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JOHN J. FLYNN President International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers .............................

A Bright Future for BAC Members
September - October 2005

On behalf of myself and the other members of the IU Executive Board, I would like to express our sincere thanks to all of you for returning us to office for a five-year term. It is truly our honor and privilege to serve you and to represent this great Union.

During the last five years, our Union witnessed many changes in the labor movement, our industry, and the world. During each of these events – from joining forces in support of our brothers and sisters impacted by September 11th – to the decision to stand together when other parts of the labor movement were splintering – to the celebration of achievements by our members, contractors, and our families – to the assistance members have already provided in the wake of Hurricane Katrina – our members have been there for each other and the Union.

A day does not go by that I don’t give thanks for being President of a Union that represents such skilled, dedicated individuals. I am proud to be a bricklayer by trade, fortunate to be a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and honored to be President of the greatest Union in the world.

I look forward to working with my brothers on the Executive Board, our dedicated Local officers, and all of our members to continue to improve services, expand work opportunities, strengthen our benefit programs, and position our Union to thrive and grow during the next five years.
Thank you for your support – we won’t let you down.

FeedBac

Dear Publisher,

I have to tell you how much I enjoy your publication and how dear to my heart the Union is.

My husband of 52 years [Arthur, a member of Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/District of Columbia] and I enjoyed a fine life of good wages that allowed us to educate our children and raise them without the hardships endured by many families of non-union workers, including the fine health coverage. We encourage all young people to happily pay the union dues as it pays great rewards.

The beautiful work displayed in your magazine brought back many memories of my husband’s days in the brick trade. As tough as the work was, especially in cold winter months, he never regretted his decision to be a bricklayer. However, he saved to supply a college education for our two sons and encouraged them to choose a different path, knowing it would be an easier one.

The pity is that the struggle for decent wages, hours and working conditions isn’t taught in our schools, an inevitable condition brought on by a government controlled by Republican/big business.

My heroes are those who put their safety, and at times, their lives at risk to change the status quo of their times. By not teaching about that fight, our children may well find themselves returned to that condition.

Sincerely,
Virginia Prunier

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the IUBAC:

Lynda and I would like to thank all of you for your deepest, heartfelt expressions of sympathy upon the death of my mother. We have felt, and appreciate, the love and support shown in so many ways, by so many of you during this trying time. You have made things easier for us.
Thank you for all that you have done; the flowers, cards, the phone calls, prayers and many other things. Words cannot express our gratitude. In these times of uncertainty, your actions have truly demonstrated what “union” is all about.

From the bottom of our hearts, once again, thank you.

Fraternally,
Paul and Lynda Urbaniak

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