New Organizing Tools Rolled Out at Convention

Two new organizing tools were introduced at the 2005 Convention: a video, entitled Organizing for the 21st Century, aimed at non-union contractors, and a poster with the tagline, “Building a Better Future for Masonry Craftworkers.”

BAC President John J. Flynn noted, “The BAC/IMI training system and our skilled workforce are our most effective organizing tools in winning over the non-union masonry contractor. In the simplest terms – we have what they need.”

The video features compelling testimonials by Local officers and both longtime and recently signed contractors, who identify the BAC/IMI training system as central to why employers sign and stay with the Union.
One recently signed contractor, Mackie Bounds, President and CEO of Brazos Masonry in Texas, compared two recent jobs, one after and one before he signed, as “daylight and dark.” The difference, in a word, was “training,” according to Bounds.

His attraction to this undeniable BAC-advantage and his signing with Local 5 Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas President Ed Navarro were the subject of a positive Wall Street Journal article, “Union Advances As Key Source Of Skilled Labor,” that appeared on October 4th.

Delegates were urged to utilize both new organizing tools by showing the video to members and prospective contractors, and displaying the poster in their Local Hall and training centers.