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JOHN
J. FLYNN
President
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
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January 2005
The end of a year is a good time to reflect on the many
positive contributions of our members and Union during
the last twelve months. A quick review of past Journals
tells the story of members building some of the most high
profile projects in their communities – the World
War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Miami Performing
Arts Center, and Bowery Professional Building at the Children’s
Hospital in Akron, Ohio are just a few examples. In each
issue, we learned about the accomplishments of our apprentices
and the reflections of loyal retirees. IMI kept us updated
on new product trends and work opportunities, and our international
funds and programs alerted us to new rules, benefits, and
services. We learned what each of us could do on an individual
basis to help protect our jobs and way of life, and we
saw the largest level of member involvement in the political
process in many years. We were also provided with a sobering
reminder that many of our members or their children are
far from home in Iraq and Afghanistan bravely protecting
the freedoms we cherish. All in all, a walk through our
past issues underscores what we all feel, “What a
year!”
One of the most positive things that came out
of 2004, which will benefit us as we move forward into
the New Year, is a renewed sense of unity within our
Union that is carrying over to the jobsite, our organizing
campaigns, our union halls, and our daily lives. Instead
of dwelling on “what’s
wrong with our Union,” we are hearing more and more
from members and their families about “what’s
right with our Union,” and this positive feeling
is attracting the attention of non-union contractors and
craftworkers, as well as producers of new materials, builders
and architects. The strong response we’ve already
had to a new feature on our website, “Become a Member,” is
a prime example of interest in our Union. This feature
generated more than 200 requests from individuals interested
in joining BAC in its first two months live. In this issue
of the Journal, you’ll learn about two manufacturers
of masonry products that are partnering with IMI and BAC
because they view us as a union of the future.
As we move
forward into 2005, we are well positioned to seize new
opportunities and meet any challenge head-on. With our
strategic plan, the Millennium Morning Project, completed
we know the path we need to follow to keep our Union
strong. Most importantly, we have learned the importance
of standing together as one Union of skilled trowel trades
craftworkers – together
there’s no challenge,
big or small, that we can’t meet.
On behalf of the
IU Executive Board we wish all our members and their
families a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.
If you have ideas for stories or issues of concern, let
us know by emailing us at askbac@bacweb.org or
writing to:
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied
Craftworkers
Attention: Communications Department
1776 Eye Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
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