Retiree Knows True Value of Being Union

Local 11 New York retiree and volunteer Larry Hand.

Retired Local 11 New York member and contractor Larry Hand knows the masonry business inside and out, on both sides of the border, and on both sides of the Union. In 1948, Hand joined BAC as a member in Ontario, but he drifted into nonunion work. He eventually set up shop as a mason contractor and residential builder. After going bankrupt in 1957, he immigrated to the U.S., settling in Rochester, New York. At that time, Hand chose to return to the Union fold. He worked in Western New York as a bricklayer and contractor until his retirement in 1993.

In 1993 Hand awoke in the hospital after having open-heart surgery to find his medical expenses paid in full. It was
then he found a new calling. “I realized just how important the Union is,” says Hand.

“My Union pension enables my wife and me to live with dignity and enjoy life.”

After regaining his strength, Hand set course to give something back to his Union. The retiree became head apprentice instructor and a highly effective volunteer organizer. He has also worked diligently on industry development, safety training, and political awareness initiatives at Local 11 New York.

“I believe in Unionism. I believe in my trade,” says Hand. “I wouldn’t have what I have if it wasn’t for the Union. My Union pension enables my wife and me to live with dignity and enjoy life. My Union wages and benefits allowed me to raise six kids and give them a solid start in life.”

Local 11 Secretary-Treasurer Steve Remington and Organizer Ron Pommerening have grown to count on Hand for his talents and his motivational message. “This is someone who’s seen the light,” says Pommerening.” “We’re proud to have him in our corner,” adds Remington.