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

Respect is a word synonymous with what unions stand for. Union members have respect for the work that an individual produces, for each other, and for the years it takes to master a skilled craft. The jurisdictional boundaries established when unions were first established in North America recognized the unique training and skills required for each craft, and reinforced the importance of respecting the contribution that each craft brings to the building process.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and sadly even some within labor’s ranks, have the misimpression that if you can hold a trowel, you can do skilled work. They couldn’t be more wrong. You only have to look at the beauty, strength, and durability of the work produced by well-trained BAC members to know the difference.

In this and recent issues of the Journal, we showcased the winners of Regional Apprentice Contests. Upcoming issues and our website will feature the Semi-Finals and Finals of the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest.

You’ll see first hand the quality BAC craftworkers who are being trained through our Local and International apprenticeship programs. And you’ll have the opportunity to join the celebration of their many achievements.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit several of the Local and Regional contests and can say without reservation that the young men and women in our apprenticeship programs have much to offer our industry and Union, and are well suited to carry on BAC’s proud tradition.

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