International Brotherhood of Boilermakers - The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIO

  • Grant puts L-627 Boilermaker's voice to work for Arizona pipeline
    Danielle Manygoats knew when she was in high school that she wanted to pursue a career in welding. She knew it paid well and she knew welders were always in high demand. She didn’t waste time getting started. She graduated high school early in Flagstaff, Arizona, to attend Tulsa Welding School and earn her welding certificate. One of her welding school friends scored a lead on a job out of Local 101 (Denver), where Manygoats got hired as a permit worker and cut her teeth in the Boilermaker trade. “They were explaining that there’s a union local lodge in just about every state,” she recalls. “I got lucky, because I found mine in Arizona at 18 years old.” She went back to her home state and indentured with Local 627 (Phoenix). Over her 16 years with the Boilermakers, she became a journeyman and has served as a foreman, steward and general foreman on projects. “My career as a Boilermaker has taken me to many places, levels and heights,” she says. “I’m really fond of the field. I love being out there and getting dirty and doing the work!” But she isn’t just passionate about working in the profession, she’s also passionate about telling anyone she can about the Boilermaker career path. And through a BuildItAZ grant, that’s exactly what she’s able to do as a fulltime recruiter, since April. The grant focuses on recruiting young adults in Native American communities—familiar territory for Manygoats, who is Navajo. L-627 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Jacob Evenson had her in mind when he applied for the grant to fund a fulltime recruiter. Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity had put out the call for grant applications with BuildItAZ, a new apprenticeship initiative designed to build a pipeline and pathway to family-sustaining jobs in the state’s construction industry. BuildItAZ’s goal is to double Arizona’s registered apprenticeship numbers to meet construction demands as the energy industry swells to fulfill data center, semiconductor plants and other growing megawatt gobbling industries. More than a $1 million in grants were awarded in the early Spring 2025 cycle, of which L-627 was awarded $106,000 to pay a fulltime recruiter and cover recruiting expenses, such as promotional material, giveaways and booth costs. “We’re short-handed on staff at the hall, and everyone is busy and can’t get to career fairs and such. With so much work coming up, we needed workers,” Evenson says. “I knew Danielle would be a good fit as a recruiter and to talk to young people and people from the Navajo Nation and other tribes. She has long history of experience in the field, and her pathway to the Boilermakers is a good story for new people thinking about the trades.” In her role, Manygoats attends job fairs and community events and visits anywhere she can set up a booth, hand out fliers and talk up the trade. She’s even led a call with 13 tribes in the Tribal Board to explain what the Boilermakers union is, and she’s arranged for apprentice candidates to be bussed to the union hall to visit and apply. "Visiting Native American communities, I see grandmothers, grandfathers parents who are pushing and encouraging their sons and daughters to join the trade,” Manygoats says. “I especially want to reach more Native Americans such as Pima or Gila River tribes. These communities have more financial support from their tribal leaders.” These smaller tribal communities have more financial support, she explains, such as offering per capita benefits or stipends—financial benefits that tribal members can use to supplement their travel, or attending apprenticeship training, for example. Larger tribes, such as the Navajo Nation, don’t receive such stipends. A career in the Boilermakers will mean earning good wages and benefits. For Native Americans it means, working a project for a short period of time and having the ability to come back home to their communities. “I tell people being a Boilermaker is a lifestyle. You can live wherever you want to live, because you travel to the job,” she says. “So, you can live in your Native American community. You travel, make good pay and then live in your community between projects.” And when she talks to other women and younger girls about the Boilermakers, the key, she says, is telling her own story: “When I say I’ve been a foreman and a steward leading people out in the field—when they hear my story—they’re not so afraid. They can understand it’s possible for women to be in this job and that women can guide men and be in command. And it’s the same pay, same job, no difference for men or women. I share that it’s not just welding, there are other aspects of it.” Between recruitment gigs, she helps with L-627’s apprenticeship classes. Evenson says he continues to explore other grant opportunities. He plans to apply for the next round of grant funding through BuildItAZ. “You’ve got to watch for these opportunities and get involved politically,” he advises. “And apply—even if you don’t win the grant the first time, keep applying. There are a lot of grants out there.” Watch L-627’s Danielle Manygoats share her career story as she promotes the trade with BM-ST Jacob Evenson on Arizona news Watch Video — Aug 22
  • Mountain Cement Company Workers Vote to Unionize With 63% Support
    At Mountain Cement Company in Laramie, Wyoming, where two massive rotary kilns fire day and night, workers have won a hard fight for union representation that will echo across Wyoming’s labor movement for years to come. With a 63% vote, the entire 110-person workforce including quarry crews and truck drivers to operators, lab technicians, mechanics, electricians and shipping staff, chose to stand together and vote to unionize. The only job classification excluded was the security guard at the front gate. This victory came despite fierce opposition. Management hired outside consultants to run mandatory two-hour meetings, pushing fear and misinformation to employees in a constant drip. While workers stood their ground, the company got hit with 10 unfair labor practice charges. The organizing committee—an eclectic crew of cowboys, bikers and veterans—embodied the toughness of the Wyoming workforce, equipped with the grit needed to overcome management and their union-busting consultants. Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Robert Gallegos, the Local 101 Executive Board and stewards backed the organizers every step of the way. “The organizing committee worked with dedication and drive. I was privileged to work alongside them in our unionization campaign,” Gallegos said. Western States organizer Pablo Barrera led the campaign, which was built from the ground up. Workers from Mountain Cement Company contacted organizers through FormaUnion.com in the spring. During the campaign, the organizing committee put up flyers at auto stores, posted flyers in stores and restaurants across Laramie and ran social media ads to counter the company’s anti-union messaging. “It was an honor to work with the organizing committee, one of the strongest committees I’ve seen in the last 30 years,” Barrera said. In addition to the committee, churches, small businesses and political leaders lent their support, and the local newspaper broadcast the story to the wider community. According to the Wyoming AFL-CIO, the state hasn’t had a union election of this size, or a union win of any size, in the last 15 years. “This was a dogfight. But we didn’t back down,” said Barrera. “This organizing victory ensures greater opportunities, stronger representation and a more secure future for Wyoming’s working families. I’m ready for the next run.” As Mountain Cement Company prepares to expand production through its K3 project, potentially doubling the workforce, the Boilermakers’ win ensures all workers will face that future with strong representation and a secure voice on the job. As far as organizing Wyoming’s workers, the fight has only just begun. — Aug 21
  • Southeast Area L-108's Loyd wins Apprentice of the Year, Great Lakes Area takes team honors
    The 2025 National Apprenticeship Competition concluded Wednesday near Savannah, Georgia, and the results are in: Congratulations to Nathaniel Loyd of Local 108 (Bessemer, Alabama) who earned top individual honors as the 2025 Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program's Apprentice of the Year! And congratulations to the Great Lakes Area team, Cody Rasmussen of Local 107 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and Michael Baer of Local 374 (Hobart, Indiana), for earning top team honors!  The annual United States national competition is conducted through the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program and was hosted this year at Local 26 (Statesboro, Georgia). Congratulations to the regional graduate apprentices who also represented their areas in the competition: Northeast Area, Jacob Pappada (L-154, Pittsburgh) and Harrison Johnson (L-237, Hartford, Connecticut); Western States, Kyle Brickey (L-242, Spokane, Washington) and Andrew Bronson (L-101, Denver); and Southeast Area, Jeffery Rawson (L-667, Winfield, West Virginia). Watch for a full recap, including photos and video, to come. — Aug 15
  • ARCA driver Shane Backes signs partnership with Boilermakers Union
    When the green flag waves at The Glen for tomorrow’s ARCA Menards race, the Boilermakers Union seal will make its auto racing debut with driver Shane Backes. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers has signed on to partner with Backes and Mad Scientist Racing. The August 8th race at Watkins Glen International in New York is the first of four ARCA Menards Series races in which the Boilermakers’ will partner with Backes. His Chevrolet Super Sport will carry the Boilermaker seal on its wrap, and the seal adorns Backes’ fire suit as well. ARCA racing is sanctioned by NASCAR, and the ARCA Menards Series is a feeder series for NASCAR. Backes has been racing since he was 11 years old. He’s raced in IHRA Drag racing and in The NASCAR dirt series. He hopes to add the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series to his repertoire next year. “We are constantly looking for new ways to attract and recruit the next generation of union Boilermakers,” said International President Timothy Simmons. “This ARCA Menards series is an incredible opportunity to introduce many racing fans to a new career path in the Boilermakers.”  Backes’ upcoming Boilermaker-sponsored races will be in Bristol, Tennessee; Kansas City, Kansas; and Phoenix, Arizona.    — Aug 7
  • Locals award service pins
    The following pins have been presented in recognition of continuous years of service in the Boilermakers union as reported by local lodge leadership. Note: Local lodge leaders can now submit service pins for fulfillment and inclusion in The Reporter here. LOCAL 1 • CHICAGO 30 YEARS — Ralph Flores 25 YEARS — Mark Howard LOCAL 5 • FLORAL PARK NY 30 YEARS — Lester E. Blauvelt, Nicolas J. Carusone, Todd Lawton 25 YEARS — Joseph R. Gerwitz, Paul A. Gorman Jr., Daryl J. Hess, Christopher J. Sereno 20 YEARS — Michael Bauer 15 YEARS — Michael Charles, Nicholas M. DePolo, Gabriel L. Gladney,  Peter M. Houck LOCAL 13 • PHILADELPHIA 45 YEARS — Francis M. Andes, Richard Babcock Sr., David W. Bailey, David D. Bryan, John A. Carlisle, Kieran R. Carlisle, Dom Catrambone III, Dorsey J. Cluck, William Coleman,  John M. Cool, Robert W. Cooper Jr., Mark A. DiPaolo, John J. Enright, Gary D. Evans, Terry L. Freeman, Christian Geosits, Richard W. Gresko, Anthony W. Gurnari, Michael Impagliazzo, Jeffrey Kacmar, David J. Kondraski, William R. Krause, Ronald G. Macort, Mark E. Mangan, James E. Pearson, Robert J. Phillips, Bart J. Rowley III,  Roberto G. Sanchez, Dale R. Schaffner Sr., Dennis M. Smolar, Louis Tarnalicki, William C. Tatem, Guy M. Thibault,  Randy A. Wagner, George J. Wills Sr., Thomas H. Wright Jr. 40 YEARS — John E. Clark Jr., Joseph R. Demeter 35 YEARS — Jeffrey S. Berkey, Robert Condon, Earl Gordon III, Edward R. Storz, Michael A. Wiernusz, Michael J. Wozniak 30 YEARS — John G. Becker, Craig S. Chervanik, Frederick Denecke Jr., John C. Deputy, Andrew A. Euster, Richard Kelley, Richard M. Mallon Jr., Brian F. McCormack, James J. Monahan, Philip Sacchetti Jr., Lisa Stickley, Mark A. Timberg, Art Welcher  25 YEARS — Michael Angstadt, Richard Babcock Jr., Kristoffer Bailey, Michael P. Bray, Raymond J. Camp, Dominic Capitolo,  Joseph Colavita, Kris Coole, Ansel H. Coombs, Michael L. Crawford, Andrew Detwiler, Stephen F. Dymeck, Gene W. Faulls, Raymond J. Frantz, Mike Golphin,  James R. Green, David T. Gushue, Dean Hines, David M. Huffman, Stan M. Jankowski, James F. Jennings, John W. Kitchenman, Michael Kostecky Jr., Corey D. Laber, Daniel A. Long, Charles Long Jr., Joseph Mackiewicz,  Gerald E. Miller, William Monahan, Daniel Morris,  Thomas Neumane III, Joseph C. Newell, John A. Norton,  Shawn J. O’Malley, Brian M. Orio, Brian Pennington,  Davis L. Perry, Mark W. Pilger, Charles A. Premich,  Joel M. Ricahrdson, Todd M. Robinson, Francis J. Shickora, Robert J. Shipe, Paul Shiptoski, Kenneth G. Timmons,  Martin Williams Jr. 20 YEARS — Burton Blanch Jr., James Flanagan IV, Colin P. Geraci, Leonard G. Geraci, Wesley A. Jackson, Ryan Mahoney, Michael D. Patton, Brian Yanick 15 YEARS — Jo Bassininsky Sr., Patrick Bocchicchio, Kevin Boyle, Michael R. Cloeren, Michael Coyle, Frank T. Doerr Jr., Dominic J. Ferraiolo, James Gemignani, Nathan Guisewite, John P. Jones, Benjamin Kershner, Ernie G. Olavage, John R. Olear, William Rutherford, Gregory Shoback LOCAL 60 • PEORIA IL 60 YEARS — Harold Toureene 50 YEARS — Bruce Wheetley LOCAL 83 • KANSAS CITY MO 65 YEARS — Leonard M. Grimm 60 YEARS — Clinton A. Bevitt 55 YEARS — Leon M. Boydston, Lyle S. Clark, Cliff M. Rickard 50 YEARS — Johnny Armstrong, Richard Hendrickson, Harrell D. Lay, Richard R. Smith, Joseph S. Thoos 45 YEARS — Joseph F. Bowen, Earl L. Raney, Terry L. Schillig,  Michael Branstetter 40 YEARS — Shelby R. Cason, Mary J. Faulk, C. Keith Jordan,  Kenneth A. Marshall, Nicki G. Reeves 35 YEARS — Thomas D. Brant III, Tin T. Nguyen, Can Van Tran 30 YEARS — Wade F. Anschutz, Yen Nguyen, Terry Norris 25 YEARS — Brian V. Crider, Gregory P. Devereux, Martin R. Finley, Jason Hagler, Charles L. Hartquist, Jeffery R. Johnston, Randy J. Kalleck, Eugene T. Kinser, Carl Luttrull, Jim Martin, Ryan Oliveira, Tim Penry, Travis A. Shawn, Edward C. Teel, Richard Wentworth Jr. 20 YEARS  — Stephen R. Admire, Bill R. Brant, Earl Christine, Ronald E. Cole, Jeff Gehle, Aaron Haberer, William R. Harding, William L. Kling, Jesse D. Sandstrom, Randy J. Seely, Trung N. Tran 15 YEARS — Elton L. Bell, Tony B. Bradbury, Nicholas D. Cash, Eric Devney, Daniel C. Ewigman, Luke Lindsay, Angel Perez-Gonzalez,  Khiet H. Phan, Vladimir Shimko, Michael S. Storiale LOCAL 108 • BESSEMER AL 35 YEARS — Richard A. Perry 30 YEARS — Vernon Hadley, Wilmer D. Morris 25 YEARS — Jason W. Edmonds, Richard E. Edmonds Jr., Benny A. Eubanks, James B. Johnson Jr., Weston A. Nelson, Jonathan D. Payton, Dennis W. Pierce, John Ed Strenth III 20 YEARS — Clayton W. Butler, Sam J. Everette Jr., Brian S. Garrison, Lincoln M. Graham Sr., Shane L. Stinson 15 YEARS — Charles B. Potter LOCAL 614 • NEW LONDON CT 30 YEARS — Jeffrey Jordan LOCAL 647 • MINNEAPOLIS 70 YEARS — Robert G. Peterson 65 YEARS — Jack Tueck 60 YEARS — Curtis Kragero 55 YEARS — Howe Berlyn, Duane Carlson, Jack Eilefson, James Hedeen, Douglas Sargent, Roger Thomas 50 YEARS — David Bearinger, Hilla Bernard, Neil Cedergren, Randy Duke, Robert Folk, Gene O. Johnson, Leslie Klemetson, Rick Leinus, Terry Lind, Gene Miller, Allan Pietsch, James Peitz, Daniel Schultz, Paul Severson, Randy Tate, Randall Vosberg, Steve Waletko 45 YEARS — Curtis Bendickson, Lawrence Bill Jr., Robert Bistodeau, Elmer Bohn, Charles Drenth, George Fluey Jr., Mark Grewatz, Kenneth Gross, Kevin Knettel, Peter Leither, Thomas Niernhausen, Gerald Rabideaux, Darcy Sailer, Dwayne Tate 40 YEARS — Lloyd Ballman, Daniel Condon, Mark Dahlstrom, Bryan Fritz, Roger Olofson, Joseph Powers, James Rickard Sr. 35 YEARS — Gary Bartz, Gary Bee, David Fluey, Scott Hanson, Kory Olson, Jackson Stahlberg, John Steckler, Gary Szczur, Ferris Wiens 30 YEARS — Chris Chouinard, Jason Cook, Scott Grew, Scott Martin, Joseph Mittelsteadt 25 YEARS — Brent Abrahamson,  Scott Baker,  Matthew Bignell,  Chad Blonigen, Travis Dockter, Nick Duffing,  Gary J. Holter, Arlyn Olander 20 YEARS — Tony Donahue, Steven Forsberg, Timothy Gordon,  Craig Heath, Richard Langer, Nathan Rinerson,  David Strauss, Joseph Wiederich, Richard Zeman 15 YEARS — Daniel Amborn, Trey Bodensteiner, William Hietalati, Josh Loebs, Warren Ortenblad, Roy Rasch, Corey Roper, Randy Roundy, Mitch Tooke, Michael Weberg — Aug 6