BAC Executive Council: Growing the Unionized Masonry Industry
Growing the Unionized Masonry Industry was the theme of the BAC Executive Council’s February meeting in Miami Beach, FL. “To meet our goals for growth this year, we need to rededicate our efforts to organize the unorganized, both workers and contractors; enhance training for both apprentices and the newly organized; to engage the public on the benefits of union labor; and to work actively with our industry partners to advance the role of our trades in an evolving construction industry,” President Tim Driscoll said during his opening remarks.
The BAC Executive Council members received updates from the IU departments and reports from each region. They also provided updates on their respective regions during roundtable discussions. An array of guest speakers addressed the Executive Council, including Guy Cecil, Chairman of Priorities USA; former US Representative Tim Ryan; Matthew Karp, Associate Professor of History at Princeton University; Jon Callegher, Executive Director of Job Talks; and Canadian Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan, Jr., gave a keynote address.
Minister O’Regan discussed the pro-worker accomplishments of the Trudeau government and the administration’s future agenda. “Across North America, trades workers build our homes, hospitals and schools,” he stressed. “Right now, we need them more than ever. It’s trades workers like the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers that built the middle class and continue to do it every day,” remarked Minister O’Regan.
Retired IU Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold and former Local 8 Southeast President Glenn Kelly were recognized for their service to the union’s highest advisory body (Brother Kelly started a new role as Southern Field Services Representatives at North America’s Buildings Trades Unions). David Stupar, retired Executive Director of the International Pension Fund, was also recognized for his 45 years of service to the union.
The Labor-Management and Craft Committees convened to discuss ways to strengthen our industry and improve work opportunities for both members and signatory contractors. Topics covered include the current economic landscape and outlook for the year, apprentice recruitment and retention, and a market research study that will help identify growth opportunities and leverage the International Masonry Institute’s influence to grow the union share of masonry and tile installation.