-
Texas Ash Grove Cement workers act fast to unionize Workers at Ash Grove Cement in Midlothian, Texas, voted 65-25 in favor of unionizing with the Boilermakers after a swift organizing campaign that began just a month ago. The rapid success of the campaign is especially remarkable in a notoriously anti-union, right-to-work state like Texas. Carlos Brooks, Southeast Organizing Coordinator, M.O.R.E Work Investment Fund, gives credit to the Ash Grove workers. “They educated their coworkers and kept them engaged throughout the process,” says Brooks, who led the campaign along with Southeast Organizer, M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund Edwin Allen. “They stood strong early on and remained strong throughout the campaign. I was personally impressed, because they all made sure everyone in every department got all the information we provided. Everyone was involved.” This is the most involved Brooks has seen workers engage and invest themselves in an organizing campaign. He attributes this to their knowledge about Boilermakers’ representation in other Ash Grove Cement facilities and being educated about how workers at those facilities have negotiated contracts with terms and conditions that met their needs. Turnout for informational meetings and all campaign-related events was the highest Brooks has experienced. For the vote itself, 90 workers out of the 97-worker bargaining unit showed up to cast their votes. “They were in it together from start to finish, through it all. They showed what solidarity really means,” Brooks says. “I am thrilled that our Southeast Organizers have brought another Ash Grove Cement facility into the Boilermaker Family,” says Jeff Campbell, International Vice President-Southeast Area. “The hard work and organizing success of Brother Brooks and his team in the Southeast is amazing.” Brooks and the organizing team are not resting on their success in Midlothian. After the vote tally came in, another Texas cement facility called and Brooks was on his way. “Midlothian is the Cement Capital of Texas,” he explained. “If we can get another one organized in Texas, we can get many more.” Want to help with an organizing campaign? Check out the Organizing Our Future incentive program and see how your help providing a viable organizing lead, active participation in a campaign and other activities can reward you and your local lodge while strengthening the Boilermakers union and benefitting the workers who need union representation across the United States and Canada. — Aug 21
-
Extension to Jones Act waiver threatens US Jobs In March, the Department of Homeland Security waived the Jones Act at the Defense Department’s request after the Strait of Hormuz closed and energy prices spiked. It is the broadest waiver since 1950 and covers roughly 670 categories of energy and agricultural goods. The waiver allows foreign-built, foreign-flagged and foreign-crewed ships to carry cargo between American ports. It was extended in April, then extended again Aug. 17. Every one of the foreign-flagged ships is taking work that would otherwise go to an American-built ship. The Shipbuilders Council said Chinese-built vessels and Chinese-affiliated operators are picking up business in American coastal trade under the waiver. The Boilermakers, in conjunction with other trade unions, filed a Section 301 trade case in March over this issue. The waiver was granted on national defense grounds. According to the American Waterways Operators, military need for this waiver has not been proved, which is the legal standard, and the waiver hasn’t decreased the price of gasoline. “The longer the waiver runs, the easier it gets to argue the law was never needed,” said Director of Government Affairs Bridget Martin. “That argument is already being made.” For more information: The May letter signed by over 120 maritime leaders on the waiver’s impact, urging Congress to reject any extension. The AFL-CIO Metal Trades condemn this month’s extension. Read the American Waterways Operators statement. More details on the waiver from the publication MarineLink, with the full timeline. — Aug 20
-
Vegas inspires Boilermaker vows What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. At least Mike and Christy Tiemann hope not. Not only did they bring “what happened” home with them, they vowed they’d keep it with them for life. The Boilermaker couple got married there while they were in town for the 35th Consolidated Convention. Mike Tiemann is the President of Local 486 (Litchfield, Illinois), which represents workers at Worksaver, and he helped organize workers at Dometic nearly a year ago. Christy Tiemann serves on Dometic’s negotiating committee. When the couple began dating six years ago, they joked on their first date that the only way they’d ever even consider getting married was if the nuptials took place in Las Vegas—and were officiated by Elvis. The Boilermaker convention provided for both requirements. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to go to Vegas and do this,” said Mike Tiemann, who served as a convention delegate for L-486. The couple booked their Vegas vows a week or so in advance, thinking it would be just the two of them alone at the altar saying their “I do’s.” But when Great Lakes Area recruiter/organizer Kevin Stewart caught wind of their intentions, he insisted they couldn’t go alone. Stewart, along with Great Lakes organizer Bryan Cato and International Rep Ryan Mroz formed an impromptu wedding party. “I think they enjoyed it as much as we did,” Mike Tiemann said. Even the officiating Elvis had Boilermaker and convention ties. When Christy Tiemann mentioned her wedding plans to an Elvis impersonator who was working at a convention event, he asked where they would be to tying the knot. She replied they’d booked the Graceland Wedding Chapel and was surprised when he said, “Well, I own that place!” “He made it a point to be the Elvis who officiated our ceremony,” she said. Adding another layer of uniqueness, the bride and groom decided against a traditional ring swap. Instead, they opted for more permanent symbols of their matrimony: ring tattoos. “It all just worked out,” said Mike Tiemann. “Good luck, good timing, good wedding.” And good odds for a happy future together. — Aug 19
-
IBB Family Members Awarded 2026 Union Plus Scholarships Two people affiliated with the Boilermakers union were among those awarded 2026 Union Plus scholarships. Halie Michelle Biever, whose Spouse, Patrick Biever, is a member of Local 374 (Hobart, Indiana), has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship. Laken Knipp, whose Father, James Knipp, is a member of Local 667 (Charleston, West Virginia), has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Union Plus awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 181 students representing 42 unions. This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 42 states and one U.S. territory. PRESS RELEASE (PDF) IBB Family Members Awarded 2026 Union Plus Scholarships Winners Honored for Achievement and Union Values Washington, D.C. – Union Plus recently awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 181 students representing 42 unions, including two winners representing the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (IBB). This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 42 states and one U.S. territory. The IBB winners are: Halie Michelle Biever of Tobinsport, Indiana. Biever, whose spouse, Patrick Biever, is a member of IBB Local 374, has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship. Laken Knipp of Grayson, Kentucky. Knipp, whose father, James Knipp, is a member of IBB Local 667, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. “We are honored to recognize this year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners,” Union Plus President Mitch Stevens said. “As we celebrate Union Plus’s 40th anniversary this year, we are proud to note that the Union Plus Scholarship Program has provided over $6.2 million in scholarships to support the educational goals of union families.” Meet the 2026 IBB Honorees Halie Michelle Biever Purdue University Global: Bachelor of Science, human services (2025); Associate of Applied Science, human services (2024) Tell City [Indiana] Junior-Senior High School (TCHS) Halie is a Master of Science in Psychology candidate through Purdue Global, the online entity of the Purdue University system. She selected the addictions concentration for her MSP and expects to graduate in 2028. Halie aspires to become a licensed addiction counselor serving individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders and trauma. She has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, including five years working in mental health and recovery services. Patrick Biever, Halie’s husband, has been an IBB Local 374 member since 2001. Additionally, her father, Robert Anderson, is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 16 member. “Unions are the backbone of my family’s strength, security, and solidarity,” Halie said. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy.” Psychological and emotional wellbeing following addiction, recovery, and trauma is foundational to Halie’s ethos and deeply rooted in her personal journey. She is seven years sober and regularly shares her story with Tell City Junior-Senior High School students as a volunteer speaker and peer advocate for the school’s Natural Leaders Club. “Speaking to young people matters to me because early connection and honest conversations can change the trajectory of a life,” Halie said. “I focus on peer support, mental health awareness, decision making, and hope. As someone who did not receive this kind of support early in life, being present for students now feels both healing and purposeful. My academic, professional, and service-based experiences have prepared me well for graduate-level study and for making meaningful contributions to the field of addiction treatment. Every setback and every hardship helped me develop grit, patience, and clarity. I would either win or learn. That is my family motto.” Activities: Perry County [Indiana] Substance Abuse Committee; Spencer [Indiana] County Substance Abuse Council; Phi Theta Kappa honor society; Psi Chi psychology honor society; Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) first-generation college student honor society; Alpha Sigma Lambda non-traditional and adult learners honor society Honors: Purdue Global summa cum laude graduate (A.A.S., B.S.); Purdue Global chancellor’s list; Correctional Professionals Assistance Fund of Indiana Commissioner’s Scholar; National Society of Collegiate Scholars Employment and volunteerism: Indiana Department of Correction Branchville Correctional Facility certified peer recovery specialist (CPRS), addiction counselor; LifeSpring Health Systems CPRS; Deaconess Hospital patient care technician; Eastern Star of Tell City; Perry County 4-H alumni volunteer Laken Knipp East Carter High School (ECHS), Grayson, Kentucky (2026) Laken will major in biology at Kentucky Christian University (KCU), where she will be a member of the Knights’ softball team. She hopes to attend dental school and open a practice in Grayson, which she says is underserved like many rural communities in northeastern Kentucky. East Carter High School academic counselor Belicia Sexton said Laken’s scholastic performance, leadership, and graciousness have made an indelible mark on the school community. “Laken is a driven and diligent student who consistently strives for excellence in all she undertakes,” Sexton said. “Her achievements are a testament to her intellect, perseverance, and strong sense of discipline and teamwork. I have no doubt she will continue to succeed and make a positive impact wherever her path leads.” James Knipp, Laken’s father, has been an IBB Local 667 member since 1998. Additionally, her mother, Rosetta Knipp, is a member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 5. Laken fondly remembers union holiday parties from her childhood and has grown to appreciate the deeper ways in which both unions have supported her family. “Unions have the same end goal, even if they have different environments and workplaces to get there,” Laken said. “Unions are here to ensure that workplace standards are met not sometimes but every time. I can only hope that one day I will be able to follow in my parents’ footsteps and also be a union member.” Activities: ECHS Special Olympics Unified Club; ECHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); ECHS Beta Club; ECHS Softball; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; West Virginia Dusters select softball team Honors: Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Rural Health Scholar; KCU Academic Scholar; ECHS French student of the year; ECHS Softball player of the year; ECHS honor roll Volunteerism: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Prom Promise awareness program; Carter County Project Merry Christmas; Prichard Elementary School; Help Health Equipment Loan Program (serving local seniors in need) Learn More About the Union Plus Scholarship Program The Union Plus Scholarship Program, now in its 35th year, awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need, and commitment to the values of organized labor. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. Since starting the program in 1991, Union Plus has awarded more than $6.2 million in educational funding to more than 4,400 union members, spouses, and dependent children. Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school, or recognized technical or trade school. The selection process is exceptionally competitive: 6,335 applications were received this year from 68 unions and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, and five Canadian provinces. Visit unionplus.org/scholarship for applications and benefit eligibility. About Union Plus Union Plus, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the last four decades, Union Plus has used the collective buying power of America’s nearly 15 million union members to deliver top-quality benefits and services at competitive prices to working families. Programs include financial services, hardship help, and money-saving benefits, including exclusive everyday discounts on wireless service, travel, and more. Additional education programs include the Union Plus College Program and the Union Plus Student Debt Navigator. The College Program offers exclusive tuition discounts, financial aid, and grants, providing union members and their families with the opportunity to earn affordable, online degrees and certificates. The Student Debt Navigator is a tool that can help student loan borrowers lower monthly payments and navigate loan forgiveness programs. Visit unionplus.org to explore Union Plus’s 30-plus benefits. — Aug 14
-
IBB mourns the death of IVP John Fultz August 13, 2026 From International President Timothy Simmons: It is with incredible sadness I must regretfully inform you of the passing of International Vice President-Northeast, John Fultz. IVP Fultz leaves a legacy of dedicated service to the members of our union and was a dear friend to all who knew him. IVP Fultz was a man of integrity and strong character, and he loved our union. He was a true Boilermaker. We will provide information regarding his family’s wishes when they are made known. As we all grieve this loss, let us please keep Brother Fultz’s wife, Carol, his children and his family near in our thoughts and prayers. ### — Aug 13