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JOHN J. FLYNN
President
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
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Issue 6 - 2006
In October, the “Best of BAC” were recognized at the Craft Awards ceremony. This was an important event for several reasons. It allowed us to show our appreciation for those contractors who have made a conscious business and philosophic commitment to using only the best craftworkers – BAC members – on their projects. Next, it was our chance to acknowledge the architects and designers who incorporate masonry materials into their projects. But most importantly, it was our opportunity to publicly celebrate our members’ superior craft skills, contributions to their communities, leadership, and commitment to the Union.
This event also served as a reminder that our achievements are the result of the combined efforts of each member, officer, and signatory contractor. Together we produce structures that last for centuries, build an industry that will prosper for decades to come, and ensure that all – craftworkers and contractors – benefit from being part of the UNIONIZED masonry industry.
The close of one year and the beginning of a new one is a good time for all parties to recommit to the principles that this year’s Craft Award winners embody and that are expressed in our Code of Conduct:
- For members it is a time to remember that the day you joined the Union you became part of something bigger. The BAC member standing next to you became part of your family. You committed to look out for that person and he or she in turn pledged to look out for you. You agreed to work up to the highest standard, because you are a professional masonry craftworker. You pledge to take pride in your work, because doing less than your best could jeopardize the work or safety of those around you.
- For BAC signatory contractors it is a time to remember that for craftworkers to produce the highest quality work they need the proper materials and tools delivered on schedule and a safe work environment, and they deserve to be treated with the respect their skills merit.
- And for BAC officers and leaders it is a time to remember that we have an obligation to make sure promises on both sides are kept. We do this by providing our members with quality training, by reinforcing our Union’s commitment to supplying our contractors with a quality workforce made up of individuals who understand the important role they play in making sure that projects are completed on time and within budget. We also do this by ensuring that members are treated with respect, provided safe working conditions, and paid wages and benefits commensurate with the quality work they perform.
I urge you to keep these principles in mind as you read about this year’s winners and embark on a new year. Congratulations to all our Craft Award winners, and on behalf of the entire Executive Board, best wishes to all for a safe and prosperous New Year.
| BAC Code of Conduct |
BAC members represent the best in the masonry industry, as well as the labor movement. They show up for work ready and able to produce work of the highest quality, and as Union members are committed to advancing our Union’s causes and promoting the unionized masonry industry. These qualities have distinguished BAC from the rest for more than 140 years.
As a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, I will uphold the code of conduct embedded in our Union’s name – IUBAC:
I will come to work prepared to give my employer a fair day’s work for a fair wage, and to work to the highest standards.
Be Union through and through – loyal to, and respectful of, my brothers and sisters in the trade and the labor movement.
Work Better because I have received the finest, most comprehensive masonry training in North America.
Willingly Accept responsibility for the quality of my work and behavior on the job.
And always be Committed to growing the unionized masonry industry for current and future generations. |
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
620 F Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
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