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

  • New contract is a boon for workers
    Union workers at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, voted to approve a new collective bargaining agreement, marking the first full contract negotiation between the parties in nearly two decades. The new contract, covering around 6,000 workers, includes what the company calls its largest wage increase ever, featuring an immediate 18% base pay raise, annual 3% increases through 2029, and a 5% raise in 2030, along with up to an additional 10% for designated “critical craft” positions, including Boilermakers. Look for the full story in the Summer issue of The Boilermaker Reporter. — May 22
  • Voice of a past Convention encourages a look to the future
    In 2026, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers will convene its 35th Consolidated Convention, continuing a storied tradition that began with the union’s first convention in Milwaukee on June 4, 1894. While much has changed in the more than 130 years since that first gathering, one essential bond endures: the fellowship and purpose of brothers and sisters which unites Boilermakers across generations. That spirit was evident at the Fourth Consolidated Convention, held in early July 1900 in Kansas City, Kansas, when Grand President John McNeil delivered his opening address. His remarks captured the purpose of the union in its early years, which was to support working men in their struggle for fair wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. McNeil reviewed recent strikes undertaken to establish a nine-hour workday, improve safety and secure fair pay. He said 90% of actions proved successful, while others were costly. He described the strike in Bay City, Michigan, as “disastrous,” noting that it forced the employer out of business and nearly closed the local lodge. At the same time, many of the strike efforts achieved meaningful gains, particularly in reducing working hours. Some strikes had been authorized by the International, while others were not. That distinction, along with other issues, reflected ongoing internal disagreements. Those tensions, rooted in what appears to be disputes over strike strategy and union governance, carried into the Fourth Consolidated Convention itself. Acknowledging these divisions, McNeil closed his address with a call for unity and perspective: “In conclusion, let me say that never in the history of the Brotherhood have we been more powerful, more prosperous or more respected than we are today. Our strength commands the attention of our employers and fellow toilers, who are not with us in this Brotherhood. In framing laws and resolutions, be ever mindful of the Brotherhood. The past has nursed resentments that were not always harmonious. Let the dead past bury its dead and let the living look into the future and let there be peace and goodwill toward each other. When criticizing our actions, forget not that we are human and remember that the path of humanity is rough with errors. “I extend the most hearty welcome to you all and pray that harmony will prevail and the wisdom of this meeting shall be a shining light to guide us in the future. And that the most glorious memory of your life shall be the meeting in Kansas City, Kansas, of the great Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders of America.” As the union and its members prepare to gather once again, McNeil’s words resonate as strongly in 2026 as they did in 1900. His call to lay aside old resentments and look toward the future remains a guiding principle; for the future of the Brotherhood is yet to be written. — May 21
  • 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 45 YEARS — Edward Kochaney, Thomas Langbeen, Simon Mezydlo, Jamal Shabazz, Duane Shue, Mary Lou Spencer 25 YEARS — Ronald Bidstrup, Tom Connor, Steve Flores, Ray Gossett, Ernie Heiser, Donald Lloyd, Phil Maske, Mike Monroe 20 YEARS — Jason Carpenter, Robert Crosby, James Crowder, Shea Marquis LOCAL 5 • FLORAL PARK NY 35 YEARS — Kevin D. Wiltsie 30 YEARS — Jamie R. Martin 25 YEARS — Erik Favre, Thomas F. Ryan, Gregory Walker 20 YEARS — Derrick King, Andrew H. McCutcheon, James M. Raab 15 YEARS — Kyle J. Parker LOCAL 40 • ELIZABETHTOWN KY 65 YEARS — Roger A. Coomes, Edward J. Roberts 60 YEARS — Robert L. Beasley, William M. Brown, Jesse A. Horsley, Robert O. Horsley, Tommy O. Hurst, Joseph L. Vornholt 55 YEARS — Lowell T. Elliott, Paul Hill, Thomas O. McClain, Robert S. Reeves, Troy L. Roark, Don M. Schnuck, Trenton B. Vincent, Wade W. Wilburn, Marvin L. Williams 50 YEARS — John S. Barrett, Richard A. Hope, Chrisman O'Banion, Clarence A. Poole, Mack G. Rose 45 YEARS — Leonard E. Bayes, Steve L. Boggess, William A. Bowlds, Joseph E. Combs, David A. Engle, William D. Faith, Joel O. Greer, David L. Koger, Marvin L. Moore Jr., Scott A. Napper, Ricky A. Presley, Delton A. Rhea, Charles E. Shephard, Dwight E. Thompson, Charles L. Vincent 40 YEARS — Danny James, Michael G. Johnson, Bernice M. Millard, Jimmy D. Young 35 YEARS — Stephen D. Arndell, Michael W. Autry, Marshall S. Bratcher, Jimmy D. Burton, David C. Craig, Larry E. Davis, Kenneth M. Glasscock, Wesley S. Harris, Paul A. Hoppe, Victor A. Johnson Jr., David L. Laffoon, Gary W. Mathis, Edward L. Nokes Jr., David C. Paul, David A. Rager, L. Diane Ransom, Mark S. Ringstaff, James E. Roy Jr., Kevin R. Seagraves, Kevin D. Sears, David O. Sisco, Paul A. Sloas, Jeffrey D. Wilcox, Carl R. Williams 30 YEARS — David W. Bartlett, Danny Aaron Fowler, James D. Fraley, Kevin E. Griffith, Ronald Chad Webster 25 YEARS — Jerry Tudor Bowers, James A. Clark, Paul E. Crum, Teddy R. Crum, Larry E. Day, Joshlin D. Harris, Kenneth W. Hicks, John E. Higdon, Roger D. Hoard, Glenn F. Horton, Cowan Kinney, Robert S. Lawson, Michael M. Mays, Michael W. Murphy, Christopher S. Prince, Terry W. Stayton, Mario A. Vasquez, Carl R. Walker, David Matt Ward 20 YEARS — Michael Castaneda, Jesse S. Elmore, James Daniel Greene, Morton R. Greer, Troy A. Hicks, Billy C. Jordan, Kenny Ison Jr., John A. Miller Jr., Bradley Duane Ogburn, Richie T. Pentecost, Ed Rhnerson, Philip Landon Roark, Andrew R. Smith, John T. Tucker, Kegan R. Tussey, Chad T. Williams 15 YEARS — Eric D. Blackwell, Kevin E. Dickens, Robert L. Elam, Aaron J. Gee, Kyle W. Menix, Matthew M. Phelps, Devin B. Reynolds, Cody W. Roe, Joshua T. Simpson, Russell L. Thurman, Christopher C. White, Joshua R. Yates LOCAL 45/Z193 • BALTIMORE 65 YEARS — Orlan C. Hanks, James L. Liggett 60 YEARS — J. Frank Schnetzka 55 YEARS — Barry A. Bonovitch, Edwin J. Hayes, Tracey M. Holmes, Tommy W. Perdue, Richard L. Peterson, Dennis L. Shreve, William H. Zelenka 50 YEARS — James P. Abbott, Rocco F. DiGiovanni, Jerry H. Gray, John J. Hennelly III, Chester R. Knight, Donald D. Lowman, Marvin E. Melvin, John E. Morris, James A. Nolte Jr., John F. Nowakowski Jr., Robert L. O'Neil, Robert H. Reynolds, Isaac C. Ryan, Howard G. Seppi, August C. Takovich, William Washington 45 YEARS — John W. Blevins Jr., Francis K. Bristow, Gregory T. Clopton, Richard H. Deisher, Steven K. Haller, Michael A. Huffman, Michael J. Jacobs, Kenneth L. Jessup, Garland F. Keatts, Frank Keatts Jr., W. George Kephart, Rex A. Laughter, Gary Llewellyn Sr., Michael F. Mansfield, Ronnie W. Mongold, Lewis Jeffery. Morris, Ricky J. Owen, David A. Pilley, Jerry L. Rucker, James H. Stallings, Edward Swoope Jr., Andrew F. VanLill, Timothy C. Wagner 40 YEARS — Ballard Estep, Paul A. Hundt, Joseph P. Stallings 35 YEARS — Gary T. Clift, Ronald L. Drumheller, Stephen P. Drummond Sr., Horace Emar, John N. Eskew, Arvel H. Evans, David L. Evans, William L. Hann III, Donald E. Keller, J Webb. Kreimer, Robert H. Lau, Arthur D. Long Jr., Clinton L. Maybush, Gale P. Merritt, Schuyler R. Mills, Stephen J. Miscin, Joseph E. Ponton III, W Darl. Shipe, Boyd F. Sites, David E. Smith, Billy C. Smith Jr., Philip E. Tyler 30 YEARS — Charles F. Guerassio, Randy E. Heikens, George McNatt, James R. Riggleman Sr., Edward R. Robertson, Samuel Wilson. Stevens 25 YEARS — Anthony L. Ballato, Raymond A. Campbell, Loretta D. Cobb, Richard F. Cobb, Matthew P. Dixon, Matthew O. Engle, Antonio C. Gallo, Joseph Gonzales, Charles W. James III, George F. Lowery, Mauricio A. Melara, Michael W. Paxton, Charles W. Phelps Jr., Timothy R. Poe, Millard Rexroad, Richard Todd Rohrbaugh 20 YEARS — Brett J. Anderson Sr., Andrew C. Cooke, Jesse L. James, Harry Wayne. Owen, Thomas P. Stadler Jr., Leslie S. Wright 15 YEARS — Kerry F. Birney Jr., Jamie D. Goodson Sr., Thomas J. Lindsey, Barry A. Robertson Jr., Michael D. Steele, Thomas L. Tallent, Daniel W. Weichert LOCAL 60 • PEORIA IL 60 YEARS — Paul Thatcher Sr. 55 YEARS — Gary Bauer, Bruce Brown, John Ganson, Michael Noel, Jimmy Sorrell, Franklin Storr, Gerald Terando, John Williams Sr., Oron Zimmerman 50 YEARS — Robert Behrends, Paul Guilliams, David Knight, Richard Magnuson, Carl Peter Jr. 45 YEARS — Gregory Gum, Kenneth Lusk Jr. 35 YEARS — Richard Luncsford Jr. 30 YEARS — Joseph Henson 25 YEARS — Charles Deady, Lonnie Hutchinson, Donald Lieske, Rex McMorris III, Daniel Perkins, Terence Rajnowski, Stewart Spencer Sr., Matthew Wilson 20 YEARS — Timothy Richards LOCAL 83 • KANSAS CITY MO 60 YEARS — Tommie J. Stiles 55 YEARS — Gale Bear, Dwayne J. Jensen, Frank D. King 50 YEARS — Billy G. Cochran, Robert S. Cox Jr., John M. Dibble, Billy G. Divelbiss, Kenneth R. Hammell, George E. Henderson, Ernest D. Johnson, Wesley R. Johnson, James H. Kruzic, Danny A. Mundell, Robert F. Newport, Leland J. Parker, Johnie L. Rollins, Carl E. Shelton Jr. 40 YEARS — John R. Atkinson, Carey L. Ogleby, Michael L. Shelton 35 YEARS — Shane Vanzuuk, Roman T. Williamson 30 YEARS — Michael L. Brocker, John Alfred. Dicks II, Donald E. Filbert, George E. Rains, Mark D. Robinson, Bruce B. Smith 25 YEARS — James B. Cox, George Allen. Dainty, Shane Ellis, Kevin G. Friend, Michael Lee. Futrell, Darrell J. Manroe, Daniel M. McArdle, Paul V. McCarthy, Windy J. Monjarez, Cristian Mura, Perry D. Riegler, Peter D. Rust, George W. Warner, Danny R. Weller 20 YEARS — Steven Dawson, Patrick W. Fisher, Calem Hutsell, Jeremiah Sears, Danny D. Sears, Donald L. Warren 15 YEARS — Billy Dean. Barton III, Pavel A. Kotok, Shaun E. Mayotte, Michael L. Roy, Aleksandr Zubritskiy LOCAL 105 • CHILLICOTHE OH 60 YEARS — Robert Bradford, Virgil Cornett, Seldon Elam, Donald Greene, Bobby Johnson, Kenneth Krigbaum, Lawrence Mayhew, Harlan Moore, Danny Stephens 55 YEARS — Thomas Bentley, Jim Carver, Robert Crase, Donald Hamilton, James McQueen, William Richmond, Frank Turvey, Paul Ward, Freddie Willis 50 YEARS — Richard Borton, Jeffrey Canaday, Terry M. Canaday, Troy Conn, Jackie Cummins, Russell Cummins, David Emery, Harry Frazier, Arthur Graybill, Samuel Hogle, Clarence J. Mercer, Gregory Porter, Courtney Proffitt, Albert Rach, Donald Riley, Roger Rowland, Thomas Schaefer, Stephen Schenker, Billy Thomas, Thomas Tomlin, Rex Williams 45 YEARS — Barry Andrew, Anthony Barkhurst, Jerry Bernard, James Boatright, Ronald Boyce, Danny Brainard, John Cady, Randall Childers, Michael Clayton, Michael Clevenger, Mickey Criswell, Johnny Flaugher, Keith Scott Fosson, Richard Fugate, Charles Griffith, John Harper, Robert Hatley, Thomas Hedrick, Joseph Huff III, David Jett, Mark Jividen, Paul Kendall, Richard Kern, Mark Lemaster, Jeff Mabry, Dean Marcum, Daniel McCoy, Ottis Moore Jr., Robert Pelphrey, James K. Prichard, Kenneth Rich, Ruben Riffe, Willard Rucker, James Schwab, Freddie Short, Ricky Spiller, Rodney Spiller, Van Stephens, Bruce Stevens, Scott Szeghi 40 YEARS — Keith Barnhill, Perry Dearfield, Michael K. Parker 35 YEARS — George Adams, Rodney Beach, Chris Carver, Raymond Gilliam, Mark Hay, John Karr, Micah Lewis, Brent McGinnis, Warren Mercer, Joseph O'Dell, Chris Porter, Steve Porter, Phillip Schaeffer, Michael Shaffer, Kennith Sturgill, Gregory Taylor 30 YEARS — Jade Barker, James Gay, Joseph Hedrick Jr., Terry Napier, John Proffitt, John Tussey, Daryl Yinger 25 YEARS — Shawn Artrip, Robert Ballou, William Bihl, Dennis Boettcher, Jason Caplinger, Jason Chamberlin, Scott Felty, David Frasher, Aaron Hinshaw, Joshua Humphreys, Eric Locke, Michael Mastin, John McDowell, Chris Reddicks, Eric Reeder, Greg Sparling, Charles Thomas Jr., Milford Thornberry, Kevin Turvey, Scott Valandingham, Robert Ward, Charles Weaver, David Yockey, Raiford Zackery 20 YEARS — James Hoffman, Michael Pethel, Lance Rich, Guy Watson, Rick Williams LOCAL 132 • GALVESTON TX 60 YEARS — George Rogers LOCAL 169 • DETROIT 35 YEARS — Michael Card, Donald Cobb, James Empson, James Gould, Richard Norris, Daniel Southwell LOCAL 242 • SPOKANE WA 60 YEARS — Lester Allgaier, Wesley Dage, Edward Haddix, Robert Johnson, Larry Simons, James Willey 55 YEARS — Rodney Flores, George Shutt 50 YEARS — Richard Barnea, Rick Charbonneau, Raymond Dirks, Gerald Sanderson, Kenneth Walter 45 YEARS — Lester Hoekstra, Brian Moore, Tracy Reardon, Terry Sieglock 40 YEARS — J.D. Romaneschi 35 YEARS — William Bostick, Tyrone Gieler, Joel Hennard, Joseph Westerman, David Scott Widdicombe 30 YEARS — Blane Francis, Ioan Kondor, Peter Kopets, Gennadiy Kovalev, Dane Della Penta, Todd Scott, Jerald Thorp 25 YEARS — Kevin Baumann, James Blanton, Dee Calicoat, Yaroslav Chub, David Coleman, Jason Habeck, Arthur Heinz, John Hess, Dale Hushagen, Robert King, Patrick Lara, Joseph Lerch, Mike McInturff, Gary Molyneux, Hernando Ernie Pena, Codey Post, Darrell Russell, Alexsandr Safronov, Robert Sampley, Scott Smith, Brent Stephens, Jayme Taylor, John Tierney, Rocky Trinklein, Kenneth Wagner, Spice Welch 20 YEARS — Andrej Bratkov, Russell Cousins, Dave Derbyshire, Luke Lafley, Bratkov Vecheslav 15 YEARS — Samvel Abramov, Rex Curt Beach, William Gelenaw, Roman Glushkov, Tylor Haeck, Jake Moody, Chancey Norris, Steven Pollard, Pavel Saranchuk 10 YEARS — Anatoly Chepelevich, Micheal Finney, Steven Gentry, James Hodgson Jr., Peter Korovnik, Arcelio Mendoza, Ryan Risley, Lawrence Jessup Smith, Bradley Stolz LOCAL 363 • EAST ST. LOUIS IL 55 YEARS — Bill Colwell, David Jones, Larry Jones, James Poeschel 50 YEARS — Marcus Morris 45 YEARS — James Johnson 35 YEARS — Robert Brooks 25 YEARS — John Bergman, Steve Mehl, Paul Underhill, Harley Williams, Douglas Wright 20 YEARS — Christopher Ozment 15 YEARS — Jeff Wolff LOCAL 359 • VANCOUVER BC 70 YEARS — Larry Villeneuve 60 YEARS — Vincent Hawkins 55 YEARS — Barry Miller 50 YEARS — Gerald Bergstrom, John Dwulit, Carl Ellsworth, Micheal Jefferson, Hagen Marx, John Peacey, Randall Sloan, Eric Smith 45 YEARS — Les Hamilton, Tex Harte, Andy Nazaroff, Greg Pierce, Rick Ponsford, Richard Swanson, Tim Vigor, Jody Woodland 40 YEARS — Tim Welton 35 YEARS — Ken Britz, Mike Francis, Stuart Leal, Brad Nighscales, Leslie Snow, Jeffrey Tookey, Gary Wilson 30 YEARS — Norman Brown 25 YEARS — David Brown, Luke MacMain, Brian Martinsen, Kenneth Stefanson LOCAL 454 • CHATTANOOGA TN 35 YEARS — Bobby C. Galloway, David S. Johnson 30 YEARS — Robert A. Baker, Michael K. Hawkins, Matthew Rockafellow, Charles D. Underwood 25 YEARS — Bobby C. Batey, George B. Crownover, Jimmy D. Heath, Shane D. Higgins, Joshua J. Howard, Chad E. Johnson, Paul E. Levan Jr., Jerry L. Moore, Michael G. Ridenour, Marvin R. Shaver Jr. 20 YEARS — Troy D. Caldwell, Jason A. Colbert, Samuel E. Couch, Ronald L. Crouch Jr., Michael E. Dickey, Shannon R. Hamilton, Billy J. Hedrick, Thomas L. Kelsoe Jr., Michael R. Kirby, Bruce C. Loving, Jeffery L. Moss, James S. Parker, Kevin W. Rife, James C. Thompson, Johnny R. Watson 15 YEARS — Thomas A. Johnson, Mark T. Massey, Wendell E. Smith, Richard A. Wenke, Toby T. Yokley LOCAL 647 • MINNEAPOLIS 55 YEARS — Leonard Flikke Jr., Jerome Kitzmann, Robert M. Larson, Richard Meyer, Ronald Staskivige 50 YEARS — Mark Borgeson, Richard Carroll, Stephen Craine, John Gergen, Leonard Graham, Roger Gully, Richard Heck, Lee Hickman, Lonny Koster, Brian Longhenry, Allen Perry, David Voigt 45 YEARS — Daniel Beutler, Steve Lodermeier 40 YEARS — Wesley Konsor, David Pilarski, Michael Reisinger, Richard Rice, Steven Schiller 30 YEARS — Kirk Nelson, Thomas Wichmann 25 YEARS — John Vieths 20 YEARS — Randy Bailey, John Eubanks, Chris Folk, Matthew Pliml, Wendell White Eyes 15 YEARS — Jim Bjornson LOCAL 650 • LAKE CITY MN 35 YEARS — William Burns, Jeffrey Diepenbrock, Paul Hallenberger, Steven Larson, Jeff Moyer, Brent Peters, Frank Schneider, Richard Schuth, Michael Sheeley, Eric Skifton 20 YEARS — Michelle Dankers, Corey Mickelson 15 YEARS — Dustin Jahnke LOCAL D480 • CHARLEVOIX MI 30 YEARS — Thomas Herriman 20 YEARS — Gregory Deschermeier, David Hofbauer, John Kiernan, Lyle Kleiber, Mark Klooster 10 YEARS — David Lewin, Jeremy Yell — May 19
  • Boilermaker Vacation Trust supports Boilermakers
    The Boilermaker Vacation Trust began on Jan. 1, 1964, after negotiations between the Western Field Construction Negotiating Committee and the Nine Western States Field Construction Boilermaker-Blacksmiths lodges. During 1963 contract talks, Western States contractors agreed to contribute 10 cents per hour to create the new vacation fund, which is an important benefit that supports Boilermakers and their families while strengthening the long-term stability of the craft. Over the past four decades, Linda Johnson served as CV Administrator for the Trust and became the primary point of knowledge and oversight for the fund’s day-to-day operations. She was deeply committed to the Brotherhood and to the members she served. Following the 2023 payout, the Board of Trustees was notified of Johnson’s sudden death, a significant loss personally and professionally. This created an immediate operational challenge for the Trust. Much of the institutional knowledge regarding the Trust’s processes and systems resided with her and her alone. The Trustees are working to ensure this never happens again. Since that time, members have experienced delayed vacation payments, processing errors and communication challenges. This has understandably caused frustration and hardship for some members. Vacation benefits are earned wages. Members depend on those funds, and when payments are late or incorrect, that is unacceptable. After Johnson’s death, the Board of Trustees immediately began an expedited transition process to stabilize operations and protect the long-term integrity of the fund. Trustees selected a new third-party administrator, and significant work is underway to rebuild procedures, verify records, correct errors and modernize systems. This has taken time as it’s required a comprehensive review of files, contribution histories and payment processes to ensure accuracy going forward. Progress is being made, but the transition has not been seamless. Glitches continue to happen and the Trustees are dedicated to finding and fixing errors. Taking years of Johnson’s centralized knowledge and rebuilding systems without her expertise is a meticulous process, and doing it right rather than rushing fixes that could create additional problems is a top priority. Contractors and local lodges have been notified of updated procedures, and additional safeguards are being implemented to improve accountability, transparency and responsiveness. The Trustees are actively monitoring the new administrator’s performance and receiving regular status reports until operations are fully stabilized. The mission of the Boilermaker Vacation Trust remains unchanged: to deliver dependable benefits to the members who earn them. The Trustees hear member’s concerns and are committed to restoring the level of service and reliability you expect and deserve. Visit the Vacation Trust page Click Here — May 17
  • Boilermaker organizers focus on strategy
    Boilermaker organizers gathered Jan. 14, at International Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, for a full day of training, coordination and strategic discussion focused on strengthening organizing efforts across the country. The sessions focused on the practical and strategic aspects of organizing work with training on capital strategies, outlining approaches for understanding corporate structures and applying pressure where it matters most. The Auditing Department taught proper expense and activity reports procedures, walking organizers through reporting expectations and best practices to ensure transparency and accountability. Consultant Erin Lehane discussed current legislation and how policy developments can influence organizing outcomes. Her presentation highlighted ways organizers can stay informed and leverage legislative changes to strengthen campaigns. Organizers participated in a roundtable discussion that included status updates from the AFL-CIO as well as a report from International President Timothy Simmons. The conversation allowed organizers from different area to share progress, challenges and lessons learned from their ongoing campaigns. The Communications Department led a discussion on messaging and communications alignment, emphasizing the importance of consistent, strategic communication across campaigns. Organizers participated in a Salesforce working session to review tools used for tracking organizing activity and campaign progress. Organizers left with new tools, clear vision and renewed momentum for the organizing work ahead. — May 14