In Solidarity There is Strength

Journal Vol 1, 2025
President’s Message

If ever there was a time for workers to band together to gain a fair share for their labor, that moment is now. While working families face growing costs for housing, food, energy, healthcare, and other daily essentials billionaires, greedy developers, and their supporters in elected office would deny workers the right to form unions and bargain collectively for the wages and benefits needed to sustain a middle-class life (pp. 27, 32–33). That’s why BAC will continue to work with politicians, of any party, that stand with workers and their unions (pp. 25–26, 28–29), but at the same time we won’ t back down from corporations or politicians that seek to undermine the value of our labor. 

BAC members have always recognized that the value of our labor stems from our exceptional skills, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to one another and our communities. These qualities are what truly set us apart – enabling local unions to bargain for the wages and benefits that BAC members expect and deserve. So, it is only fitting that we recognize the skills and commitment of BAC members throughout our International Union as exemplified by the 2025 Craft Award winners (pp. 3–24).

The projects, craftworkers, leaders, and individual members highlighted in this Journal represent the very best of what BAC stands for. These awards honor excellence in our trades, dedication to our Union, and meaningful contributions to our local communities. As we celebrate these remarkable accomplishments, we also recognize that thousands of BAC members embody these values every single day. 

BAC’s training programs are a cornerstone of the values that BAC craftworkers bring to the industry. Whether delivered locally or nationally, these skill-building initiatives are critical to preparing our members for the demands of a constantly evolving construction landscape (pp. 34–36). At the same time, we understand the financial challenges that come with raising a young family. That’s why, through IMTEF and IMI, BAC is expanding support by offering enhanced benefits for maternity care and childcare (back cover).

Of course, another key part of BAC’s mission is ensuring that brothers and sisters approaching retirement have access to the information and resources they need to fully understand and enjoy the benefits that a career in our union has earned them (p. 37). We are committed to ensuring that those retirement benefits remain secure and accessible.

BAC’s support for its members spans from apprenticeship to retirement – and everything in between. There is no more important aspect to a successful career in our trades than safety. This issue of the Journal focuses on the importance of PPE (personal protective equipment) and the role that we have as craftworkers to fully understand why a proper fit is essential (pp.30–31). Take the time to understand the equipment you are working with and speak up if something feels off. Every worker has the fundamental right to return home as safe and healthy as when they began their day – a basic right protected by both law and our collective bargaining agreements.

As skilled tradespeople, we understand that no building, structure, or project is the work of just one person. Rather, it’s the product of many workers combining their talents in unison. Our union operates the same way. Let’s build our union with the same dedication and precision that we bring to our craft. Your commitment to and support of your local union is what truly sets us apart.

Stay healthy and stay safe, Brothers and Sisters!