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Now is the time to press forward. Now is the time to act. It is an honor and privilege to have been elected by the International Executive Council as the International President of our union, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve each and every member of this distinguished organization. It is no secret that the past 18 months have not been pleasant for our union as we address the consequences of past mistakes. I want to reaffirm that the International Executive Council is continuing to work together as never before to ensure fiscal responsibility, foster transparency and make certain all Boilermakers are provided the service they so deserve. We have worked hard over the past months to implement new systems and accountability while focusing on new efforts to educate, recruit and organize, and we will continue to make necessary changes focused on service to members as our top priority. But now is not the time for just words. Now is the time to press forward. Now is the time to recruit new members and organize new industries, contractors and employers. Now is the time to expand into new Boilermaker work opportunities and regain lost marketshare. I am calling all Boilermakers to action. We need you to get involved. We need you to go to your union meetings and let your voices be heard—tell us what we can do to better serve you. Be the change you want to see in our union. Every union Boilermaker needs to focus on recruiting and organizing. It is the duty of each and every Boilermaker to recruit and train two new members: one to replace you when you finally lay down the tools of your trade and enter into your well-deserved retirement, and another to grow the organization. Our union’s future and the future of our pensions depend on it. Boilermakers are, and will remain, the most versatile, skilled and hard-working crafts-persons our nations have ever seen. The rich history of our union reminds us of how Boilermakers in the United States and Canada worked to expand our respective nations with steam locomotives and went on to power our nations with steam-generated electricity while building the largest fleets to supply and protect them. We will not let adversity stop us. I will not promise the path forward will be easy, but we have faced storms before. Our union holds 144 years of dedication and unwavering unionism, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish in the next days, months and years ahead. We are Boilermakers, there is nothing we cannot do, and we will come out of this stronger. — Sep 25
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Bike run unites Western States lodges in common interest On June 22, 20 Local 92 (Los Angeles) Boilermakers road out on their motorcycles from their hall in Carson, California, and began a 256-mile run up the coast—all in the name of brotherhood. Meanwhile on the other side of the state, 20 members from Local 549 (Pittsburg, California), set out for a 255-mile run south from their lodge in the Bay Area. The Boilermaker bikers met up in middle in San Simeon, marking the first ever L-92/L-549 “Stronger Together” Bike Run and a full day of fun, food, karaoke—and unity. Both lodges point to L-92’s Hugo Castañeda as the mastermind behind the event. L-92 had hosted two previous bike runs: The first took riders to Newport Beach and the next was a run to San Diego. “Every year, we had a good turnout of members joining, and I thought, why not push it all the way up there and make it work,” Castañeda said. “Some of us don’t get to share things we enjoy outside of work. During work, everybody’s together and unified. Then we all go home, and that’s it. The bike run is a good thing outside of work where we can bring in real brotherhood.” So, L-92 floated the idea of a bike run together with L-549. They liked it, and plans began. The lodges discussed possible meet-up locales, costs, how costs would be divided (right down the middle) and what the union would cover vs. participants’ expenses. After plotting a half-way point in San Simeon, Castañeda found a hotel that could accommodate the group and was a perfect setup with a bar and grill on the same lot. Once the Boilermakers arrived, they would be able to relax and fully enjoy the evening without needing to ride elsewhere for dinner and entertainment. The locals covered the cost of the hotel and food, so participants only needed to pay for their gas and incidentals. Several Boilermakers who wanted to participate but aren’t motorcycle owners opted to rent Slingshots at their own cost. “The way up there was amazing, and it was a beautiful, nice ride,” Castañeda said. “We took the coast—the long way there. L-549 did too, and we stopped at a couple spots to enjoy the view.” “The entire Bike Run had several memorable moments, from the point we all met at the local the morning of the ride to every gas stop where members were able to stretch and express how much fun they were having riding down together to meet with L-92,” added L-549’s Osvaldo Troche Jr., who helped plan the event. They stayed in touch with the hotel, alerting them of their estimated time of arrival, so dinner and drinks were ready when they got there. After a meal together and a surprise birthday cake for L-549 member Angela Greer, evening activities turned to games of pool, lots of storytelling and karaoke. “The night-time karaoke was pretty dope, and that lasted for hours,” said L-549 apprentice coordinator Che Rocchild, who also planned the run. “The singing and dancing was pretty contagious. But the morning after was also a chill time. Everybody eventually made it out to the parking lot after getting breakfast, and we spent a good amount of time just congregating, chatting, getting to know each other.” Which was exactly the point. There was a time when the relationship between the two California locals was a bit tense. Both locals acknowledge that—and they point to the work done by past business managers Oscar Davila (L-92, now deceased) and Tim Jefferies (L-549, now an International Rep) to re-establish unity and focus on the commonalities of all Boilermakers. L-92 and L-549 have continued the path forward together. “We’ve continued that work among lodge officers, and we wanted to share that with all the members—to show that we all deal with the same issues and hurdles, we’re all on the same page, in the same state,” Castañeda said, noting that L-92 has emphasized how success grows when all Boilermakers work together as a team. He also pointed out that members of both locals travel to one another’s jobs to fulfill needed manpower. “In L-92 and L-549, we deal with the same project headaches and contractors, so it makes sense to join forces,” he said. “It sparked my idea for, why not hang out outside of work. Why not as a joint international brotherhood make that happen.” While the event was a lot of fun for those who participated, the impact on team building is seriously important. Toche said having the chance to break bread and let loose together, “fostered a bond which allows new members joining these two locals to hear a different narrative than when I joined nearly 18 years ago.” Rocchild agreed: “We need more brotherly togetherness. We preach on how we are supposed to function, but I think the act of actually functioning together is sometimes left by the wayside. “This event shows members we are past any and all of the previous bickering—and what better way to do so than a function that allows us to function, party and relax as one.” Castañeda hopes the event will continue and grow. “My vision is for this next year to push it even further and get more locals involved,” he said. “And who knows, maybe it will go across the country. We’ve got some real riders out there.” — Sep 23
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L-1622 strike ends in Austintown The Local 1622 (Austintown, Ohio) strike that began against T&W Stamping in March has ended with Boilermakers returning to work Sept. 3. After more than five months on the picket line, the workers received guaranteed yearly raises, along with weekly incentives, but no retroactive compensation. “The members of L-1622 are grateful for the support of their community, Boilermakers from across the U.S. and Canada, other unions and so many people who reached out in solidarity and with supplies, gift cards and financial donations,” said Don Hamric, Executive Director-ISO. “This was a stressful time for them, and even as they stood together on the picket line, it meant a lot to know so many people were standing with them. “That’s what union organizing and solidarity means: Even when we aren’t able to achieve our ultimate goal—even when we face something really tough—we stand together.” L-1622 had been attempting to renegotiate a contract since November 2023, after the previous contract expired. The Boilermakers went on strike after filing unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against T&W, protesting illegal actions by their employer. Read a past article with more details about the cause of strike. — Sep 20
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Ohio Valley Tripartite tackles training and man-hours Ohio Valley Tripartite members gathered in Lexington, Kentucky, Aug. 13-14, to discuss Boilermaker training, EPRI training and Ohio Valley agreements. Participants, including members, owners and contractors, explored strategies to increase man-hours and received an overview of services the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers provides its members. Adrian Hendren, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, the Electric Power Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of equipping workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective in the field. “Our goal is to make sure when members go out into the field, they’re efficient. They know what they’re doing and they’re able to do it with skills,” Hendren said. This is achieved through STEs, standardized task evaluations designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs for both owners and contractors in the energy sector. Testing includes a written knowledge exam and hands-on performance exams. To date, 16,585 EPRI STEs have been completed, resulting in $1.74 million in annual training cost savings. Recurring qualification costs have been reduced by $210 per repeat acceptance, highlighting the financial benefits of the program. The STE program offers portability, allowing it to be applied across multiple sites, which ensures consistent quality and compliance. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining high standards across different locations. Compliance with the AP3 standards (administration protocol for portable practicals) is a key aspect of the STE program. AP3 compliance ensures that STEs, administered by workforce providers (such as unions), are conducted systematically and meet industry standards. EPRI's commitment to maintaining high standards is unwavering. Hendren pointed out that EPRI does not accept testing exemptions or substitutions, as doing so could undermine the integrity of the program. Through STEs and strict adherence to compliance standards, EPRI and its partners are shaping the future of energy, ensuring that the workforce is prepared, efficient and capable of meeting the industry’s evolving demands. Boilermakers across the union are becoming EPRI certified in Industrial Rigging and Signaling, Install and Torque Fasteners, Operate a Forklift and Operate an Aerial Work Platform. Ron Traxler, Executive Director of NACBE, emphasized the critical need for safety, collaboration and recruitment. Traxler highlighted the importance of increasing man-hours and the ongoing efforts to maintain a skilled workforce. “We’re all recruiters and safety professionals. It’s important we recruit, recruit and recruit because we need man-hours,” he stated. NACBE plays a vital role in promoting safety through regular meetings, injury tracking and expert-led discussions on safety practices. The organization collaborates closely with the MOST program, particularly on mental health initiatives and safety programs, such as respirator fit testing and the eyeglass program. Traxler addressed a rise in lost-time injury rates, urging collective action to create injury-free workplaces. He also stressed the importance of accurate man-hour projections and ongoing collaboration between contractors, reps and business managers to meet industry needs. Other speakers included BNAP National Coordinator Mark Wertz, who gave details about training, grants and Boilermakers’ EPRI certification. MOST Trainer Jay Brophy detailed the Boilermaker Boot Camp program and highlighted how important the new MOST Mental Health program is for members. In addition, Director of Jurisdiction and National Maintenance Agreements Marty Stanton offered an update on project labor agreements and addendums. — Sep 20
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Simmons, Penny and Campbell begin new leadership roles The International Executive Council announced significant leadership changes beginning upon the re-retirement of former International President Warren Fairley on Aug. 20. The IEC immediately elected Timothy Simmons to serve as International President until the next International Brotherhood Convention. Simmons had been previously elected to the office of International Vice President of the Southeast Section. The IEC then elected Jeff Campbell to serve as IVP-Southeast. “It is truly an honor and privilege to have been elected by the IEC. As a second-generation Boilermaker, I began my career knowing God’s grace and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers brought my family out of poverty and into the middle class,” IP Simmons said. “I look forward to working with our members to make certain future generations of Boilermakers have the same opportunities. “You have my word that I will diligently work with the IEC and the International Secretary-Treasurer to rebuild the trust and confidence in our Brotherhood by our members, our contractors and our employers. We must work together to put the past behind us and grow our organization.” Simmons began his Boilermaker career on a boiler outage in 1999, working out of Boilermakers Local 108 (Bessemer, Alabama) at the Alabama Power Miller Steam Plant. He has served the union and his local lodge as a business agent/secretary-treasurer, a District No. 3 officer, Director of National Recruitment Services, Executive Director of Construction Sector Operations and Administrative Assistant to the International President. In October 2022, the IEC unanimously voted to elect Simmons as IVP-Southeast Section. The IEC elected Clint Penny as International Secretary-Treasurer after accepting the resignation of former IST Kathy Stapp on August 26. Prior to his election as IST, Penny was Local 11 (Helena, Montana) Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. He is a fourth-generation Boilermaker and joined the union on the tools a day after graduating high school, following the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He describes himself as a “rank-and-file Boilermaker from a suitcase local,” having spent his years on the tools traveling to jobsites around the country. He served his local lodge for three consecutive terms as BM/ST and has served as president of the Montana State Building Trades since 2021. “I love being a Boilermaker,” Penny said. “I want to make sure everything is run right, and I want to make sure people like my dad have a pension.” He said he encourages all members to read and understand the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers’ Constitution. “We are confident Brother Penny will bring new accountability and transparency to the IST office,” Simmons said. “We look forward to working with him as he begins his service to our organization in this important role.” Jeff Campbell previously was Executive Director-Industrial Sector Operations and Administrative Assistant to the International President. Prior to that, he was Director of Cement Lodge Services and Assistant Director-ISO servicing lodges in the Southeast, Great Lakes and Northeast sections. Campbell joined Local 726 (Owensboro, Kentucky) in 1991 while employed as a production technician with W.R. Grace. He held various positions in his local before becoming its president in 2005. He was appointed as an International Rep in 2015 and as Director of the Cement Division in 2022. With Campbell changing roles as IVP-Southeast, Don Hamric is now Executive Director-ISO. Hamric maintains his position as Director of Research and Collective Bargaining Services. Anthony Howell is now Administrative Assistant to the International President, and he maintains his position as Executive Director-Construction Sector Operations. “After the changes in leadership last year, the IEC endeavored to reform policies and make it clear that every employee of IBB must work for the betterment of the union,” Simmons said. “We began to work together as never before to ensure fiscal responsibility, foster transparency and set the course so Boilermakers are provided the services they so deserve. We will continue to work together to ensure the IBB is, and will remain, fiscally sound and that all officers and employees act in the members’ best interest. “I look forward to a bright and solid future for our union and for our Boilermaker brothers and sisters.” — Sep 20