Jones, Editor-in-Chief

Continued on page 3

INTL. PRES. CHARLES W. JONES (r.) con-gratulates Jerry Fulk of L-667, Charleston,W.Va., the top apprentice of the year.

INTL. SEC.-TREAS. JERRY WILLBURN(l.)congratulates second-place awardwinner Nathan Anderson of Local 169.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE International and Local Lodges 74, 132, 531, and 587attend the first convention of the Lone Star District Lodge, Sept. 24-25, 2002.

Strong majority support theirunion’s political activitiesTHANKS TO MASSIVE corporatespending, Nov. 5 was the most expen-sive off-year election in history. BigBusiness outspent working-familyadvocates 12 – 1 in hard and soft-money contributions ($710 to $62 mil-lion as of Sept. 9), up from 9 – 1 in 1992.Nearly all of their support went toRepublican candidates.

Yet an election night telephone sur-vey of union members conducted byPeter D. Hart Research for the AFL-CIOshowed that, in battleground Senateraces, 72 percent of union membersvoted for the Democratic candidate,with similar results in U.S. House races.

This margin is consistent with votingtrends for union members in 1998 and2000, according to Hart Research. Hartwas unable to determine what percent-age of voters came from union house-holds, because they rely on Voter NewsService (VNS) for these numbers. VNSdid not conduct exit polls this year.

When asked what was important intheir choice of a candidate for Congress,54 percent of those surveyed answered“issues,” followed by 26 percent citing“personal qualities,” and 16 percentnaming party affiliation. Of the 54 per-cent who said issues were most impor-

tant, 70 percent voted for the DemocraticHouse candidate, with 72 percent choos-ing the Democrat running for Senate.

When members were asked the twotop issues affecting their choices inHouse races, pocketbook issues pre-vailed. Forty-four percent surveyednamed the economy and jobs, followedby health care and prescription drugswith 34 percent, and 25 percent namingSocial Security. Terrorism and nationalsecurity ranked fourth with 24 percent.

Drug companies back GOP

IN ADDITION to contributing to polit-ical parties and candidates’ campaigns,Big Business also financed “issue ads,”which do not have to be reported to theFederal Elections Commission. In theseads, an organization will speak in sup-port of or opposition to a proposal, suchas privatizing Social Security, then askviewers to phone a candidate and voicetheir appreciation for that candidate’sposition. Though clearly meant to sup-port a specific candidate, they skirtcampaign finance limits.

In 2002, drug companies bankrolledtelevision spots congratulating mem-bers of Congress who voted for theirplan to privatize a prescription drugbenefit for seniors. The $16 million theyspent on these television ads — whichclearly supported GOP candidates

over Democrats — was in addition tothe $18 million they gave to candidatesand parties.

Unable to spend the huge sums cor-porations lay out for the elections,unions fought back with people powerand education about the issues. Thesurvey confirmed the effectiveness ofthat program and union members’ siz-able support for it.

When asked whether “unions need toinvest time and money in politics andlegislation today, to counter the influ-ence that corporations and wealthy spe-cial interest have,” 73 percent ofmembers agreed, up from 69 percentwhen that question was asked in 2000.Even a majority of union members whovoted for candidates who were notendorsed by their union supported thework their union did to get out the vote.

Focusing on 25 governor races, 16Senate races, 47 House races, and tar-geted competitive state legislative racesduring the 2002 election cycle, grass-roots union activists handed out nearly17 million worksite leaflets, made fivemillion phone calls to members, andsent 15 million pieces of mail. On Elec-tion Day nearly 225,000 union mem-bers volunteered to get out the vote.

Bush spent millions of tax dollarsmaking campaign trips

POLITICAL ANALYSTS were quick tocredit President Bush for playing amajor role in several key Republican vic-tories on Nov. 5. By Oct. 29, he hadattended 59 out-of-town political eventsin 2002, and in the last two weeks beforethe election, he crisscrossed the country

too many times to count in a frenzy ofelection-eve campaigning on behalf ofRepublicans in tight races. In addition,he ordered 220 appointees to take vaca-tion time and hit the campaign trail.

An e-mail to 6,100 employees of theEnvironmental Protection Agency saidthey “are permitted to take an active partin partisan political management andcampaigns,” and encouraged them to“express support for the president andhis program” when they are off-duty.

Scholars call Bush’s partisan use ofthe government unprecedented for amidterm election, and federal workersin the American Federation of Govern-ment Employees complained aboutpoliticization of their work.

And taxpayers foot the bill.The Government Accounting Office

estimated that the 59 trips Bush hadtaken as of Oct. 29 cost taxpayersroughly $15.7 million.

When the president travels, billsmount quickly. Air Force One costs$34,400 per hour. Cargo planes thataccompany the president cost from$5,349 to $7,025 per hour.

Bush’s Marine One helicopter costs$5,597 per hour to take him from theWhite House to Andrews Air ForceBase. A smaller Blackhawk he some-times uses costs $3,658. These helicop-ters always fly three at a time to foilwould-be attackers.

On his first 59 trips this year, Bushraised about $66.5 million in contribu-tions to the Republican Party and toRepublican candidates, at a cost to thetaxpayer of $15.7 million.

For the GOP, that’s a bargain. Tax-payers may have a different opinion. ❑

Poll: Union members vote on issues

Locals 13, 154 givethumbs-up to Casey

REPRESENTATIVES OFLocal 13, Philadelphia, Pa., and Local 154, Pittsburgh,Pa., meet with Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Bob Casey Jr. (center) togive their support. Pictured, l. to r., are L-154 BM Ray Ventrone, L-154 VP SeanMurphy (behind Ventrone), Casey, now retired L-13 BM-ST Joseph Murray, andL-13 Pres. William Hill Jr. ❑

the Boilermaker Reporter2 Nov • Dec 2002

E L E C T I O N N E W S

Reporterthe Boilermaker

Nov • Dec 2002 Vol. 41 No. 6

Charles W. Jones, International President and Editor-in-Chief

Jerry Z. Willburn,Intl. Secretary-Treasurer

International Vice PresidentsLawrence McManamon, Great LakesMichael S. Murphy, Northeast

Newton B. Jones, Southeast George Rogers, Central

Don Lacefield, Western States

Richard Albright, Western CanadaAlexander MacDonald, Eastern Canada

Jim Hickenbotham, At-LargeOthal Smith Jr., At-Large

Editorial staffDonald Caswell, Managing Editor

Carol Dillon, Asst. to the Managing Editor


Unions raise wages 25%

The Boilermaker Reporter is the official publi-cation of the International Brotherhood ofBoilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths,Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIO. It is publishedbimonthly to disseminate information of useand interest to its members. Submissions frommembers, local lodges, and subordinate oraffiliated bodies are welcomed andencouraged. This publication is mailed freeof charge to active members and retiredmembers holding a Retired Members Card.Others may subscribe for the price of $10 forthree years. Standard Mail (A) postage paidat Kansas City, Kan., and additional mailingoffices. ISSN No. 1078-4101.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

The Boilermaker Reporter753 State Avenue, Suite 565Kansas City, KS 66101(913) 371-2640; FAX (913) 281-8104

Web sites: IBB.workingfamilies.com and www.boilermakers.org

PUBLICATION AGREEMENT No. 40010131

Printed in the U.S.A.

A prize-winning newspaper

How your per capitatax dollar is divided

79% — General Fund

15% —DefenseFund

3% —ConventionFund

3% — Publications Fund

Per capita tax goes up50 cents a monthEFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2003, theBoilermakers’ per capita tax willincrease by 2.8 percent ($0.50 whenrounded to the nearest five cents), fora total monthly per capita tax pay-ment of $18.05.

The monthly per capita tax isadjusted each January 1 to keep upwith inflation, in accordance with con-vention action taken in 1977. Theincrease is based on the percentageincrease in average hourly earnings inmanufacturing as issued by theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the12-month period, July to July. Accord-ing to the BLS, from July 2001 to July

2002, these earnings increased 2.8 per-cent — from $14.86 to $15.28, com-pared to a 3.4 percent increase in 2001.

The per capita tax finances all activ-ities of the International. As providedfor in the International Constitution,15 percent goes to the Defense Fundto pay for weekly strike benefits; threepercent goes to the Publication Fundfor all costs associated with this paper;three percent goes to the ConventionFund; and 79 percent goes for every-thing else, including meetings andconferences, service to local lodges,education and training of local lodgeofficers and stewards, organizing, col-lective bargaining research, legalexpenses, and all other activitiesrequired of an organization that serv-ices about 90,000 members.

Union Nonunion

2000 Wages — Union vs. Nonunion

$3,120

$2,499

$3,500

$3,000

$2,500

$2,000

$1,500

$1,000

$950

$900

In 2000, union workersmade $621 more a monththan nonunion workers

Union workers earn 25% morethan nonunion workers

UNION WORKERS EARN 25 percentmore than nonunion workers, accord-ing to the U.S. Department of Labor’sBureau of Labor Statistics. Medianmonthly earnings of full-time unionworkers were $3,120 in 2000, comparedwith $2,499 for their nonunion counter-parts, a difference of $621 a month.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor,Employment and Earnings, Jan. 2002. ❑

Tripartite meeting earnsrecognition for working outproblems collectivelyNEARLY 350 OWNER, contractor, andunion representatives attended the Boil-ermakers’ 17th annual National Tripar-tite Alliance Conference, October 8-10,2002, in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Intl. Vice Pres. Michael Murphy wel-comed the delegates, congratulatingthem for moving this meeting “from onewhere each group first came to serveindividual goals, to one where we nowwork together toward common goals.”

Jack Toner, the new chief of staff for theFederal Mediation and Conciliation Ser-vice (FMCS), who had served 28 years asthe exec. sec. of the National Labor Rela-tions Board, said he was “impressed by aconference where you have manage-ment and labor in the same room work-ing out problems collectively.”

One way the delegates worktogether is through participation in theFMCS TAGS Program. TAGS is a pow-erful network of Internet servers,mobile computers, and customizedsoftware that skilled FMCS mediatorsuse to help groups solve problems,make and implement decisions, andconduct internal elections, remotemeetings, and online surveys.

At last year’s conference, TAGSenabled the conference participants tobrainstorm by entering ideas about sixtopics into one of several computers

connected to a larger computer inWashington, D.C. The six topics wereabsenteeism, gainsharing, recruitment,outage scheduling, project manage-ment, and respect in the workplace.

Subcommittees recommendaction to improve jobsitesSINCE LAST YEAR’s conference,FMCS Commissioner Michael Johane-son has analyzed the results of the 2001TAGS’ caucus and presented theresults to six subcommittees for evalua-tion and recommendation.

At this year’s conference, Johanesonpresented his report of that caucus, anda contact person for each of the six sub-committees also made a report to theconference. A brief synopsis follows.

1. Absenteeism — Intl. Vice Pres.Newton Jones. The subcommittee sug-gests that contractors issue a writtenpolicy on absenteeism to eachemployee, who shall sign an acceptanceof understanding during orientation.The contractor can then terminate anyemployee failing to adhere to the policy.

2. Gainsharing — Thomas O’ConnorJr., president of O’Connor Constructors.The subcommittee recommends that apilot program be set up in each vice-presidential area on easily-measuredprojects with a high probability of suc-cess. When successful, checks andresults could be mailed and publicizedas soon as possible. Unsuccessfulresults could be analyzed. They recom-mend asking the Department of Labor

to fund the hiring of a gainsharingexpert to develop a prototype program.

3. Recruitment — Thomas House-holder, director of regional services of AEPPro Serv. Householder outlined actionthat can be taken, including the recruit-ment of skilled persons from the armedservices, suggesting that a full-timeregional coordinator be hired to targetschools and military locations and todevelop recruiting materials.

4. Outage Scheduling — LarryWargo, manager of outage support servicesfor First Energy. Wargo reviewed thesubcommittee’s plan of action, begin-ning with industry and manpower iden-tification and software development.

5. Project Management— Dave Zach,general manager of the Nooter ConstructionCo. The subcommittee recommends thedevelopment of a Project ManagementEducation Program.

6. Workplace Respect— Ron Traxler,director of labor relations and health andsafety for CBI Services, Inc.The subcom-mittee recommends developing a com-prehensive plan for upgrading andbuilding on the principles of education,experience, and skills of the Boilermakeremployees, supervisors, and projectmanagers to enhance respect in thework environment for all employees.

Other conference speakers includedConstruction Division Director DaleBranscum and his asst. Mike DiCicco;MOST Admin. Bill Palmisano and reps.David Haggerty and Bridget Connors;BNAP Coordinator Pat Smith; andNACBE Exec. Dir. John Erickson. ❑

Buckeye Council honors leadersHeiser, Beitel, Personsre-elected to councilleadership committeeREPRESENTATIVES FROM locallodges affiliated with the State ofOhio’s Buckeye Industrial Council(BIC) attended the council’s 12thannual conference, where they elect-ed members to the leadership com-mittee and presented awards foroutstanding service.

Re-elected to a three-year term asmembers of the council’s leadershipcommittee were Terry Heiser, sec.-treas. of Local 1191, Canton, Ohio;Jeff Beitel, president of Local 1073,Cleveland, Ohio; and VernonPersons, president of Local 908,Wadsworth, Ohio.

During the conference, three BICdelegates received the Steven A.Jewell Award in recognition of theiroutstanding service to their mem-bers. Recipients included Heiser,Persons, and Local 908 Sec.-Treas.Bart Bartter.

Conference topics included educa-tion, legislation, and the Union Label.

Persons announced upcomingsteward training programs for mem-bers in the Cleveland, Cincinnati,Dayton, and Canton areas.

Beitel discussed the importance ofthis year’s elections at both the stateand federal level. He urged eachaffiliated local to participate in theBoilermakers’ annual legislative con-ference in Washington, D.C., and tostart a Local Lodge CampaignAssistance Fund.

Heiser passed out a list ofBoilermaker-made products andspoke about the state’s Union LabelDepartment and the good work theyare doing for the workers in Ohio.

Affiliated lodges include Locals106, 744, 908, 1073, 1086, 1191, 1603,1664, 1666, 1702, and 1704. ❑

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER Jeff Beitel, r., of Local 1073, presents awards toBuckeye Council members, l. to r., Vernon Persons of Local 908, Terry Heiser of Local1191, and Bart Bartter of Local 908.

Texans form Lone Star District

my. Texas and Louisiana have beenhard hit by nonunion competition,making it hard to keep our member-ship numbers up. Forming a districtlodge is a way to sustain the fourlodges of Texas.”

BM-ES Keck thanked the delegatesfor their participation. “It took a lot ofhard work to get here. This was our

first convention, and we all should bepatted on the back for getting throughthis,” said Keck. “We have a lot ofhard work ahead of us, and I think wehave a good team put together, and alot of good ideas, and hopefully wewill be successful when we come backto this table in four years, or wheneverwe may meet.”

Convention delegates includedLocal 74 representatives Ronnie Keck,Herman Sullivan, and Dennis Smith;

Local 132 representatives MarkThompson, Robert Huepers, and LarryZion; Local 531 representatives CharlesThomas, Phillip Caudill, and RickCunningham; and Local 587 represen-tatives Clay Herford, James Kirkland,and Terry Kirkland. Also in attendancewere Intl. Vice Pres. George Rogers,Asst. to the Intl. Pres. Victor Maggio,and Intl. Reps. Kyle Evenson, DickHardin, and Dennis King. ❑

RONNIE KECK, LOCAL 74, is the businessmanager and executive secretary ofthe new Lone Star District.

the Boilermaker ReporterNov • Dec 2002 3

N E W S M A K E R S


Owner, contractor, union reps. meet in S.C.

Continued from page 1

INTL. VICE PRES. Michael Murphy wel-comes nearly 350 owner, contractor, andunion representatives to the meeting.

CONSTRUCTION DIVISION Director DaleBranscum describes the importance ofdefining craft jurisdiction.

FEDERAL MEDIATION CommissionerMichael Johaneson reports on last year’sparticipation in the TAGS Program.

INTL. VICE PRES. GEORGE ROGERS, l., swears in the officers of the new Lone StarDistrict Lodge. L. to r., Vice Pres. James Kirkland, BM-ES Ronnie Keck, Trustee CharlesThomas, Pres. Dennis Smith, and Trustee Chrmn. and Rec. Sec. Robert Huepers.

MEMBERS OF Local S1978, RockSprings, Wyo., participated in the 7thannual United Way Campaign’sHelping Hands Day, Sept. 7, 2002.

The volunteers pictured abovereceived awards for their efforts inhelping senior citizens in Sweetwater

County get work done on their homes.L. to r., Bridger Coal Safety Dir. Paul

Gust, Local S1978 Pres. PatrickMurphy, Bridger Coal Gen. Mgr. PatAkers, Local S1978 Rec. Sec. JoeQuiroz, and Bridger Coal Maint. Dir.Scott Palmer. ❑

S1978 helps needy familiesHelping Hands Day volunteers receive awards

Local 1, Chicago, Ill.,presents membership pinsJOHN SKERMONT, BM-ST of Local1, Chicago, Ill., reports presentationof pins for continuous years of mem-bership to the following:

40 Years — Arthur Adams; 30 Years — Charles Moore; and 25 Years — Robert Kosola.

Local 7, Buffalo, N.Y.,presents membership pinsF. PATRICK LYONS, BM-ST of Local7, Buffalo, N.Y., reports presentationof pins for continuous years of mem-bership to the following:

55 Years — Martin Gasiewicz,William E. Walsh;

45 Years — Raymond J. Dobson; 35 Years — Robert L.

Brushingham, Joseph W. Chmiel,Jeffery C. Linn, Michael C.Maciejewski, Tobias Rogalski; and

30 Years — Cleave E. Mulhollan.

Local 169, Detroit, Mich.,presents membership pinsJOHN MAREK, BM-ST of Local 169,Detroit Mich., reports presentation ofpins for continuous years of member-ship to the following:

60 Years — Frank Presutti andGeorge Radke;

55 Years — Andrew T. Chascsa,James S. Dalpiaz, William T. Howle,Carl E. Mayberry, Joseph Monti,Manual Pelaez, and Donald H.Simmons;

50 Years — Cletis J. Adams, Ivan F.Ayris, Earl E. Bushong, Donald P.Campbell, Jarrell D. Cook, Robert F.Hoppe, Barney G. Judd, Lester J.Lohr, George W. McAlister, WilliamE. Perry, Joseph A. Snell, ClarenceVincent, James F. Womac;

45 Years — Louie Duncan,Theodore R. Hempfling, Odis F.White;

40 Years — Nickola Basilisco,Herman J. Bourgeois, William M.Murray, Frederick C. Painter, CharlesH. Yates;

35 Years — Lowell T. Baars,Donald L. Cothran, Louis E.Decoteau, Raymond H. Fugitt,Clayton M. Gerard, Donald J.Jenerou, Kevin B. Kilpatrick, WayneF. Tourangeau, Harold J. Vickery;

30 Years — Jay C. Dollins, Gary O.Fairbanks, William R. French, J. D.Garner, Wilbert J. Hall, Norman A.Jedinak, James A. Kowalski, Eddie C.Long, Robert W. Miller, Ronne L.Schoudt, James B. Schremp, GregoryG. Webb, Benjamin C. Wilsey Jr.,Nathan P. Woodman; and

25 Years — Gilbert Blauvelt,Abraham Boulley Jr., BradleyBurkmier, Donald Corby, Martin J.Dalton, Michael Dodge, Harold N.Greenleaf Jr., George Hayter, JarvisM. Kapplinger, Gernard N. LeBlanc,Edwin Lobdell, Ken Lyday, RichardMasty, Ronald Mullet, Richard D.Roberts, Larry R. Smerdon, and FredVore III.

L-374, Hammond, Ind.,presents membership pinsCHARLES H. VANOVER, BM-ST of

Local 374, Hammond, Ind., reportspresentation of pins for continu-ous years of membership to thefollowing:

45 Years — Michael Compateso,Frank G. Dudek, Clifford White;

35 Years — Anthony R. Basso,William DuFault Sr., CharlesEnsminger, Lawrence E. Nelson,Lary W. Schmitt, Burton L. Storey,Melvin Sampson, Kenneth Vincent,Guy Wilson;

30 Years — Vernie R. Harpenau,James A. Meunier, Harold J. Pittman;

25 Years — Donald W. Baird,Manny Bejar, Bradford A. Goffinet,Douglas Howell, James R. Hubert,Kurt W. Mayhew, Paul E. Odom,James A. Peter, James A. Wilbur;

20 Years — David J. Batur, Brian C.Cardwell, Roy U. Jones, Darrel W.Melton, Alan R. Meyer, John C. Neu,Gregory M. Plowman, Raymond M.Stefnik, Bruce E. Tarr; and

15 Years — David C. Hermann,John J. Ring, Thomas M. Stodola.

L-656, Chattanooga, Tenn.,presents membership pinsJAMES P. CULBERTSON, presidentof Local 656, Chattanooga, Tenn.,reports presentation of pins for con-tinuous years of membership to thefollowing:

50 Years — Rudy Massengill.

L-1162, Milwaukee, Wis.,presents membership pinsDONALD E. MADISEN, secretary-treasurer of Local 1162, Milwaukee,Wis., reports presentation of pins forcontinuous years of membership tothe following:

40 Years — Donald E. Madisen; 35 Years — James F. Kappellusch,

Bill D. Mycon; 30 Years — John M. Callahan,

Allen M. Gaurkee, Robert D.Murphy, Richard N. Zarling; and

25 Years — Tilman S. Leque Jr.,Harry McDougal, Ronald H. Novak,Peter J. Pleli, Joseph M. Smith.

Madisen also reports that CitationInterstate Forge is closing and mov-ing their jobs to a nonunion plant inNovasota, Texas.

“Many fine workers will be losingjobs they have spent their lives at,”said Madisen.

“We have all enjoyed the hard-earned union benefits and theopportunity to earn a living wage,but when the bottom line is profitor greed, the union worker is thefirst to go.” ❑

HONORS


L O C A L N E W S

the Boilermaker Reporter


RUDY MASSENGILL,r., receives his 50-yearmembership pin from L-656 Pres. James P.Culbertson and Sec.-Treas. R. E. Burgess.

Police Association thanksInternational for its supportMEMBERS OF THE KansasCity Kansas Black PoliceOfficers Association presenteda plaque to Intl. Pres. CharlesW. Jones in appreciation forthe International’s supportthrough the years. Pictured, l.to r., are Major Burnell Davis,Jones, and Master PatrolmanGregg Collins. ❑

HARRY J. REYNOLDS JR., whoserved as an employer trustee repre-senting Independent MechanicalIndustries, Inc. on both the Health andWelfare and Pension funds for overfour decades, lost his fight with canceron Nov. 22, 2002.

Reynolds was one of the originaltrustees of the Boilermakers NationalHealth & Welfare Fund, beginning hisservice in the 1950s when the fundwas first being conceived.

For over 40 years, Reynolds alsoserved as a trustee on theBoilermakers National Pension Fund.When poor health forced him toresign in Sept. 2002, he was the cur-rent chairman and only originaltrustee still remaining on the board.

In his letters of resignation,Reynolds thanked the trustees and thefund employees for their support,help, and advice over the years. Healso offered some advice for theremaining trustees: “Be conservativein your views. Always be cognizant of

who you represent, the participants.They come first. Act as you havealways done as a team of trustees andfiduciaries, not as employer and unionrepresentatives, which over time youhave performed well.”

In September, Reynolds donated allof his records from the board meet-ings — notes of every meeting of thepension and health and welfareboards — to the BoilermakersNational Archives. ❑

Reynolds passes away twomonths after retirement

Boilermakers earn membership pins

Local 667 members raisefunds for cancer researchEarl Yost raffles print tofellow members workingsmall outage job in W.Va.WHILE WORKING AN outage inShinnston, W.Va., members fromLocal 667, Charleston, raised over$1,000 for breast cancer research.

Local 667’s Earl Yost donated aprint from one of his paintings (val-ued at $100), which was raffled off at$1 a chance, six chances for $5.

The raffle tickets were sold betweenthe day and night shift on theShinnston’s small outage job in

September and October 2002.The raffle was the brainstorm of

Yost’s wife, a cosmetologist for anationwide chain of styling salonsthat sponsors an annual fundraisingcampaign called Clip For The Cure.

“‘Thank you’ will never be enoughto all of those who worked so hard tomake this event such a success,” saidYost. “Although tough on the outsidefrom a life only for the hardiest ofpeople, Boilermakers as a whole sure-ly conceal hearts of gold.”

Yost’s paintings were featured thisyear on page 21 of the Mar-Apr issueof this paper. ❑

Shell project is largest inpetrochem construction

LOCAL LODGE 146 BOILERMAKERS(Edmonton, Alberta) are in the finalstages of building Shell’s ScotfordUpgrader, near Fort Saskatchewan,Alberta. Completion of the ScotfordUpgrader completes Shell’s massiveAthabasca Oil Sands Project.

One of the world’s largest industrialconstruction projects, the Scotford jobincludes an upgrader, a hydrogen-manufacturing plant, and a new 150-megawatt cogeneration plant. At itspeak in 2001 and 2002, the projectemployed nearly 11,000 union crafts-men. Local 146 Bus. Mgr. Dean Miltonestimates that over 230 Boilermakersworked on the project in the peak peri-ods. On the residue hydrocarbon unitalone, they closed 180 vessels. About 45Boilermakers are still on the job.

Part of a joint venture between ShellCanada, Chevron Canada, and West-ern Oil Sands, the upgrader completesconstruction on elements for marketingoil from northern Alberta’s oil sands.Beginning in 2003, it will convert155,000 barrels per day of high viscosity“extra heavy” crude oil from theMuskeg River Mine into high qualitysynthetic crude oils. The syntheticcrude will be sold to Shell’s Scotfordand Sarnia refineries and Chevron’sSalt Lake and Burnaby refineries.

Extracting the oil from oil sands is afar more difficult job than recovering

oil in liquid form. Most of the world’soil comes from large pockets of the liq-uid that exist deep beneath the surfaceof the earth. The oil is brought up withpumps, just like water, and shipped torefineries in tankers or through pipes.

The oil in oil sands deposits is tied upin a mixture of sand, clay, and water.Each grain of sand is surrounded by afilm of water, which is surrounded by afilm of oil. Turning that oil, sand, andwater mixture into a marketable prod-uct is a multi-step process.

First, the world’s largest shovels digthe oil sands out of the ground near theMuskeg River. Then the sand andwater are removed, leaving bitumen, a

tar-like, heavy oil. The bitumen must bemixed with a diluent such as naphthato be piped 493 kilometers (305 miles)to the Scotford upgrader.

Upgrading is the most complex areaof operation in oil sands recovery.Upgrading removes such impurities asnitrogen, sulphur, and carbon, makingthe bitumen into a lighter crude oil thatcan be refined.

After the diluent is removed andpumped back to the Muskeg Rivermines, the upgrader subjects the bitu-men to several processes — cracking,fractionation, and hydrogen conver-sion. The clean liquid that results iscalled synthetic crude oil —synthetic

because its original molecular structureis changed by the process.

Northern Alberta has world’slargest hydrocarbon deposit

CREE INDIANS HAVE used the tarrysubstance that seeped from river banksin northern Alberta to waterproof theircanoes for centuries. But only in recentyears has technology made it feasible toturn oil sands into crude oil. Syntheticcrude is still more expensive than natu-ral crude, but increasing demand hascreated a market for it.

Over the next 20 years, world oil con-sumption is expected to increase 50 per-cent. While oil deposits elsewhere arebeing emptied, Alberta’s oil sandshave barely been touched. In northernAlberta, an estimated 1.6 trillion bar-rels of oil are trapped in sands underly-ing a 77,000 square kilometer (30,000square mile) area. About 311 billionbarrels are recoverable using currenttechnology, making Alberta’s potentialoil reserves 15 percent greater than theknown reserves in Saudi Arabia.

Oil sands development is increasingCanada’s oil production. In 2001, pro-duction of bitumen exceeded produc-tion of conventional crude in Alberta.By 2005, oil from oil sands will accountfor half of Canada’s total output.

Most of the increased production willgo to the United States. Partly becauseof the oil sands development, the U.S.now imports more oil from Canadathan from any other country. ❑

L-146 Boilermakers help build Shell’sScotford Upgrader for oil sands

L-85 & L-169 members work 89,000 accident-freehours for Detroit EdisonMEMBERS OF LOCAL 85 (Toledo,Ohio) and Local 169 (Detroit, Mich.)recently completed 89,000 hours at twoDetroit Edison power plants with noinjuries reportable under OccupationalSafety and Health Administration(OSHA) regulations.

The jobs earned Detroit Edison safetyawards from the National Associationof Construction Boilermaker Employ-ers (NACBE).

At Detroit Edison’s Belle River powerplant, Local 169 members installedburner tubes and water cannons, pad-welded waterwall tubes, pad-weldedand shielded the downdraft, andrepaired the reheat and secondarysuperheater outlet and inlet pendants.

At the company’s Monroe powerplant, Local 85 members replaced awaterwall panel and installed stiffenersin the economizer. ❑ LEFT: It’s a tight squeeze for this Local 169 welder. ABOVE:Local 85 members work on this plant for Detroit Edison in Monroe, Mich.


L O C A L N E W S


L-203 members build penstock

LOCAL 203 MEMBERS join other craft members to build a penstock in Newfoundland.L. to r., foreman Cyril Wade, Harold Furey, Mike MacDonald, Harry Barnes, DeonRigley, Jerome Wade Jr., Jerome Cole, superintendent Francis Lewis, Fred Phillips,Dwayne Wade, Jerry Scorefield, Nick Farrell, and David Butt.

collect water from Granite Lake togenerate power for the Voiseys Baynickel production project and for asmelter that will be built in Argentina.

In order to build the penstock, Local203 members are fitting ten-foot sec-tions together before lowering theminto a ravine. The first 80-feet of the pen-stock had to be placed 100-feet deep.

“So far, all 520-feet of the penstock,including 52 joints, have been fitted,welded, and have passed all x-rays andinspections,” said Furey.

Working in a remote area, the mem-bers are having to “rough it” at a 300-man campsite. ❑


WITH HUNDREDS of vessels being erected in a 30-month period, the Scotford project quickly earned its nickname: Crane City.

Photos courtesy of ResourceContracting and Maintenance.

Photos by Steve Milley, L-146

T R A I N I N G & E D U C A T I O N




JONATHAN WHITE OFLocal 128, Toronto, Ontario, has won the ninth annu-al Canadian Boilermaker Apprenticeship Competition.

Five of Canada’s top apprentices competed for the coveted prize at theHumber College, June 23-26, 2002, in Toronto. The contest proved to beextremely competitive as the apprentices’ scores were very close.

Joining White in the competition were Darren Hoffman of Local 146,Edmonton, Alberta; Kerry Hughes of Local 359, Vancouver, British Columbia;David Mackin of Local 555, Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Alain Noel of Local 73,Halifax, Nova Scotia. ❑

Southeast Area holdsapprentice competition

L-667’s Jerry Folk placesfirst, L-105’s JohnMcWhorter is secondJERRY M. FULK and John W.McWhorter earned the right to attendthe national apprentice competition byplacing first and second at the annualSoutheast Area OutstandingApprentice of the Year competition,August 14-17, 2002.

Eight apprentices competed for theannual Paul D. Wedge MemorialAward and the honor to representthe Southeast Area at the nationalcontest, September 16-18: Jeffery S.Burns of Local 83, Kansas City, Mo.;Jimmy Farmer Jr. of Local 108,Birmingham, Ala.; Henry R. Finch of

Local 26, Savannah, Ga.; Jerry M.Fulk of Local 667, Charleston, W. Va.;John M. McWhorter of Local 105,Chillicothe, Ohio; Thomas B. Parkerof Local 112, Mobile, Ala.; Paul L.Patrick of Local 433, Tampa, Fla.; andJeremy R. Overton of Local 40,Elizabethtown, Ky.

The competition was held at thetraining facilities of Local 433, Tampa,Fla., where BM-ST Edgar (Crab)Lariscy hosted a dinner. Special guestsincluded Lou Johnson of the Bureau ofApprenticeship and Training, and hiswife, Patsy.

At the national competition onemonth later, Fulk took first place andhe and McWhorter won the teamaward (see story beginning on page 1of this issue). ❑

JERRY FULK, second from left, receives the Paul Wedge Memorial Award. L-105’s JohnMcWhorter, center right, placed second. Also pictured are L-667 BM-ST GeorgePinkerman (l.) and L-105 BM-ST Van Stephens (r.).

TWELVE INSTRUCTORS from sevenlodges in the Great Lakes AreaBoilermakers Apprenticeship Program(GLABAP) participated in an orbitalwelding class at Local 169’s trainingfacility in Dearborn, Mich. The GLABAPpurchased an orbital welding machinefrom Magnatech Corp. so qualified jour-neymen or apprentices in their areacould learn this new technology. Usingthis machine, along with Local 169’s two

machines, Magnatech Instructor KenLaDuc and Local 169 instructors wereable to conduct the weeklong class in asmooth and efficient manner, reportedMark Gustafson, GLABAP co-coordina-tor. “The success of this program isdirectly attributable to the dedication ofthese Boilermakers to our craft and theircommitment to keep up with the newesttechnology,” said Gustafson. “We thankL-169 for making this possible.” ❑

INSTRUCTORS FROM SEVEN local lodges attend a class on orbital welding, sponsoredby the Great Lakes Area Boilermakers Apprenticeship Program at Local 169.

Jonathan White, Local Lodge 128, places first

Canadian apprentices compete in Toronto

LOCAL 146’S DARREN HOFFMANparticipates in the rigging exercise of the ninthannual Canadian Boilermaker Apprenticeship Competition, June 23-26, 2002.

Great Lakes Area instructorstake orbital welding class

Western States Areahas annual competition

L-92’s Gutierrez places first,L-500’s Nehls is second

BERT GUTIERREZ AND Jeffery Nehlsearned the right to attend the nationalapprentice competition by placing firstand second in the Western States JointApprenticeship Committee’s (WSJAC)15th annual Area OutstandingGraduate Apprentice Competition,June 16-21, 2002.

Eight apprentices competed for theJames F. Precht Award and the honorto represent the Western States Area atthe national contest, September 16-18:Bert Gutierrez of Local 92, LosAngeles, Calif.; Darrell Hall of Local549, Pittsburg, Calif.; RichardKawchack of Local 101, Denver, Colo.;Brian Kelly of Local 182, Salt LakeCity, Utah; Jeffery Nehls of Local 500,Salem, Ore.; Pat Peterson of Local 627,Phoenix, Ariz.; John Roundtree of

Local 502, Tacoma, Wash.; and DaveValentine of Local 11, Helena, Mont.

The competition was held at thetraining facilities of Local 182, SaltLake City, Utah. Union judges includ-ed Don Wice, Eldon “Ray” Allen, andMoses “Chico” Martinez. Contractorjudges included George Fryer ofBabcock & Wilcox, Norm Aisenbreyof Combustion, and Monty Unsworthof Fluor. Alex Secody, an instructorfrom the Hozhoni Training Center,and Local 4 Apprentice John Cling Jr.,Page, Ariz., assisted.

In addition to the first and secondplace awards, the Greg StreblowScholastic Award was presented toLocal 11 apprentice Todd Weed, andrecognition awards of achievementwere given to former Local 204 BM-STJohn King, Austin Ballou ofApComPower, Inc., and Jack Sloan,retired IVP and WSJAC secretary. ❑

LOCAL 92’S BERT GUTIERREZ, center left, receives the James F. Precht Award. Local500’s Jeffery Nehls, center right, placed second. Also pictured are Local 92 BM-STEd Marquez (l.) and Local 500 BM-ST Steve Nelson (r.).

Products Made By Boilermakers

Let Boilermakers keep you warmBOILERMAKERS MAKE more than boilers. The brands of home-heating

related equipment listed here are manufactured by companiesemploying our members. If you’re shopping for heating items, supportyour brothers and sisters — look for these Boilermaker-made brands.

Product(s) Brand/CompanyName(s) Lodge

Fireplace inserts, wood stoves Hutch Local S56

Floor, wall furnaces, room heaters Empire Comfort Local S7

Furnaces, heaters, fireplace access. Cozy Local S20

Gas & wood heaters US Stove Local S56

Nov • Dec 2002 7the Boilermaker Reporter

T R A I N I N G & E D U C A T I O N



Tennessee IndustrialCouncil sponsors seminaron union steward dutiesMEMBERS OF LOCAL 656,Chattanooga, Tenn., attended a one-day steward-training program onAugust 28, 2002, at their lodge hall.

Sponsored by the Tennessee“Volunteers” Industrial Council, theclass topics included discussion of thelocal lodge by-laws and collectivebargaining agreement, effective griev-ance handling, and duties of a unionsteward.

Wade Davis, asst. to the Researchand Collective Bargaining ServicesDirector, instructed the program. ❑

L-656 members attend steward training

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 656, Chattanooga, Tenn., attend a one-day training program on the duties of a union steward, August28, 2002, sponsored by the Tennessee “Volunteers” Industrial Council.

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 1234, Chicago,Ill., attended a steward training class,Oct. 11, 2002. Learning how to “policetheir contract,” they found the materi-als helpful and called the learning

experience “a day well spent.”Conducted by Intl. Rep. Howard Cole,class topics included writing, investi-gating, and presenting a grievance, anda review of the arbitration process. ❑

ATTENDING A CLASS are L-1234 members, l. to r., front row, Emmett Sanders, EloiseWilson, Kenneth Keafter, and Robert Smith; back row, Don Frank and Clarence Burge.

L-1234 members attend aone-day training program

THE FOUR CORNERS GeneratingStation has donated 42,680 pounds ofmaterial to Local 4’s new HozohniTraining Center in Page, Ariz.

On September 19, Four CornersPlant Manager Dan Kennedy told Intl.Rep. Gary Evenson that they would bedelivering “some” pipe and tube stockto Local 4. Evenson was shocked thenext day when he arrived at the train-ing center.

“Some” had been a gross under-statement.

“It was unbelievable,” said Evenson.“We had a tractor trailer rig from PageSteel in our parking lot. On its bed lay42,680 pounds of material: super-heattubes; four-inch, six-inch, eight-inch,

and ten-inch heavy-wall pipe; supplytubes; and six water wall panel sec-tions. Other than the panels, whichaccount for about 2,000 pounds, it wasall new material.”

Local 4 BM-ST Nate Begay is equallyecstatic. “This is an unbelievable gift,”said Begay. “Mr. Kennedy has been toour training center twice and he wasobviously impressed with the participa-tion we have in our program. We willput this gift to good use training thebest Boilermakers we possibly can.”

Evenson and Begay extend theirthanks to Four Corners for this gener-ous gift, and also thank Craig Wallingand Jim Lujan, of the Arizona PublicService Company, for their help. ❑

PAGE STEEL DELIVERS 42,680 pounds of tube stock and heavy wall pipe to Local 4’straining center in Page, Ariz., compliments of the Four Corners Generating Station.

L-4 receives over 42,000 pounds of tube, pipe stock

LOCAL 4’S GIFT: Only the water panels, which total about 2,000 pounds, are usedmaterial. The rest, over 40,000 pounds of heavy-wall pipe and supply tubes, is new.

Four Corners Generating Station donates 40,680pounds of new material, 2,000 pounds of used

FOUR Boilermakermembers gotnational attentionfor their protective-gear companywhen it was fea-tured in the Sept.30, 2002 issue ofNewsweek.

H i g h - T e m pRepair andInspection (HRI), aBoilermaker con-tractor in Buffalo,Mo., started byLocal 83 memberButch Rankin, alongwith his sons Rogerand Curt Rankin,and Jeff Enlund —members of theNational TransientLodge — was oneof over 300exhibitors in aWashington, D.C.,technology expo forproducts that can beused for civildefense.

According to the article, “corporategiants like Raytheon and Motorolashared floor space with mom-and-popinventors.” Among the “mom-and-pop inventors” was HRI.

HRI sells “hot suits” designed byButch and his sons to protectBoilermakers and other tradesmenfrom high temperatures and toxicfumes in refineries, power plants, andsteel mills. The suit can also be usedfor search-and-rescue operations aftera nuclear attack or an explosion at apower plant.

Able to withstand temperatures upto 600 degrees, the 27-pound suit usesan aviation-type respirator to providebreathing air from lines connected tothe outside. A back-up bottle inside thesuit has five minutes of emergency air.

Workers communicate through“bone mikes” that pick up vibrationsof the worker’s throat. The suits havepersonal air conditioners and retrievalharnesses for emergency removal.

HRI has trained more than 40 trades-men to operate their equipment. ❑

JEFF ENLUND (STANDING) and (kneeling, l. to r.) Curt, Butch,and Roger Rankin show off HRI’s “hot suits,” designed towithstand temperatures up to 600 degrees.

Boilermaker members’ specialtycompany is featured in NewsweekProtective suit has civil defense as well as industrialapplications

Boilermaker career,” said BNAP NationalCoordinator Pat Smith.

Guest speaker Joe Meredith echoed these senti-ments at the awards banquet when he told theapprentices of contestants who have become fore-men, business managers, and International repre-sentatives. Meredith, who retired last year as direc-tor of the Boilermakers Construction Division andapprentice instructor, was the first recipient of theSoutheast Area apprenticeship award.

Also competing this year were Great Lakes repre-sentative Dale Jacobson of Local 647, Minneapolis,Minn.; Northeast Area representatives JeffreyHorton of Local 28, Newark, N.J., and DavidSpencer of Local 7, Buffalo, N.Y.; and WesternStates representatives Bert Gutierrez of Local 92,Los Angeles, Calif., and Jeff Nehls of Local 500,Salem, Ore.

All of the national contestants received a crystalaward recognizing their participation in the com-petition.

As first-place winner, Fulk received theBoilermakers National Apprenticeship Award, asculpture of an apprentice by John T. Cody, and acheck for $1,000.

Second-place winner Anderson received $600;each of the remaining contestants received $300.

Each year, the home local of the national awardwinner also receives a framed picture of the nationalaward, which includes an engraved plaque of thewinner’s name and winning year.

As winners of the team award, Southeast Arearepresentatives Fulk and McWhorter eachreceived a crystal award, as did their area appren-tice office.

The national competition began on Sunday,September 15, with a written exam on all four yearsof related studies and on-the-job training (OJT) mod-ules. The contestants were also tested on theirknowledge of referral rules, national agreements,laws that affect the boilermaker industry, contractorresponsibilities, and labor history.

On Monday, the hands-on testing began as con-testants were judged on such skills as rigging, blue-print reading, layout, tube rolling, rope splicing,knot tying, welding, and burning.

James Horkay, a retired company representativefrom the Northeast area, served as test administrator.John Cammuso of Babcock Borsig Power assistedhim. In addition, each area had two delegates servingas judges — a union and an employer representative.

Representing the Great Lakes Area as judges wereMichael Wood of Local 60, Peoria, Ill., and MichaelP. Rother of the Phillips Getschow Co.

Representing the Northeast Area wereCammuso and Jack Multerer, a retired member ofL-7, Buffalo, N.Y.

Intl. Rep. Barry Edwards and Rod Earnest, ofthe B & W Construction Co., represented theSoutheast Area.

Tim Ruth of Local 101, Denver, Colo., and RobertPike of PSF Industries represented the WesternStates Area.

Representing the National Transient Lodge wereNTL Vice Pres. Gary Scott and Ken Lawson, a fieldoperations manager for Enerfab.

Following four days of intense competition, thecontest concluded with an awards banquet onThursday night, where Smith explained that theBoilermakers’ national competition is held annuallyas a way to motivate apprentices and local, area, andnational training programs.

He said the contest not only recognizes the out-standing apprentices, but it also provides a way todetermine whether the proper skills are beingtaught correctly.

“Holding apprentice competitions on a nationalscale forces us all to be at our best,” explained Smith.“Everyone who is part of this program, from theapprentice who is just beginning to the client whoseequipment we install and repair, needs to be shownwhat the National Apprenticeship Program isaccomplishing through its training programs.”

Competition also motivates people to do theirbest, whether it is the apprentice who wants to win,the instructor who wants his trainee to win, or thearea that wants its representatives to win.

“The more attention given to quality training, themore competitive our apprentices and journeymenwill become through the Boilermaker industry,”said Smith. “And no one can argue with quality.”

This was the third year that the contestants werejudged individually and as part of a team. Smithsays this will continue. “Boilermakers work as a

8 Nov • Dec 2002the Boilermaker Reporter

A P P R E N T I C E S H I P


LOCAL 500’S JEFF NEHLS, representing the WesternStates Area, grinds a tube as part of the welding/burn-ing competition.

Eight area apprenticeship winnersparticipate in national competition


FIRST-PLACE WINNER Jerry Fulk of L-667, SoutheastArea, takes a measurement during the layout exer-cise of the small boiler/layout competition.

LOCAL 105’S JOHN MCWHORTER, Southeast Area,works with light-gage metal during a fabrication exer-cise of the small boiler/layout competition.

Continued on page 9

JOHN MCWHORTER of Local 105 (l.) and Jerry Fulk of Local 667, representing theSoutheast Area, win the BNAP national team award.

DURWARD FAGEN, l., accepts an award for his father, Glenn, from BNAP Coord. PatSmith and Chrmn. Gerard J. Kaelin.

team in the field,” explained Smith, “so it just makessense to test how well apprentices work together.”

This was Smith’s first year to serve as the ban-quet’s master of ceremonies. He replaced DanEverett, who served as national coordinator from1985 until his retirement on Jan. 31, 2002. LikeEverett, Smith’s background includes service asbusiness manager of Local 40 in Elizabethtown, Ky.

Glenn Fagen earns the 2002 BNAPNational Recognition AwardGLENN FAGEN, ASST. TO the Intl. Pres. anddirector of the Southeast Area apprenticeship pro-gram, has earned this year’s BNAP NationalRecognition Award.

Fagen has been instrumental in improvingapprenticeship training in the Southeast area. His

service began on the local level as business managerfor Local 433, Tampa, Fla., and then broadened withhis appointment as an International representativein 1992. In 1996, he became an assistant to theInternational president, and in 2000, he took overthe role of director of the Southeastern Area JointApprenticeship Committee.

The BNAP board established the national recogni-tion award in 1988 to honor those individuals whogive unselfishly of their time and knowledge inorder that the skills of the Boilermaker craft can bepassed on to future generations by means of the old-est-known learning process — an apprenticeship.

Nominations for the award are made byBoilermaker employers and union members andvoted upon by area. Names of those individualsreceiving the highest number of votes per area arethen submitted to the national board for final selec-tion. Also nominated this year for the award wereStanley Miller of PSF Industries and retired Local 60Bus. Mgr. Michael Wood. ❑


A P P R E N T I C E S H I P


LOCAL 92’S BERT GUTIERREZof the Western States Area,checks measurements during the competition.


LOCAL 7’S DAVID SPENCER, representing theNortheast Area, cuts a tube as part of thewelding/burning exercises.

SECOND-PLACE WINNER Nathan Anderson, L-169 of theGreat Lakes Area, participates in a tube-rolling exercise.

L-647’S DALE JACOBSON, Great Lakes Area, performshand signals during the BNAP national apprenticecompetition.

L-28’S JEFFREY HORTON, representing the NortheastArea, inspects a tube cut as part of the welding/burn-ing exercises.

TEAM WINNERS John McWhorter of Local 105 (l.) and Jerry Fulk of Local 667 make lift preparations during the rig-ging yard competition. They represent the Southeast.

Top eight area apprentice winners compete

WELDING PRODUCESmetalfumes and gases that can makeyou sick. The risk depends on:• The welding method (such asMIG, TIG, or stick)•What the welding rod (elec-trode) is made of• Filler metals and base metals(such as mild steel and stainlesssteel)•Paints and other coatings on themetals being welded• Ventilation.

The HazardsIN CONFINED SPACES, weldingcan be much more dangerous.With less fresh air, toxic fumesand gases can be much stronger.Shielding gases, like argon, candisplace the oxygen and kill you.

These are some of the haz-ardous materials:Metals:• Stainless steel contains nickeland chromium. Nickel can causeasthma. Nickel and chromiumcan cause cancer. Chromium cancause sinus problems and “holes”between the nostrils.• Mild steel (red iron) and carbonsteel contain manganese.

Manganese can causeParkinson’s disease, which crip-ples the nerves and muscles.• Zinc in galvanized metal or inpaint (on welded surfaces) cancause metal fume fever. It feelslike the flu and goes away in a fewhours or days after exposure ends.Coatings and Residues:• Lead (in some paints) can causelead poisoning — headaches, soremuscles and joints, nausea, stom-ach cramps, irritability, memoryloss, anemia, and kidney andnervous system damage. If leaddust goes home on work clothesor shoes, it can make your familysick, most of all your children.• Cadmium (in some paints andfillers) can cause kidney problemsand cancer.Solvents:• Welding through or near somesolvents can produce phosgene, apoisonous gas. The gas can causefluid in the lungs. You may notnotice the problem until hoursafter you quit welding. But fluidin your lungs can kill you.Gases:• When carbon dioxide is used forshielding, carbon monoxide canform and kill you.• The welding arc can formozone and nitrous oxides fromthe air. MIG and TIG weldingmake the most ozone, most of allwhen aluminum is welded. Thesefumes irritate the eyes, ear, nose,

throat, and lungs and can dam-age the lungs.• Nitrous oxides can cause fluidin the lungs.

Protect Yourself• OSHA says you must removeall paint and solvents beforewelding or torch cutting. Followwritten instructions. Make sure allresidues are removed.• Use the safest welding methodfor the job. Stick welding makesmuch less fume than flux corewelding.• Use welding rods that producea low fume. 90% of the fume cancome from the rod. Welding gunsthat extract fumes can capture95% of the fume.• In a confined space, follow all theOSHA confined-space rules — likeair monitoring, not storing torchesin the space, and ventilation.• OSHA says you must havegood ventilation.• Use local-exhaust ventilation toremove fumes and gases at theirsource in still air. Keep theexhaust hood 4” to 6” from thefume source.• Use air blowers to blow fumesaway from you when you are out-doors and it’s windy.• Keep your face far from thewelding plume.• If the ventilation is not good,use a respirator. If respirators areused, OSHA says youremployer must have a full respi-ratory protection program. Thismeans proper selection and fittingof respirators, medical screeningto be sure a worker can wear arespirator, and worker training.Correct respirator storage andcleaning and an evaluation of theprogram are needed.• If you smoke, quit.

OSHA has limits for exposure tometals, gases, and total fumes dur-ing welding. But these limits maynot protect you enough, becausethey are out of date. The NationalInstitute for Occupational Safetyand Health (NIOSH) says weldingfumes may cause cancer, so keepthe fume levels as low as possible.

For more information, call your local union, theCenter to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR) at 301-578-8500 or www.cpwr.com, the National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health at 1-800-35-NIOSH orwww.cdc.gov/niosh, or OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA orwww.osha.gov. Or check the website www.elcosh.org.

© 1997, The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights. Allrights reserved. CPWR is the research and developmentinstitute of the Building and Construction Trades Dept.(BCTD), AFL-CIO: CPWR, Suite 1000, 8484 Georgia Ave.,Silver Spring, MD 20910. (Edward C. Sullivan is presi-dent of the BCTD and CPWR.) Production of thiscard was supported by NIOSH grant CCU310982. Thecontents are solely the responsibility of the Center toProtect Workers’ Rights and do not necessarily repre-sent the official views of NIOSH. 4/9/01


S A F E T Y & H E A L T H


MAKE IT SAFE

Safety tips in SpanishTHIS ISSUE’S SAFETY COLUMN, “WeldingFumes and Gases,” is also available in Spanish.

CPWR has supplied us with a number of safetycolumns in both English and Spanish that we can

make available in camera-ready form to any lodgethat believes they may be useful.

For more information, contact the Boiler-maker Reporter at 913-371-2640.

HAZARD ALERT:Welding Fumes and Gases

HOLIDAY CHEER and depressionseem to go hand in hand. The season’semphasis on family, friends, and giftscan be more stressful than comfortingfor anyone who has recently lost aloved one or is out of work.

These losses can take on greater sig-nificance during the holidays. In onestudy, 41 percent of the people ratedthe holiday season as very stressful —on a par with a job interview.

Families uncertain about their eco-nomic future are in a double bind —afraid to spend money and add to theirstress, but unable to ignore traditionsthat bring so much joy to them andtheir loved ones.

Seniors and people with a recent lossare especially vulnerable to the “holi-day blues” because the festivitiesremind them that loved ones are nolonger there to share the holidays withthem. Grown children are busy withtheir own social obligations and maynot realize that their parents or grand-parents look forward to a visit or aphone call.

Experts recommend that you keepyour holiday expectations manageable,focus on the future, and establish newtraditions rather than trying to recreateholidays like the ones from your past.

Jack Copess, 83, a 43-year memberand former business manager of Local204, Honolulu, Hawaii, now living inBradenton, Fla., has discovered a fewsecrets to staying cheerful through thehard times: make new friends, stayactive, and do fun things with otherpeople on a regular basis.

Copess lost his wife, Nan, 91, to coloncancer last June. To fight his grief, heattended a bereavement counselingprogram offered by the Hospice ofSouthwest Florida. When the programended, he and 13 others in the programcontinued to meet for lunch once aweek. Copess credits this continuingcontact with keeping him out ofdepression.

“We call ourselves ‘FourteenStrangers and a Dog,’” Copess told theReporter. “We all have each other’sphone numbers and talk regularly.

Every Monday, we have lunch at arestaurant or one of our houses. We’rethree men and 11 women. Thoserestaurants are never the same afterwe’ve been there.”

Copess has nothing but good thingsto say about Hospice, which helpedhim and his wife in her final days. Hewas with her when she died.

“My wife, Nan, was my companion,lover, and best friend,” Copess said. “Ithink she’d like me to have friendsover.”

The weekly visits with his newfriends cannot take her place, but theyhelp him appreciate and enjoy the lifehe has now, without her.

If you begin to feel depressed thisholiday season, resist the temptation toisolate yourself. Spend time with sup-portive and caring people. Rememberthat alcohol makes depression worse.

If you see signs of depression in aloved one, don’t avoid them. Offer tohelp or invite them to go out. Listenpatiently if they want to talk. Be under-standing and supportive. Never under-estimate the value of time spent withsomeone you enjoy being around.

As Copess said, “Those bereavementclasses were excellent, but there is noth-ing that can compare with havinglunch with 14 friends.” ❑

Safety consciousnessshouldn’t end at the gateMore workers are killedon the way to and fromthe job than on the jobEACH YEAR, 6,000 U.S. workers die ofinjuries they receive from a jobsite acci-dent. That’s a statistic you often hear.

What that number doesn’t tell you isthat 40-45 percent of those fatalitiesare caused by highway crashes.

Another 40,000 Americans die inautomobile accidents while not on thejob, along with about 3,000 Canadians.

Safety experts say that a high per-centage of those fatal accidents occuron the way to or from work.

Safety has become a high priority onmost jobs in recent years. When youwalk in the gate, you have to don yourhardhat, safety glasses, gloves, andearplugs. You have to adopt a zero-tol-erance attitude toward safety. You areconstantly reminded by signs,announcements, and your fellow work-ers to work safely and responsibly.

When you walk back out the gate,workplace safety regulations nolonger apply, and no one reminds youto drive carefully. Yet seven times as

many people die in automobile acci-dents as die from workplace injuries.

Don’t add to those statistics. Takethat zero-tolerance attitude towardaccidents that you have on the jobhome with you.

Buckle your seat belt. It’s the only pro-tective gear you have in your car. Obeyspeed limits and other safety regula-tions. Pay attention to what’s happeningon the road, and always be ready toadjust for someone else’s mistake.

That 3,000 pound, four-wheeled,metal box you’re riding in is the mostdangerous tool you’ll use all day. ❑

Holidays can be sad Being alone or out of work is hard while others celebrate

RETIRED L-204 MEMBER Jack Copess hasdiscovered a few secrets to stayingcheerful through the hard times.

CROSSES MARK WHERE workers died inauto accidents near the ScotfordUpgrader, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Have your tools handy &be careful what you sayIMAGINE THIS SCENARIO: You anda friend are out having lunch in arestaurant. Your friend happens to bean attorney, and from time to time hehas given you legal advice. Suddenly,the police come in and ask you if yourname is Jesse James, and did you robthe Glendale train?

Of course, you tell the police no, youare not Jesse James and you have neverrobbed a train. You show the policeyour driver’s license and try to explainto them who you are.

It becomes obvious that the police donot believe you, and finally one says,“Mr. James, I am placing you underarrest for robbing the Glendale train.”

At this point they turn you aroundand put the cuffs on you. You know thisis a huge mistake, so you ask your attor-ney for advice.

He says, “These guys are obviouslyeither complete idiots or they are out toframe you. Why don’t you just beatthem both up and run away. In factwhen you beat them up, take theirsticks and guns so they won’t acciden-tally hurt you.”

Is this good legal advice? That kind of response might work in

the movies, but in real life it will only getyou deeper into trouble. We have a legalsystem to protect us from baseless accu-sations. Cooperating with the police,letting them take you downtown andbook you, then going to court to proveyour innocence will be annoying, it willtake time, and be a royal pain.

But if you resist arrest, you’ll end upin even more trouble.

But in similar situations on the job,we are often tempted to give advicethat gets the member we are represent-ing (and ourselves, not to mention ourlocal) deeper in the doghouse.

You and your members mustwork within the system

LET’S LOOK ATanother scenario: Youare the steward for the evening shift. Assoon as you get to work one night, yoursupervisor comes to you and says thatyou need to represent one of yourmembers. As he leads you toward thebreak room, where the member is wait-ing, he fills you in.

“Joe came to work a half hour late,”the supervisor says. “I had to write himup for being tardy. I asked him if hewanted a steward, and he said no infront of a couple of witnesses, thoughhe was obviously upset. I asked him ifeverything was all right, and he saidyes. So I just figured he was upset overthe write-up. I don’t remember everwriting him up before.

“About an hour later, the productionguys called and said they were justabout out of parts and the number 5line would have to shut down. Joe is thematerials/supply person for line 5, so Iwent to find him.

“I saw his forklift parked in an aisle,and Joe looked like he was slumpedover the wheel. When I hollered at him,he fired up and pulled out into the maintraffic lane without looking —rightinto another forklift. Nobody was hurt,but the parts bin on Joe’s forklift turnedover and scattered parts all up anddown the main traffic lane. Now, thetraffic lane is shut down, the number 5line is out of parts, and I got guys juststanding around. Joe’s in pretty deep.That’s why I wanted you to be herewhen I tell him what I have to say.”

When you get to the break room, Joeis pacing up and down. He whispers inyour direction something about thesupervisor being out to get him.

The supervisor doesn’t hear Joe, butasks him to take a seat at the breaktable. Joe refuses to sit down and keepspacing back and forth, muttering.

At this point the supervisor says, “Joe,you have been involved in a propertydamage accident. As a matter of fact,your behavior has been unusual all day,right from the minute you came in ahalf-hour late. I am going to have to askyou to take a drug/alcohol urine test.”

Joe turns to you and asks for youradvice: “What do I do?”

What would you tell him?I doubt you’d advise him to beat up

the supervisor and run for it. But if youdon’t think before you respond, theadvice you give may be almost as bad.

Keep your tools handy

AS A UNION STEWARD, much of therepresentational work that you do isoften in a situation just like this — onthe front lines, before the official griev-ance procedure kicks in.

When employees are asked ques-tions about accidents or incidents, theyoften request the presence of a unionsteward. Handling these situationsproperly can help you avoid a lot ofgrievances, while keeping your mem-bers out of trouble.

Because you never know whenyou’re going to be asked to represent amember, you need to always have your“tools” ready to use.

A steward’s tools include a copy ofthe contract, a copy of the companyrules, a tablet, a pen or pencil, a watch,your brain, and both ears.

Don’t forget your brain and ears.They are the most important tools.

When Joe turns to you and asks whathe should do, keep in mind the fourkeys to giving good advice: stay calm,refer to the contract, record what hap-pens, and provide information —don’ttry to tell the member what to do.

1Stay calm. In most instances of disci-pline, drug testing, accidents, prop-

erty damage, insubordination, andother incidents, the participants aregoing to be emotionally involved andupset. That’s why they need your calm,rational advice. Emotion gets peoplefired. You must be calm to think logi-cally about the best course of action.Also, by being calm yourself, you willhelp your member calm down.

2Refer to the contract and companyrules. To advise Joe, you must know

what the contract and company rulessay about drug/alcohol testing. In cri-sis situations, employees often feel theyare being “singled out” or persecuted.Showing the employee the relevantrule or contract language helps themunderstand their options.

3Write down what is happening.Use your watch to note the time for

each entry. Taking notes early in theinvestigation is often the most impor-tant part of your representation.

4 Inform the member of his or herrights, the contract language, and

the consequences of his or her actions.Do not tell Joe what to do, even thoughthat is what he asked you for. Only Joecan decide what to do. Your job is to tellhim what the rules (or contract lan-guage) say about his situation — in thiscase, drug/alcohol testing — and theconsequences of his actions.

Good advice informs andexplains — it doesn’t direct

LET’S LOOK AT the paragraph thatcovers drug/alcohol testing in Joe’scontract:

“Consistent with the Company’sDrug-Free Workplace Policy, a urine testto determine the presence of drugsand/or alcohol will be administered ifreasonable suspicion exists to warrantsaid test. Reasonable suspicion isdefined as any accident involving per-sonal injury, any accident where prop-erty damage is judged to be in excess ofTwo Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), orany situation where an employee, in thejudgement of his or her immediatesupervisor, displays erratic, unusual, ordangerous behavior. The administrationof the urine test will not be used in a puni-tive manner, and only after careful con-sideration of the guidelines outlinedabove. Failure of the employee to submitto the drug/alcohol urine test whenrequired to do so by his or her supervisormay result in immediate suspension andtermination.”

Given this contract language, howwould you advise Joe?

The first thing to do is to show himthe contract language and read it aloud.Then you can discuss his options andpossible consequences for taking thetest or refusing to do so.

Your conversation might go like this.Steward: “Joe, for whatever reason,

your behavior today has led the super-visor to believe he has reasonable causeto give you a urine test. Keep in mindthat if you refuse to take the test, youmay be subject to ‘immediate suspen-sion and termination.’”

Joe: “I don’t want to take the test.What do I do?”

Steward: “I can’t tell you what to do,but if you don’t take the test, you prob-ably will be sent home and may befired. To my knowledge everyone who

has refused to take the test has beenfired, and we have never won an arbi-tration case on a termination for refus-ing to take a drug test. On the otherhand, if you take the test, we can dealwith whatever the outcome is. If the testis clean, you’ll probably come back towork and we can deal with the accidentissue. If the test is not clean, you mightget fired, you might not, but either waywe can deal with that issue through thegrievance procedure.”

Joe: “But he didn’t have a good rea-son to require it. I am not acting erraticor unusual or dangerous.”

Steward: “Maybe not, but the con-tract says ‘in the judgment of the super-visor.’ The supervisor made hisjudgment. We can’t overrule it.”

Joe: “A lot of good you are. I havepaid all that dues money all these yearsand now you won’t help me.”

Steward: “I didn’t say we wouldn’thelp you. But the union helps people byfiling grievances. If you refuse to takethe test, the only grievance we will befiling is your termination, because youwill be in violation of the rule. If youtake the test, you might still get fired,but not for refusing the test. I don’tknow what your personal habits are,but the union did not get in this acci-dent, you did. We are here to help, andwe will file a grievance on your behalfregardless of what you do. But I canalmost guarantee you that if you refusethe test, you will be fired.”

As you can see, the idea is to informJoe of his options, help him understandthe process, and let him decide. Mean-while, you are writing down the time,dates, places, people, and relativedetails of the incident, just in case youhave to file a grievance.

That’s what Joe pays his dues for. Notso you can tell him what to do everytime he gets into a jam, but so that whenhe does find himself in a jam —of hisown making or not — your goodadvice and representation can help himmake up his own mind what to do. ❑

Grievance Handling

What to do when a member asks for advice


S T E W A R D ’ S S O U R C E B O O K


Star Steward also excelsas volunteer fire chiefNORM REICHERT, a nine-year com-mitteeman of Local 158, Peoria, Ill., isa star steward.

In nominating Reichert for thishonor, Local 158 President KevinKocher said Reichert “has demon-strated what it means to be commit-ted to helping his members and thecommunity he lives in.

“Norm was instrumental in thewinning of an arbitration casebecause of his expert testimony and avideo tape he made on his personaltime depicting the circumstances of agrievance,” said Kocher. “We felt ourmember had been discharged unfair-ly, and with Norm’s help, we wonhis reinstatement.”

In addition to his steward duties,Reichert has served as the local’sfourth-step chairman, and has pro-vided expert testimony in casesbefore the Peoria Heights CityCouncil in his role as fire chief.

Do you know a Star Steward?DROP US A LINEwith the name of the steward,the local, the company, and a few words aboutwhy you think this steward is so special. Send aphoto if you have one. We’d like the world to seewhat a good steward looks like.

Send info to this address: Star Stewards, TheBoilermaker Reporter, BoilermakersInternational, 753 State Ave, Suite 570, KansasCity KS 66101

★ ★ ★ Star Stewards ★ ★ ★

Local Lodge 158’s NormReichert is a true leader


S E T T L E M E N T S


M13 – St. Louis, MOINTL. RE P. DAVID LAWRENCE

and Patricia Thomas-Davis,BM-ST of Local M13, St.Louis, Mo., report contractratification, effective June1, 2002 to May 31, 2006, for12 Local M13 memberswho work in production atthe Missouri EquipmentCo., and effective Feb. 22,2002 to Feb. 21, 2005, for 163Local M13 members whomake assorted products(auto, painting, molding) atSiegel Robert, Inc.

L-26 – Savannah, GADOUGLAS ROBBINS JR ., BM-ST of Local 26, Savannah,Ga., reports contract ratifi-

cation, effective June 1,2002 to May 31, 2005, for 33Local 26 members whomake paper products atInternational Paper.

L-107 – Milwaukee, WIJAMES GARFIELD , BM-ST ofLocal 107, Milwaukee, Wis.,reports contract ratification,effective May 1, 2002 toApril 30, 2004, for 45 Local107 members who work intank fabrication at theAdvance Boiler & Tank Co.

L-182–Salt Lake City, UTBRAD JOHN, BM-ST of Local182, Salt Lake City, Utah,reports contract ratifica-tion, effective May 1, 2002

to April 30, 2003, for twoLocal 182 members whorepair heat exchangers andpressure tube vessels forHarris Tube Services, andeffective May 1, 2002 toApril 30, 2003, for nine Local182 members who workwith structural steel atWestern Steel Mfg.

L-196 – Sayre, PAINTL. REP . ROCCO DEROLLO

reports contract ratification,effective Oct. 18, 2002 toOct. 18, 2006, for membersof Local 196, Sayre, Pa., whowork at GE Railcar Repair.

S200 – Wichita Falls, TXINTL. REP . HENRY JUAREZ

reports contract ratifica-tion, effective August 24,2002 to October 19, 2007, for72 members of Local S200,Wichita Falls, Texas, whowork at the Magic AireUnited Electric Co.

D239 – Three Forks, MTINTL. REP . MICHAEL ATCHISONreports contract ratifica-tion, effective August 5,2002 to August 4, 2007, for64 members of Local D239,Three Forks, Mont., whowork at Holcim, Inc.

D342 – Plattsburgh, NYINTL. REP . ROCCO DEROLLO

reports contract ratifica-tion, effective May 1, 2002to April 30, 2005, for mem-bers of Local D342,Plattsburgh, N.Y., who workat Graymont Materials(Plattsburgh Quarry).

D374 – Grantsville, UTINTL. REP . MICHAEL ATCHISON

reports contract ratifica-tion, effective Oct. 1, 2002 toSept. 30, 2006, for 18 mem-bers of Local D374,Grantsville, Utah, who workat Chemical Lime.

L-483 – Alton, ILINTL. REP . JAMES PRESSLEYreports contract ratifica-tion, effective Aug. 15, 2002to Aug. 14, 2005, for 15members of Local 483,Alton, Ill., who processscrap metal at ShapiroBrothers of Illinois.

L-647–Minneapolis, MNPAUL PENDERGAST , BM-ST ofLocal 647, Minneapolis,Minn., reports contract rat-ification, effective July 19,

2002 to July 18, 2005, for 26Local 647 members whowork on pressure vesselsand stacks, and performsmall boiler repairs forMoorhead Machine &Boiler.

L-752 – Plaistow, NHINTL. REP. ROCCO DEROLLO

reports contract ratifica-tion, effective Sept. 1, 2002to Aug. 31, 2003, for mem-bers of Local 752, Plaistow,N.H., who work at ChartStorage Systems.

L-908 – Wadsworth, OHINTL. REP. RON LYON reportscontract ratification, effec-tive Sept. 9, 2002 to Sept. 8,2007, for 133 members ofLocal 908, Wadsworth,Ohio, who make industrialcastings at Technocast.

L-1247 – Chicago, ILINTL. REP. HOWARD COLE

reports contract ratifica-tion, effective Jan. 1, 2000to Dec. 31, 2003, for 36members of Local 1247,

Chicago, Ill., who work in aproduction unit for theChicago Transit Authority.

L-1622 – Alliance, OHINTL. REP . RON LYON reportscontract ratification, effec-tive Oct. 3, 2002 to Oct. 2,2007, for 38 members ofLocal 1622, Alliance, Ohio,who work at the T & WStamping Co .

L-1702 – Canton, OHINTL. REP . RON LYON reportscontract ratification, effec-tive Nov. 1, 2002 to Oct. 31,2005, for 28 members ofLocal 1702, Canton, Ohio,who work at the ShanafeltManufacturing Company.

L-1999 – Norfolk, VAINTL. REP . STEVE BEAL reportscontract ratification, effec-tive August 26, 2002 toAugust 25, 2005, for 272members of Local 1999,Norfolk, Va., who work inshipbuilding and repair forthe Metro Machine/MetroOn Call.

New Contract SummariesA brief listing of recent agreements signed and ratified by Boilermaker local lodges

Prepared by the Research andCollective Bargaining Departmentof the International Brotherhoodof Boilermakers

THIS ANALYSISof the 19agreements outlined aboveis based on informationprovided in the ContractSummary and TransmittalReport forms, and coversapproximately 1,366employees.Wage IncreasesTHIRTEENfacilities willreceive pay increases in2002, averaging $0.38 perhour or 3.05 percent.

Fourteen facilities willreceive pay increases in2003, averaging $0.37 perhour or 2.88 percent.

Thirteen facilities willreceive pay increases in2004, averaging $0.35 perhour or 2.38 percent.

Seven agreements pro-vide for wage increases in2005, averaging $0.43 orthree percent.

Four report an increase in2006, averaging $0.35 orthree percent.PensionSEVENTEEN facilities par-ticipate in some type ofpension program.

Seven of these facilitiesparticipate in theBoilermaker-BlacksmithNational Pension Trust, ofwhich six have a cents-per-hour contribution rangingfrom $0.50 to $1.60 per hourin the first contract year.Their average cents-per-hour contribution is $1.06 inthe first contract year, $1.13in the second year, and$1.19 in the third year. Theremaining agreement pro-vides a percentage amountas the contribution rate.

Six facilities offer a 401(k);eight have company-spon-sored plans; two have aprofit sharing plan; and oneparticipates in a plan spon-sored by the local lodge.

Shift DifferentialSIXTEEN agreementsreport a second shift premi-um, of which 14 report acents-per-hour premiumranging from $0.10 to $0.75.The average is $0.30 perhour. The remaining agree-ments provide a percent-age of pay for the premium.The average is ten percent.

Thirteen agreements pro-vide a third-shift premium,of which 11 have a cents-per-hour premium rangingfrom $0.15 to $0.70. Theaverage is $0.35 per hour.The remaining agreementsprovide a percentage ofpay as the premium. Theaverage is ten percent.Sickness & AccidentSIXTEEN agreements pro-vide weekly sickness andaccident indemnity. Ofthese, 14 pay a set dollaramount ranging from $100to $400 per week. The aver-age rate for the first con-tract year is $243.79.

The remaining agree-ments provide a percent-age of the employee’sweekly earnings as theS&A benefit.

The most common dura-tion of time off is 26 weeks,found in eight agreements.

Life Insurance/AD&DFIFTEENagreements pro-vide life insurance.

In 13 of these agree-ments there is a set dollaramount ranging from$4,000 to $45,000. The aver-age benefit for the firstcontract year is $17,231.The remaining agreementsmultiply wages by 2080hours; or pay one and one-half the annual salary asthe benefit amount.

Fourteen agreementsprovide Accidental Deathand Dismemberment(AD&D) insurance. In 12 ofthese agreements there is aset dollar amount rangingfrom $6,000 to $45,000. Theaverage benefit for the first

contract year is $18,625.The remaining agreementsmultiply wages by 2080hours; or pay one and one-half the annual salary asthe benefit amount.

VacationFOURTEENagreementshave a vacation policy.

Fourteen agreementsprovide a one-week paidvacation.

Eighteen agreementsprovide a two-week paidvacation.

Eighteen agreementsprovide a three-week paidvacation.

Sixteen agreements havea four-week paid vacation.

Seven agreements havea five-week paid vacation.

Three agreements pro-vide six and seven weeks ofpaid vacation.

Of these agreements,one provides vacation paybased on a percentage ofthe employee’s earnings.

Paid HolidaysEIGHTEENof the agree-ments provide for paidholidays.

The number of paid holi-days ranges from six to 13.

The average is 9.83 days.

Other ProvisionsEIGHTEEN agreements pro-vide for funeral leave.

Paid leave for jury duty isfound in 18 agreements.

Union leave language isfound in nine agreements.

Ten agreements provideall or partial reimburse-ment for the purchase ofsafety shoes.

Eleven provide for pre-scription safety glasses.

One agreement pro-vides a severance pay-ment package.

Six agreements providepaid leave for those per-sons who spend two weeksat military encampmenteach year.

A Summary Analysis ofThese Contract Settlements

Local 1240 memberswin arbitration awardWabash Alloy violatesagreement, must pay$46,000 in back-payWHEN WABASH Alloys and Local1240, Wabash, Ind., could not resolve adispute over the interpretation andapplication of their collective bargainingagreement, they chose an arbitrator tomake a final and binding determination.

The Dispute— Did the company vio-late the agreement when it refused toconsider vacation, holiday, jury duty,and bereavement paid time, and unpaidtime for union business and workerscompensation injuries or illnesses ashours worked in determining employeeeligibility for double time? If so, whatwould be the appropriate remedy?

The Ruling — The company vio-lated the agreement.

The Remedy — The company wasordered to pay each affectedemployee the difference betweenwhat was received and double time,back to January 11, 2001.

The Result— Around 100 Local 1240members received back-pay fromWabash Alloys, totaling nearly $46,000.

Local 1240 President Preston Mira-cle was pleased with the outcome.“Our members are now being prop-erly compensated. The companymust honor our agreement and con-sider time that is allowed in the con-tract; i.e., vacation, bereavement, juryduty, etc., as ‘time worked,’ whenconsidering an employee’s eligibilityfor double-time pay — workingseven days continuously.”

He thanks Intl. Rep. James Pressley forrepresenting the members at the October25th hearing, which was conducted byarbitrator Edward B. Krinsky. ❑

You don’t get what you deserve . . .. . . you get what you negotiate

UNION LEADERS, like these pictured here, work longhours to negotiate the best benefits they can forBoilermaker members.

NEGOTIATING A FIVE-year agreement for mem-bers of Local D239 at Holcim are, front row, l. to r.,Intl. Rep. Carey Allen, Mark Roudurnaul, and MickMcGuire; back row, l. to r., John Hersin, WyattFrost, and Gary Crawford.


C O N S U M E R N E W S


Intl. Rep. Hardin thankseveryone, wishes us luckIN JUNE 1971, I was given the oppor-tunity to work at the boilermaker tradeas a National Transient Member withPittsburgh Des Moines Steel erecting awater tower in Buffalo, Minn. At thattime I was paid $5.25 an hour as ahelper and received $6 a day per diem.I knew then that I would never seeanother poor day.

Since then I have seen many changesin the boilermaker trade, most ofwhich were for the good. This organi-zation was founded on the ideals ofprotecting its members and their fami-lies. Today we have a much bettertraining and education system in place,and it improves daily. With all themembers actively participating in themany programs, this organization willcontinue to grow and have more workfor its members and their families.

As I will be retiring from the tradedue to medical problems, my wife, Deb-orah, and I want to thank each andevery one of you for giving me the priv-ilege and honor of serving you, yourfamilies, and this great organization.

Over the past 31 years, I have come toknow many of you personally.Although I may not have always agreedwith your views, I always respectedthem. As I step aside, I know that who-ever replaces me will have a burningdesire in their heart to service the mem-bers of this organization as I had.

I thank each and every one of youfrom the bottom of my heart and wishyou the best of luck and a bright andprosperous future.

DICK HARDIN, Intl. Rep. - NTD

Spouse wants ‘wife’s’ column I AM A BOILERMAKER’S wife. I feelwe should start a column for the Boil-ermakers’ wives. It’s a huge responsi-bility waiting around all day for thephone to ring so you can get your lovequota of three minutes a day that youso truly deserve for comfortable caring

for the children, cutting the grass,shoveling the snow, cooking dinner,running errands, etc.

Tip #1: My husband leaves beforeour oldest daughter gets out of school,so we started a notebook. Before myhusband leaves for work he writes inthe notebook. He tells her not to forgethim and what she means to him. Thisis enough to satisfy our daughter untilshe sees her dad again.

T. DOYENS, wife of L-107’sDAN DOYEN, Escanaba, Mich.

Power plants in Texas shutdown as they go up in MexicoIT SEEMS STRANGEthat we arebuilding power plants in Mexico whenwe are mothballing power plants inthe U.S. An article in the McCallenMonitor reports on AEP’s plans to shutdown plants in Mission and San Ben-ito, Texas. Both are within five miles ofthe Mexican border. They are two of 16that AEP plans to mothball.

This seems to be another example ofour jobs being shipped out of the coun-try. It is sickening for a person likemyself who worked his whole life as aBoilermaker to see this.

LEWIS WAGONER, L-744 retireeCleveland, Ohio

Why not hire retirees?I HAVE NOTICED that most locals areno longer participating in the programto work retirees.

I am a retiree from Local 40 (Elizabeth-town, Ky.) with a clean drug test andCommon Arc. I worked the last twoyears in the spring and fall, just a monthor two, and it was an enjoyment. Thelast job I worked was for CE Services inLawrenceburg, Ind. My welding buddyand I welded 140 tubes and had onlyone bad picture, and it was a smokedtube. He was an apprentice, and I waspleased to show him a few tricks.

My point is that I am qualified, and ifI can’t produce with the average Boil-ermaker, then send me home.

I am offended when all of the quali-fied Boilermakers have been sent out

and the remainder of jobs are filledwith other crafts with little or no Boil-ermaker experience, and car salesmenare foremen. Why not hire retirees?

Most of the older Boilermakers camein at tough times. We are still tough. Iam not ready to water the flowers.

BUD DORRIS, L-40 retireeOwensboro, Ky.

L-83’s Kness is enjoying thebest benefit — retirementI RETIRED INApril 2002 at the age of55. As a member of Local 83, KansasCity, Mo., I had 27-plus years in fieldconstruction. I enjoyed every day ofwork and made many friends. I wantto thank all the Local 83 members, pastand present, as well as everyone I havehad the pleasure to work with.

My family enjoyed all the benefitsthat come with the union package.Now I can enjoy with my wife the bestbenefit of all — retirement!

LARRY KNESS , L-83 retireeClinton, Iowa

Boilermaker members save upto 30 percent off retail priceTHROUGH SPECIAL arrangement, members ofthe International Brotherhood of Boilermakerscan purchase Carhartt items through Red TailOutfitters at discounts of up to 30 percent offsuggested retail prices.

In addition to the special Boilermaker dis-count, Red Tail Outfitters offers free shippingfor orders totaling over $50, and Internet ordersdo not incur sales tax.

You can access Red Tail Outfitters’ web sitethrough the Boilermakers’ web site at www.boil-ermakers.org.Just click on the link and enter theBoilermaker promotional code (IBB2002).

The prices quoted already have the discountapplied. (If you press “continue” without enter-ing the promotional code, you will not get theBoilermaker discount.)

You can also order by phoning Red Tail Out-fitters at 1-877-USA-WORK, 24 hours a day,seven days a week. If you did not receive theircatalog in the mail, just contact your local lodgefor another copy. ❑

UNION PLUS CREDIT CARDCall: 1-800-522-4000

MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATEAlso open to your children &parents.Call: 1-800-848-6466

EDUCATION SERVICES For college and job skills training.Education tools and resources.Call: 1-877-881-1022

PERSONAL LOANSAvailable for credit-qualifiedmembers. Call: 1-888-235-2759

LEGAL SERVICEDiscounted legal help — first 30minutes are free. Visit: www.unionplus.org

LIFE INSURANCEFor members, their spouses, andchildren. Call: 1-800-899-2782

ACCIDENT INSURANCECall: 1-800-899-2782

HEALTH SAVINGSSave on prescription medicines,hearing, dental, and vision care.

Call: 1-800-228-3523

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Avis: 1-800-698-5685 AWD #B723700

Budget: 1-800-455-2848BCD#V816100

UNION-MADE CHECKS Call: 1-888-864-6625

FLOWER SERVICE Call: 1-888-667-7779

NORTH AMERICAN VAN LINES Call: 1-800-524-5533

Go to our web site for more information:

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BOILERMAKERS UNIONPRIVILEGE BENEFITS

*Includes retired members. Programrestrictions apply to members outside thecontinental United States. Phone 1-800-

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The money-saving programslisted below are available onlyto Boilermaker members and

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Members Only Red Tail Outfitters offersCarhartt at a discount price

LETTERS: Boilermakers Write to the Editor

Got something to say?WE WELCOME LETTERSon topicsof interest to our members and theirfamilies. Keep it short and sweet.Avoid profanity and personal attacks.

SEND A LETTER TO THEEDITOR:The Boilermaker Reporter753 State Ave. Suite 570Kansas City KS 66101FAX: (913) 281-8104E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

14 Nov • Dec 2002the Boilermaker Reporter

N A T I O N A L F U N D S


Boilermaker – BlacksmithNational Pension Trustsummary annual reportTHIS IS A SUMMARY of the annualreport for the Boilermaker-BlacksmithNational Pension Trust, EmployerIdentification Number 48-6168020, forJanuary 1 through December 31, 2001.

The annual report has been filedwith the Pension and WelfareBenefits Administration, as requiredunder the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic financial statementBENEFITS UNDER THE PLAN areprovided by the trust fund directly toparticipants or their beneficiaries. Planexpenses were $354,629,520. Theseexpenses included $25,228,335 inadministrative expenses and$329,401,185 in benefits paid to partici-pants and beneficiaries.

A total of 71,005 persons were partic-ipants in or beneficiaries of the plan atthe end of the plan year, although notall of these persons had yet earned theright to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after sub-tracting liabilities of the plan, was$5,960,745,347 as of December 31, 2001,compared to $6,245,592,852 as ofDecember 31, 2000. During the planyear, the plan experienced a decrease inits net assets of $284,847,505.

This decrease includes unrealizeddepreciation in the value of plan assets;that is, the difference between the valueof the plan’s assets at the end of the yearand the value of the assets at the begin-ning of the year, or the cost of assetsacquired during the year.

The plan had total income of$69,782,015 (including employer contri-butions of $191,308,932, losses of$282,902,180 from the sale of assets, andinvestment income of $161,375,263).

Minimum fundingstandardsAN ACTUARY’S STATEMENTshows that enough money was con-tributed to the plan to keep it fundedin accordance with the minimumfunding standards of ERISA.

Boilermakers NationalHealth & Welfare Fundsummary annual reportTHIS IS A SUMMARY of the annualreport of the Boilermakers NationalHealth and Welfare Fund, EmployerIdentification Number 36-6090694, forthe fiscal year ending December 31,2001. The annual report has been filedwith the Pension and Welfare BenefitsAdministration, as required under theEmployee Retirement Income SecurityAct of 1974 (ERISA).

The Boilermakers National Healthand Welfare Fund has committeditself to pay certain medical, dental,vision, and prescription drug claimsincurred under the terms of the plan.

Insurance informationTHE PLAN HAS an experience-ratedcontract with Provident Life andAccident Insurance Company to pay alllife and accidental death and dismem-berment claims.

Because it is an experience-rated con-tract, the premium costs are affected by,among other things, the number andsize of claims. Of the total insurancepremiums paid during the contractyear which ended within the plan yearending December 31, 2001, the premi-

ums paid under such experience-ratedcontract were $1,858,366 and the total ofall benefit claims paid under this expe-rience-rated contract during the planyear was $1,662,621.

Basic financial statementTHE VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS, aftersubtracting liabilities of the plan, was$180,762,260 as of December 31, 2001,compared to $176,831,371 as ofDecember 31, 2000. During the planyear, the plan experienced an increasein its net assets of $3,930,889, includinga $466,600 adjustment for prior yearaccumulated eligibility credits for pre-miums. This increase includes unreal-ized appreciation or depreciation in thevalue of plan assets; that is, the differ-ence between the value of the plan’sassets at the end of the year and thevalue of the assets at the beginning ofthe year, or the cost of assets acquiredduring the year. During the plan year,the plan had total income of$159,080,945 (including employer con-tributions of $142,758,630, employeeand retiree contributions of$12,705,358, realized losses from thesale of assets of $994,120, earnings frominvestments of $3,808,996, and otherincome of $802,081).

Plan expenses were $155,616,656.These expenses included $8,267,622 inadministrative expenses and$147,349,034 in benefits paid to partici-pants and beneficiaries.

Boilermakers NationalAnnuity Trust summaryannual reportTHIS IS A SUMMARY of the annualreport for the Boilermakers NationalAnnuity Trust, Employer IdentificationNumber 48-1029345, for January 1through December 31, 2001. Theannual report has been filed with thePension and Welfare BenefitsAdministration, as required under theEmployee Retirement Income SecurityAct of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic financial statementBENEFITS UNDER THE PLAN areprovided from trust assets or throughinsurance or annuity contracts. Planexpenses were $29,433,095. Theseexpenses include $2,635,026 in admin-istrative expenses and $26,780,690 inbenefits paid to participants and benefi-ciaries. A total of 61,232 persons wereparticipants in the plan at the end of theplan year.

The value of plan assets, after sub-tracting liabilities of the plan, was$599,444,741 as of December 31, 2001,compared to $502,100,206 as of January1, 2001. During the plan year, the planexperienced an increase in its net assetsof $97,344,535. This increase includesunrealized appreciation in the value ofplan assets; that is, the differencebetween the value of the plan’s assets atthe end of the year and the value of theassets at the beginning of the year, or thecost of assets acquired during the year.

The plan had total income of$126,777,630 (including employer con-tributions of $100,728,580, realizedgains of $3,937,198 from the sale ofassets, and earnings from investmentsof $22,052,484).

You may request a completecopy of each report . . .YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to receive acopy of the full annual report, or anypart thereof, for each of these funds on

request. The items listed below areincluded in each report:

1. An accountant’s report;2. Financial information and informa-

tion on payments to service providers;3. Assets held for investment;4. Transactions in excess of five per-

cent of plan assets.In addition, the Boilermaker-

Blacksmith National Pension Trustsummary annual report will includethe following:

5. Information regarding any com-mon or collective trusts, pooled sepa-rate accounts; master trusts, or 103-12investment entities in which the planparticipates;

6. Fiduciary information, includingnon-exempt transactions between theplan and parties-in-interest (that is, per-sons who have a certain relationshipwith the plan), and

7. Actuarial information regardingthe funding of the plan.

The Boilermakers National Health& Welfare Fund summary annualreport will include the following:

5. Fiduciary information, includingnon-exempt transactions between theplan and parties-in-interest (that is, per-sons who have a certain relationshipwith the plan), and

6. Insurance information including salescommissions paid by insurance carriers.

To obtain a copy of the full annualreport, or any part thereof, of each ofthese reports write or call the office ofthe plan executive administrator at 754Minnesota Avenue, Suite 522 (Suite 400and Zip Code 66101-2762 for theAnnuity report), Kansas City, KS66101-2766, phone — 1-866-342-6555(913-342-6555 in the Kansas City area).

The charge to cover copying costs ofthe Boilermaker-Blacksmith NationalPension Trust Summary Annual Reportwill be $189.75 for the full annual report,or 25 cents per page for any part thereof.

The charge to cover copying costs ofthe Boilermakers National Health &Welfare Fund Summary Annual Reportwill be $27.75 for the full annual report,or 25 cents per page for any part thereof.

The charge to cover copying costs ofthe Boilermakers National AnnuityTrust Summary Annual Report will be$21.25 for the full annual report, or 25cents per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receivefrom the plan executive administrator,on request and at no charge, a statementof the assets and liabilities of each planand accompanying notes, or a state-ment of income and expenses of eachplan and accompanying notes, or both.

If you request a copy of the fullannual report from the plan executiveadministrator, these two statementsand accompanying notes will beincluded as part of that report. Thecharge to cover copying costs givenabove does not include a charge for thecopying of these portions of the reportbecause these portions are furnishedwithout charge.

You also have the legally protectedright to examine the annual reports atthe main office of the plan, 754Minnesota Avenue, Suite 522 (Suite 400and Zip Code 66101-2762 for theAnnuity report), Kansas City, KS 66101-2766, and at the U.S. Department ofLabor in Washington, D.C., or to obtaina copy from the U.S. Department ofLabor upon payment of copying costs.Requests to the Department should beaddressed to: Public Disclosure Room,N5638, Pension and Welfare BenefitAdministration, U.S. Department ofLabor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW,Washington, D.C. 20210. ❑

Correction:

Pension office uses Oct.1-Sept. 30 plan yearA MISTAKE appeared in the story,“Track your pension contributions,”which ran on page 13 of the Sep-Octissue. The Boilermaker-BlacksmithNational Pension Trust uses an Oct.1-Sept. 30 plan year, not a July1-June 30 fis-cal year as reported. So when youcompare your hour and dollar amountsto the funds office report, be sure you useyour pay stubs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. ❑

Annual summary reports of national fundsAccrued pension benefits notjeopardized by stock marketACCORDING TO THE BOARD of Trustees, benefits accrued under theBoilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Plan Trust are not in jeopardy,despite the impact events of the last few years have had on investment mar-kets. Benefits to active and retired participants have not changed. If continuingmarket conditions necessitate a modification of plan benefits, any change wouldonly affect future benefit accruals; benefits already earned under the plan priorto any change would not be reduced. Active participants would not benefitby retiring early to avoid a plan change that may or may not occur.

BOILERMAKER SCHOLARSHIPS are open to high schoolseniors who will be entering their first year of a two- or

four-year academic program at a degree-granting, accreditedcollege or university within one year of their high school gradua-

tion and are dependents of Boilermaker members in good standing(includes son, daughter, legally adopted child or dependent of active, retired,disabled, or deceased members).

Scholarship awards are based upon academic record, extra-curricular and out-side school activities, career goals, and performance on an essay. Candidates mustsubmit an official application (postmarked between January 1 and March 31), proofof relationship to a Boilermaker member, SAT and/or ACT test scores (for U.S. cit-izens only), a high school transcript, and a 300-500 word essay on a specific theme.

Applications for the 2003 awards are now available. Contact your local lodgefor more information and an application form.

BoilermakerHow to Apply For a

Scholarship

NTL Adams, Maurice L. $6,000.00NTL Dorough, Howard L. 6,000.00NTL Funk, Martin F. 6,000.00NTL Larlham, Oliver J. 6,000.00NTL Martin, Dale W. 6,000.00NTL Miller, John D. 6,000.00NTL Rolff, Darold F. 6,000.00NTL Schneble Jr., William J. 3,000.001 Stewart, Edward R. 6000.005 Weisberg, Harry 6,000.006 Bay, Leo W. 6,000.006 Luce, William E. 6,000.006 Quintal, Alfred 6,000.006 Sanfilippo, Anthony F. 6,000.006 Silva, Tomaz P. 6,000.006 Smith, Thomas J. 6,000.006 Williams, James L. 6,000.006 Wysinger Jr., Vossa E. 6,000.0011 Brown, Raymond E. 794.5011 Traynor, Ronald G. 2,192.4913 Dercole, August J. 6,000.0013 Goode, Shelton 6,000.0013 Meluskey, Vincent J. 6,000.0027 Brown, George G. 6,000.0027 Harty, Levi 6,000.0027 Hogg, James Elmer 6,000.0027 Hotchkiss, Andrew L. 6,000.0028 Murphy, Charles W. 6,000.0028 Ragosa, Eugenio 6,000.0029 Flynn, James M. 6,000.0029 Hodge, Bennett 6,000.0029 Sylva, Gilbert F. 6,000.0040 Russell, Wendell 6,000.0045 Crone, Howard M. 6,000.0060 Williams, James Lee 6,000.0072 Austero, Jerry A. 6,000.0072 Broyles, William E. 6,000.0072 Chandler, Leo R. 6,000.0072 Garrett, Robert E. 6,000.0072 Holliday, Kenneth J. 6,000.0072 Jensen, Louis R. 6,000.0072 Jensen, Vernon C. 6,000.0072 Righter, William O. 6,000.0072 Rogers, John A. 6,000.0072 Stansgar, Alexander 6,000.0072 Thomas, Harold E. 6,000.0072 Varnell, Anning J. 6,000.0074 Halsell, Thomas 6,000.0079 Lemoine, Pinkey J. 6,000.0083 Fitch, Jack L. 6,000.0083 Holland, James M. 6,000.0085 Bradshaw, William M. 6,000.0088 Lubun, Mikolaj 6,000.0088 McCue, Donald F. 6,000.0092 Beaty, Willis E. 6,000.0092 Castaneda, Tim J. 3,000.0092 Dorris, James D. 6,000.0092 Kisner Jr., Noah H. 6,000.0092 Milota, Floyd 6,000.0092 Moore, Earl W. 6,000.0092 Ritter, Arnold 6,000.0092 Salas, Alfred G. 6,000.0092 Schminke, John G. 6,000.0092 Smith, Thomas R. 6,000.00

104 Barton, Grant E. 6,000.00104 McDaniel Sr., Thomas S.6,000.00104 Reynolds, Cecil A. 3,000.00104 Ronning, Alan C. 6,000.00104 Teper, Valdemar W. 6,000.00105 Lawson, Roy H. 2,177.72107 Brew, Francis J. 6,000.00110 Batchelor, Warren A. 6,000.00112 Miller, Willie F. 6,000.00132 Johnson, Earl 6,000.00132 Kraus, Wilmer S. 6,000.00132 Mancuso, Sam 6,000.00132 Neel, Ezra M. 6,000.00132 Skripka, Walter M. 6,000.00154 Gregory, William C. 6,000.00158 Zeman Sr., John W. 6,000.00177 Daoust, Herman 6,000.00182 Vogrinec, Thomas H. 6,000.00199 Phillips, Royce F. 6,000.00199 Tallevast, Mitchell B. 6,000.00204 Boynton, Hadley H. 6,000.00204 Ushio, Masahiko 6,000.00237 Dupuis, Edward A. 6,000.00237 Scrivener, William L. 6,000.00288 Dewey, Harold E. 6,000.00358 Hammond, Riley 3,000.00358 Shauver, Roy H. 6,000.00374 Ashworth, James C. 6,000.00374 Dunham, Herbie L. 6,000.00374 Howard, Bobby M. 6,000.00374 Palikan, Edward S. 6,000.00374 Schultz, Donald J. 6,000.00433 McGee, Bill H. 6,000.00449 Kasten, Harvey 6,000.00453 Beasley, William D. 6,000.00454 Tittsworth, George R. 15,000.00455 Nelson, James R. 15,000.00455 Palmer, Richard W. 14,305.35483 Sutton, Donald C. 6,000.00487 Schmeling, Reuben O. 6,000.00500 Turner Jr., Morris 6,000.00531 Adams, William A. 6,000.00549 Cook, John J. 6,000.00549 McDonald, Fred 6,000.00549 Meadows, Leslie C. 6,000.00549 Morely, John J. 6,000.00582 Kimble, Albert W. 8,714.70583 Chappell, Clarence A. 6,000.00583 Clark, Terry 6,000.00587 Crocker, Gaston A. 6,000.00592 White, Clayton G. 1,800.81

599 Helgeson, George T. 6,000.00627 Armitage, Dennis C. 6,000.00627 Bjorklund, Roy W. 6,000.00636 Lamey, Emmet E. 6,000.00646 Kellam, William W. 6,000.00647 Davitt, Donald G. 6,000.00647 McHenry, Bill G. 6,000.00647 Whitman, Edward C. 3,000.00651 Kelliher, Frederick J. 6,000.00651 Koss, Benjamin L. 6,000.00667 Benson, Henry F. 6,000.00667 Porter, James J. 6,000.00667 Riffee, Wintfred D. 6,000.00667 Schneider, Robert P. 4,974.12679 Bottoms, Carl J. 6,000.00

687 Baker, Randolph D. 6,000.00696 Lesjack, John T. 6,000.00696 Phillips, Kenneth D. 6,000.00697 Hirsch, Henry 6,000.00744 Norris, Jeffery D. 6,000.00802 Ash, William A. 6,000.001240 Alexander, Richard L. 6,000.001240 Rios, Agustin 6,000.001248 Macica, August W. 6,000.001509 Annonson, William L. 6,000.001509 Radkowski, Richard B. 6,000.001509 Rupcic, Michael A. 6,000.001600 Valentin, Angel 6,000.001637 Dennis, Howard C. 6,000.001670 Moxley, Jack L. 6,000.00


I N M E M O R I A M

NTL Constable, Maxfield E.NTL Funk, Martin F.1 Coughlin, James E.1 Preble, William D.6 Bay, Leo W.6 Rasmussen, Thomas J.6 Sharon, Jay A.26 Brown, Hugh M.26 Martin, Robert C.27 Hotchkiss, Andrew L.29 Sylva, Gilbert F.30 Chilton, Richard H.40 Russell, Wendell

72 Chandler, Leo R.72 Holliday, Kenneth J.72 McLean, Eugene W.74 Halsell, Thomas83 Turnage, Douglas R.85 Brandshaw, William M.92 Dorris, James D.92 Milota, Floyd101 Llewellyn, Mark107 Beaudo, Lawr107 Brew, Francis J.128 Nicholson, Harold L.132 Johnson, Earl146 Kaulback, Reginald K.

146 Kelly, David146 Shaw, Alan R.146 Yarosloski, John154 Rispigliati, Alfred158 Brewer, Max158 Epps, Truman158 Zeman Sr., John W.169 Abbatoy, Jeanne M.177 Daoust, Herman L.D194 Davidson, Bradley S.197 Paolucci, Carl A.232 Solomon, L.280 Bender, William J.351 Perry, Daniel B.

358 Shauver, Roy H.363 Vogel, W. E.374 Dunham, Herbie L.374 Gum, Marvin374 Palikan, Edward S.374 Thomas, Chester M.443 Berkedal, Kenneth J.443 Kirkland, David H.453 Stansberry, Lewis H.453 Stansberry, Lewis H.454 Johnson, Roy C.455 Handley, George H.D488 Anderson, Horace549 Garrett, David B.555 Hall, Doug582 Brister Jr., Jesse C.582 Coon, Thomas L.

587 Dugas, L. J.587 Locklin, Donald F.587 Moss, Joe W.647 Kambeitz, Donald D.647 Shaw, Kenneth F.647 Whitman, Edward C.647 Zimmerman, Robert667 Benson, Henry F.667 McDavid, James W.667 Porter, James J.723 Vallicella, Felix1101 Gorczynski, Stanley J.1168 Sanfilippo, Anthony1178 Rhodes, Victor1248 Macica, August W.1509 Rupcic, Michael A.1622 Ringwald, James A.


WITH DEEP SORROWthe International Brotherhood records the death of these members as reported to the InternationalSecretary-Treasurer’s office, and extends its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families.

IF YOU HAVE NOT yet been furnished this information, contact your local lodge, secure the beneficiaryforms, complete the required information and forward to the Administrative Office of the Pension Fund,754 Minnesota Avenue, Suite 522, Kansas City, KS 66101, at the earliest possible date. NOTE: These addi-tional death benefits can only be derived for members who worked under a collective bargaining agree-ment with an employer contributing to the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust.

LODGE & NAME

THE DEATH BENEFIT PLANunder the Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust haspaid the beneficiaries of the following deceased members who were covered by the plansince the last issue of our publication.

LODGE, NAME & BENEF I T

D E A T H B E N E F I T S

Moving? Tell us where . . .Name

New Address

City

State or Province Zip

Local Lodge No. Register No.(Also please notify the secretary of your local lodge.)

Mail form to:Publications Department

753 State Avenue, Suite 565

Kansas City, KS 66101

(Allow five weeks for change of address.)

THE BOILERMAKERS UNION occu-pies an important place in the history ofNorth America, and we are working topreserve that history through the Boiler-makers National Archives, a museumlocated one block west of Internationalheadquarters in Kansas City, Kan.

National Archivist Tom Wands hasbeen collecting and restoring items fordisplay. He is also creating databasesfor a pictorial history and to recorddates of local lodge charters, names oflocal lodge officers, and biographies ofInternational officers.

You can help us continue the work ofthe archives through your donations.

To help raise much-needed funds, theNational Archives is offering the abovepictured gifts to donors.

Only U.S. funds can be accepted.Please make checks or money orderspayable to the Boilermakers Archives,indicate your gift choice on the memoline, and mail to:

Tom Wands, ArchivistBoilermakers National Archives753 State Ave., #570Kansas City, KS 66101All donations are tax deductible (less $1 for

each decal received; $5 for ornament; $7 for sou-venir watch; $10 for clock; $18 for sports watch;$20 for dress watch). Tax ID #48-114-537.

Window Decals

One for $2 Donation;Three for $5 Donation

Archives Needs Support

10-inch Wall Clock$20 DonationFront - 1893 logo Back - Current logo

Men’s GoldDress Watch$40 Donation

Men’sSouvenir Watch

$15 Donation

Men’sSports Watch$30 Donation

Ladies GoldDress Watch$40 Donation

LadiesSouvenir Watch

$15 Donation

Christmas Ornament— $10 Donation


C O M M E N T A R Y


Without unions, workers cannever enjoy domestic security

THE END OF THE YEAR is tradi-tionally a time when we reflecton the past and plan for thefuture. It is no accident that the

month of January was named for theRoman god Janus, whose head had oneface in front and another one behind.

As our families gather together to cel-ebrate the winter holidays, we see onceagain the people who mean the most tous, the people we have spent our entirelives with, and we are reminded of thepast. But the holidays are also a time forchildren, who make us wonder whatthe future will bring and resolve tomake the world a better place. We real-ize that our children and grandchildrenwill live in the world we create.

This year, the future is uncertain, asthe U.S. tilts toward war with Iraq, oureconomy continues to sputter, and theRepublican Party prepares to take fullcontrol of our federal government.

This year, our New Year’s resolu-tions have great urgency, because ourmost basic freedoms are being chal-lenged —and not just by terrorists.

The November elections changed thepolitical landscape more than mostAmericans realize. For the first timesince 1955, we have a Republican in theWhite House and Republican majori-ties in both the House and the Senate.And the top GOP leader —PresidentBush — is not a moderate Republicanlike our Republican friends in Con-gress, but a radical conservative benton destroying unions.

In his first 100 days in office, he took28 actions to weaken worker protec-tions. Since then, he has issued anti-union executive orders every monthand named dozens of former corporatelobbyists to positions in which they

oversee unions or worker rights. Forexample, the former attorney for theChamber of Commerce now heads theNational Labor Relations Board, whichrules on complaints from workers ofunfair labor practices by corporations.

In the 1990s, President Clinton wasable to veto the more radical billspassed by the Republican Congress,and these past two years, the Senate hasstopped some of President Bush’s pro-

posals. But with Republican majoritiesin both houses of Congress, Bush willhave a free hand to do as he pleases.

Already, Congress has passed majorchanges to federal bankruptcy lawsthat make it more difficult for individu-als to be relieved of their debt, evenwhen that debt is caused by a cata-strophic illness. This bill was proposedby lobbyists for the financial servicesindustry. In the 1980s, U.S. taxpayersspent $100 billion bailing out a bigplayer in that industry — savings andloans (including one managed by Pres-ident Bush’s brother Neal). They don’tintend to return the favor.

They also passed a bill creating a newDepartment of Homeland Security,which brings 170,000 federal employ-ees from 22 agencies under one roof,but doesn’t allow them to bring theirunions with them. During this year’scampaigns, Republicans questionedthe patriotism of Democrats who had

wanted to allow these federal workersto stay in the unions they alreadybelong to, claiming the Democrats werecaving in to “special interests.”

When the elections were over, theRepublicans passed a homeland secu-rity bill that is so loaded down withgiveaways to corporate “special inter-ests” that it has grown from the 35pages Bush sent over to 484 pages ofearly Christmas presents for corporatecampaign donors and good, old-fash-ioned pork that has nothing to do withprotecting the American people.

Republican leaders Tom Delay andDick Armey added a “security researchinstitute” to be built right near wherethey live in Texas —a little slab of porkfor the neighbors back home.

Another GOP amendment allows thefederal government to do businesswith companies that use offshore banksto avoid paying U.S. taxes. Earlier thisyear, Congress outlawed this practiceas part of a “corporate reform” agenda.Their ban on doing business with cor-porate tax cheats lasted just longenough to let them crow about it dur-ing the fall campaigns, but not longenough to actually end the practice.

But the GOP pay-back to the pharma-ceutical industry is the most disgustingone. It wipes out lawsuits against drugcompanies that make a mercury-basedvaccine preservative, which has beenlinked to autism in children. Compa-nies creating new anti-bio-terror drugsneed protection from frivolous law-suits, but letting Eli Lilly duck responsi-bility for this longstanding problemdoes nothing to deter terrorism.

Of course, terrorism wasn’t the point.The point was that drug companiesdonated heavily to Republican candi-dates. Lilly alone donated $1.6 million.

And terrorism is not the point whenBush invokes “domestic security” tojustify union-busting, either.

Union workers support the war onterrorism, but we have good reason tofear a president who tries to blur theline between patriotism and supportfor his political positions — especiallywhen those positions threaten manyaspects of our own domestic security.

How secure can our nation’s workersfeel when the health-care needs of ourfamilies are ignored, while drug, healthcare, and insurance companies withdouble-digit profits get subsidies?

How secure can our nation feel whenour national leaders support tradeagreements that encourage companiesto ship our jobs overseas?

How secure can we feel when corpo-rate executives can loot our pensions,declare bankruptcy, and retire to mil-lion-dollar homes in Florida and Texas?

How secure can our nation’s workersfeel when the president and Congresscan circumvent validly elected unionrepresentation simply by reshuffling afew agencies and giving the depart-ment a new name?

What other protections for workerswill the president and the 108th Con-gress eliminate? ❑

CHARLES W. JONESInternational President

Bush’s success in denying worker rights tofederal employees should not be ignored

With Republican majoritiesin both houses of

Congress, Bush has a freehand to do as he pleases.

Local 5 members honor rescue workers New York city workerscreate medallions fromTwin Tower debrisEIGHTY MEMBERS OF Local 5, NewYork, N.Y., are municipal workers inthe sanitation department of New YorkCity. After terrorists destroyed theTwin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, thesemembers helped to transfer debris to alandfill for sorting where they recov-ered a damaged statue that they turnedover to the FBI. They also discovered anidea of how they could honor deceasedrescue workers by creating medallionsfrom the wreckage for their families.

After the debris had been sorted, ascrap metal company purchased steelpiping from the wreckage. Some of thepiping had a high gold content level.Since it was too expensive to extract thegold, the company donated the pipingto Local 5 members Raymond Maiaraand Harry Auletti for the medallions.Maiara created a hand-made die, andwith Auletti’s help, rolled the pipingflat and manufactured a small numberof medallions to honor the workerswho gave their lives on September 11.

They gave medallions to city officialsand the chiefs of the police and firedepartments. Four medallions werepresented to Local 5 BM-ST Gerry Con-nolly, who donated one to the Boiler-makers National Archives for

permanent display. Connolly is not yetsure of how he will distribute theremaining three, but he knows one willbecome part of the Twin TowersMemorial in New York City.

“Our members who work in the sani-tation department and who were

involved in the clean up wanted tohonor those workers who lost theirlives,” said Connolly. “They createdthese medallions as a token, donatingtheir time and effort. No medallionswere sold, and no one profited fromthis horror.”

Auletti said they first made coins forfellow workers at the landfill as mostknew someone who had lost a lovedone on 9/11.

“Letters started coming back to usfrom people who got a coin, telling usthat just holding the coin gave themsome comfort. The Red Cross and Sal-vation Army distributed our coins topeople as far away as Oklahoma.”

Auletti also made coins for families ofvictims from the police and fire depart-ments, the FBI, the Port Authority, andthe court system.

“We finally had to stop making thecoins as we couldn’t dedicate enoughtime to the project and keep up withthe demanding work at the landfill,”said Auletti. ❑

LOCAL 5’S HENRY AULETTI holds one of the medallions he and other Local 5 memberscreated using debris from the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York, N.Y.

CLOSE-UP VIEWof Local 5’s memorial disc.

Documents

V41N6 | The Boilermaker Reporter