Laborers` District Council of Western Pennsylvania

LABORERS’
uarterly
VOLUME 4
SER VING 33 COUNTIES
OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
OF THE
­L ABORERS’ ­D ISTRICT COUNCIL
OF
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
PITTSBURGH, PA • DECEMBER 2008
THANK YOU
A Message from the Chairman
By: MICHAEL J. LAQUATRA, Staff Representative
Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania
By PAUL A. QUARANTILLO
President-Business Manager
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS:
On November 4, 2008 the voters of America sent a clear message that
working class families are tired of being stepped on so that the very rich
can get richer. For too many years the right wing conservatives in the
Republican party were able to use their money and influence to divert
the attention of middle class America away
from bread and butter issues by creating
distractions that made many ignore the
damage that this administration was doing to working families. The change in the
attitude of the voters on November 4 is the
first step of change in this country that has
the possibilities of redirecting the economy
of this country to benefit all hardworking
Americans, not just a few.
There are many challenges facing President Elect Obama; the economy is in
shambles, and the rest of the nations of
the world have lost faith in the Foreign
Paul A. Quarantillo
Policy of the United States Government.
Many have compared our current situation to the circumstances that
faced F.D.R. when he was inaugurated for his first term. America recovered from the Great Depression then and America will recover again
because the people of this country will make it happen with help from
the new administration. President elect Obama’s plans to invest in infrastructure and new energy sources will spark the economy and create
living wage jobs particularly in the construction industry. The creation
of these jobs will play a big role in turning the country around just like
it did in the 1930’s.
There is no doubt that the challenges the country faces are very formidable, but the new hope and the change in attitude that the new administration brings should help to create a new direction and the enthusiasm
that we need to get this country back on track to be the economic and
world leader that we once were and will be again.
My thanks to the hundreds of members who volunteered thousands of
hours to help elect labor-friendly candidates, as always our membership
led the way in the union movement. Because of the hard work of those
who volunteered Change for the Better will Begin Soon!
I am confident that your work ethic and commitment to this Union and
its goals will help to make this country a better place for our children
and grandchildren to live and work.
May the Holiday Season bring you and your family Peace, Happiness
and the Best of the New Year.
No. 3
During the Holiday Season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I like to
reflect on another year that is coming to a close with thoughts of thanks.
As Union Laborers, we have much to be thankful for throughout our District Council. We, in Western Pennsylvania, are still one of the strongest
District Councils throughout the whole Country and Canada. We have
enjoyed a great year of construction throughout our jurisdiction. Our
membership numbers have held steady and working hours are high. As
a strong District Council, we continue to hold the lead in market share
in our Mid-Atlantic Region, and we are rivaled by few in all of North
America. There are two particular areas that I am especially thankful
for to all of you, the best members of LIUNA.
The first Thank You is to all of you who continually support the Labor
Day Parade each and every year, and to those who are starting to come
for the first time. Every Labor Day, we gather at the Mellon Arena for
the parade and every year our numbers seem to grow. With the hard work
and help of our affiliated Local Unions, the District Council strives to
make Labor Day a family affair. Not only has the event become a family
affair, but your attendance at the parade shows your on going support
of organized labor and in particular, your support of your trade and
your Local Union. We encourage all of our members, and their family
members, to join us again in 2009 and help us to continue our proud
tradition as America’s largest Labor Day Parade.
The Laborers’ District Council and all the affiliated Local Unions proudly
thank all of our members for the outcome of November’s Presidential
Election. You truly helped make a difference and helped pave the way
for the Democratic Party to take back control of the White House. In
addition, we now have control of Congress and the Senate. Poll numbers
have found that 7 out of 10 Union members voted for President Elect
Barack Obama. We, as organized labor, have succeeded in electing a
candidate who is pro working families and we defeated a candidate who
opposed Prevailing Wage and Project Labor Agreements and supported
Right to Work legislation. President Elect Obama and his transition team
have already met with organized labor and want to work together with
us to further our cause of fair pay, safety, health benefits and the ability
to retire with dignity.
I would like to personally thank all of you for your hard work and
dedication to this great Union that we are all a part of and wish all of you
and your families a safe and blessed Holiday Season and a ­Prosperous
2009.
From all of us at Laborers’
District Council, we wish you
a wonderful Holiday Season!
LABOR DAY PARADE 2008!
Page Two — LABORERS’ QUARTERLY
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL
5TH ANNUAL VETERAN PICNIC
LABORERS’ QUARTERLY — Page Three
AUBERLE INSTITUTE’S
22ND FESTIVAL OF FUN
2009 MONTHLY DUES INCREASE
By action of the 2005 International Union Convention, monthly dues for
active members will increase by $1.00 to $27.00 per month. Retirees’
dues and intiation fees will not be increased.
The intiation fees and monthly dues for local unions affiliated with the
Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania are the minimum
amounts that local unions are allowed to charge members under the
stipulations of the Constitution of the Laborers’ International Union of
North America.
Page Four — LABORERS’ QUARTERLY
W. PA LABORERS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STILL THE BEST KEPT SECRET
Year-round training is now available with addition of All Terrain Forklift, Assisting Mason Tending, plus 40-foot Manlift to
round off our Skid Steer class to give an MCAA Certification.
I challenge our Journeymen to meet our contractors’ demands
in this ever-changing industry by upgrading their current skills
to meet the technology of today. In this way we can continue
to meet our market share and justify wages and benefits experienced by LIUNA laborers.
Keep informed of our training schedule and upgrades on our
web site (www.laborpa.org) or call 1-800-442-8868.
****
Seldom a week goes by that I’m not made aware that one of
our signatory contractors is not using the Laborers’ training to
their advantage. What better advantage than saving money? We
have also seen the advantage of co-training with our brother
and sister crafts, sharing safety tips with company safety personnel and superintendents. CAWP has also cooperatively shared
safety knowledge with our training. Many entities that we work
for quickly become aware of the advantages of a well trained
­employee. Many are now demanding a minimum of 10 hour
OSHA awareness and some have already progressed to demand
30 hours of OSHA training. In New Jersey, it is now a state-wide
mandate.
The addition of OSHA training in 1993 and First Aid/CPR/AED
in 1994 proved to be very beneficial along with 32 courses presently available. Any additional training can be considered and
welcomed at request. A network of 70 L/AGC training sites are
available to our instructors to share training knowledge.
Closure of the rear outside bays has given 12,000 square feet
of base training area along with a future overhead bridge deck to
train rod tying on deck and wall structures, along with fall protection, bridge construction and demolition. Lifting, rigging, and
signaling can be accomplished in the same area.
Training hours have jumped to an all time high with no slow
down in site. Western PA Laborers are proud to show they are
trained skilled union craftsmen.
Upgrades to Blueprint classes (Heavy Highway and Reinforcement Rods, and Building) are under way, plus the incorporation
of our GPS training.
Foreman, Supervision and advanced classes are available to
­laborers who commit to classes at community colleges.
Attorney Talk . . . DOMENIC BELLISARIO, ESQ.
As we move into the holiday season, I would like to extend my
best wishes to all union members and their families. It has been
a rocky few months in the financial world to say the least, but
hopefully we will not lose sight of what is truly important during
this holiday season.
Looking back over the past year, I still receive many calls concerning the benefits that laborers are entitled to receive if they
get hurt on the job. Workers who get hurt on the job and are unable to work, are entitled to receive a wage loss benefit from the
employer’s insurance company. Unfortunately, the wage loss benefit
will not fully compensate them for their injuries. The workers’
compensation benefits will not include contributions to pensions
or health insurance, nor will the workers’ compensation benefits
compensate an injured worker for pain, suffering, or emotional
distress.
While workers’ compensation does not fully compensate an injured worker, it may be possible to recover for all of one’s losses,
including lost pension benefits and health insurance benefits, if
there is another company or person responsible for the injury.
For instance, if a laborer working as a flagger is struck by a motorist, the injured laborer will be entitled to workers’ compensation
benefits, but more importantly, the injured laborer will be able to
recover lost pension and health contributions, along with other
items of harm, from the motorist’s insurance company and/or from
the laborer’s own auto insurance policy if it includes uninsured
and underinsured motorist benefits.
If a laborer is injured due to the carelessness of a person working for another subcontractor on the job site, the laborer may be
able to recover additional compensations from that subcontractor.
Also, if the injury was caused by a defective piece of equipment,
the laborer may be able to recover additional compensation from
the manufacturer or supplier of the equipment.
Because workers’ compensation benefits do not fully compensate an injured worker for injuries, whenever an injury occurs, a
laborer should discuss the accident as soon as possible with an
experienced attorney to see if there are other sources to recover
fair compensation.
Another benefit of workers’ compensation that many laborers may
not be familiar with is the benefit paid if an injured worker has any
scarring or disfigurement on the neck, head, or face. Even where
the injury does not result in any wage loss, if a cut or burn occurs
anywhere on the neck, head, or face that results in permanent scarring or disfigurement, a benefit will be available. The amount of
the benefit will depend on the severity of the scar or disfigurement.
The employer’s insurance company will seldom, if ever, tell injured
workers about this benefit. Many times I get calls from members
who contact me about an unpaid medical bill arising from a work
accident. When I ask what happened, I quickly discover that the
member has a claim for disfigurement which the member never
even considered.
Many injured workers also do not know that they may receive
workers’ compensation and social security disability benefits for
the same period of time. In cases where it does not appear that
a laborer will be able to return to work for at least one year, consideration should be given to applying for social security disability
benefits. Social security disability benefits are available even if the
period of disability is temporary, as long as the condition lasts or
is expected to last at least 12 months.
If a person receiving social security disability is also receiving
workers’ compensation, it may be a good idea to consider settling
the workers’ compensation claim for a lump sum payment in order
to minimize the reduction to social security disability benefits.
Another area of concern that I have seen involves injured workers
taking a pension or withdrawing money from their pensions while
receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Doing so may result in
the termination or significant reduction of workers’ compensation
benefits. Before taking any such action, an injured worker should
consult with an attorney. There are ways to avoid this pitfall.
If you have any questions about any of these topics, or any other
legal matter, feel free to contact me. In the meantime, I wish you
a happy and healthy new year.
Attorney Bellisario can be reached at 1000 Law & Finance Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. (412) 471-6463 or (800) 433-9700.
LABORERS’ QUARTERLY — Page Five
NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL UNIONS
LOCAL UNION 286
On November 4, 2008 Americans
elected Barack Obama as our next president of the United
States. As a Union we
supported and worked
to make this a reality.
We can never under
estimate the importance of this election.
Your vote made it happen. Congratulations
Dennis Pazzabon
Paul
Quarantillo and
Business Manager
the District Council
for their efforts and leadership throughout this campaign. Cheers to Allegheny
County for a job well done. As for the
rest Greene, Washington, and Fayette
Counties we must do more. Our vote is
the one way to secure money and leadership in aiding our cause to keep our
union strong.
The year is coming to an end and I
want to remind everyone to please pay
your dues on time. Starting January 1st,
2009 monthly dues will be $27.00 for
active members and $8.00 for retirees. If
there is any address or telephone number changes please remember to contact
the hall.
I strongly encourage all members to
take advantage of the Laborers’ Training Center when you can. The number
to call is 724 352-2224 or 800 442-8868.
We need Asbestos Certified Workers and
as I stated at our Regular Monthly Meetings it won’t be long before a mandatory
10 hour OSHA Course will be required
for all members.
The Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us
and we are extending our many thanks
to all of you for all that you may have
done for us this year. To our Armed
Forces and their families with gratitude
our thoughts and prayers are with you
always. To Paul Quarantillo and Staff
for another year of exceptional help. To
all our brother locals and fine business
agents who provided us with manpower
when we needed them. To the Executive
Board of Local 286 thanks for your support. To my Office Manager, Lisa Pavtis,
for taking on so many new responsibilities and excelling at them. And last but
not least, to the many fine members of
Local 286 for your hard work, support
and dedication.
As we close yet another year and begin
a new one, on behalf of Local Union 286
I wish you a “Merry Christmas” filled
with many blessings and a Prosperous
New Year filled with Peace, Love and
Happiness.
LOCAL UNION 323
Business Manager Sarver reports that
work has been good for most of 2008.
We also have a few
projects that will carry
through the winter
months. Once again,
I want to remind
our members to take
advantage of our Training Center, if laid off
during the winter. The
Ralph Sarver
Training
Center has
Business Manager
so much to offer and
as a member, it doesn’t cost anything. In
today’s workplace, it’s almost a must that
you have the 10 hour OSHA and a Drug
Free Card. I also want to remind members that effective January 2009, monthly
dues will increase to $27.00. Retiree
dues will remain the same at $8.00. The
Page Six — LABORERS’ QUARTERLY
call-in date for the new referral list will
be Monday, January 5, 2009. I would like
to thank all of our members, affiliated
Local Unions, and the entire staff of the
Laborers’ District Council for all of their
help and support during the past year. I
wish everyone a very Merry Christmas
and a healthy, prosperous New Year.
LOCAL UNION 373
On behalf of all the officers and staff,
we would like to wish
everyone a Merry
Christmas and a safe
and prosperous New
Year.
I would like to thank
all of our members
Raymond
who participated in
Moore
the phone banks and
Business Manager
precinct walks concerning the Presidential Election. All
of the other trades took notice that the
laborers stepped up to the plate with
high numbers participating in all of these
events and I commend all of you on a job
well done.
We have a number of major projects
slated for our area: a new hotel to go along
with the hockey arena, also, the foundation work for a new hotel has started on
the North Shore, a new coke battery at
the Clairton Mill has broke ground and a
new rolling mill at Brackenridge is slated
to start after the 1st of the year. UPMC is
proposing to build a new hospital at the
site of the Palace Inn on Rt. 48 and Rt.
22 in Monroeville. Hopefully, this trend
will continue in our area.
Good news: We have been successful
in collecting reimbursement money for
metatarsal boots from Furnco Corporation for 241 of our members with the
total dollar figure of $95,700. I would like
to commend Dean Sedlar for the hard
work he put in to make this come about.
I hope that our members enjoyed their
gift certificates. We will continue this as
long as our treasury is healthy.
A reminder to everyone – keep your
drug card and certifications from our
Training Center up-to-date.
A new work list starts January 5th. The
phone is activated at 8:00 a.m. and the
number to call is (412) 373-6197.
Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year!
LOCAL UNION 419
Work in our local was good this year
for a change! Everyone was
employed. I would like to
thank the sister locals for
supplying us with additional members for all the
extras. Reminder! As we
get laid off, make arrangements with training center
Richard
to get your certifications
Sheldon up-to-date and plan to take
Business
additional training to furManager
ther your education and
become a better laborer on the job.
I would like to thank all members for
their cooperation and understanding
in taking back the White House-Senate-House-Congress, etc. This was not
only a big victory for President-Elect
Barack Obama but also for the Senate
and House. Democrats finally got control and maybe the workingman will get
a break. The Thomas Moore Family and
Clarence Mostoller Family need special
thanks for working the polls. I also need
to thank all of my Stewards for keeping
the pressure on. Bill Trusky also gets our
thanks for educating our members about
the issues that go on with politics.
On another note, I would like to introduce our new secretary to everyone.
Her name is Jane Campbell. Give her a
friendly call and introduce yourself. She
is doing a great job.
Congratulations on our newest retirees from our hall. Bryan Betts and Butch
Ickes both retired this summer. May
your retirement be blessed with happiness and good health.
In closing I would like to say thankyou to all veterans for our freedom and
lifestyle that so many take for granted.
From my Family to yours – Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year.
LOCAL UNION 603
Greetings Brothers and Sisters;
As I write this letter I again, at the
sake of repeating myself,
applaud the members
of the Local for going
to work where the work
was available.
Again, we are grateful
to our sister locals for
giving our membership
John Tretter
these opportunities. The
Business Manager
pipeline work that we
had hoped to be able to place members
on in Potter County never materialized
as another project finished at the same
time as that one got started. One encouraging project, that Mayer Brothers was
the bidder on, for $5.6 million was the
West 26th Street Rehabilitation, Again,
we are also waiting for the outcome of
the bidding on the twin bridges over the
Gorge.
We were able to sign L. G. Mitchener to the Building Trades Agreement.
He does work in New York and Pennsylvania so this should give our members some additional opportunities for
employment.
As always I encourage everyone to
attend the Training Center to take advantage of all the opportunities available.
Congratulations to Shawn Miller on
his completion of his apprenticeship program. Congratulations are also in order
to Robert Riordan and Robert Long
who recently achieved their 50 year gold
membership.
It is with great sadness that I inform
you of the passing of past Business Manager, Casimir Rzomp, a 55 year member.
Casey was a good friend, a mentor to me,
and a great asset to the Local in all of his
endeavors, both as an active member
and as a retiree. We also mourn the passing of long-time retired member John
Vogel.
The American economy and the global
economy are both in terrible states of
disarray. Let’s hope our newly elected
president and our Congress can work for
the betterment of all the citizens they
represent in this country. We certainly
need a friend for the ­middle class.
We would like to extend our Thanks to
Dennis Martire, International Vice-President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, and Justin Meighan, International
Representative, for their presentation at
our October Regular Monthly Meeting.
It was certainly appreciated by the membership in attendance.
On behalf of the Executive Board and
Office Staff we wish you all a Very Happy
and Safe Holiday Season.
LOCAL UNION 824
It has been a very busy work season
for Local No. 824. We have had a good
year and now work
is winding down for
the season. This is
the time of year to
take advantage of the
Training Center. You
may contact the Local
Office or the Training
Center to sign up for
John Miller
classes.
Business Manager
I would like to remind our members the next re-registration day is Monday, January 5, 2009.
We also would like to remind all members that the monthly dues for 2009 will
increase to $27.00 per month. Retiree
dues will remain at $8.00 per month.
On behalf of myself and the entire
Executive Board we would like to wish
you and your family a Happy and Joyous
Christmas and New Year.
LOCAL UNION 833
2008 has been an especially slow year
for work in Beaver County for Local
833. A special thank
you goes out to all the
other locals for helping to put many of our
members to work over
this past year which
helped with insurance hours as well as
income. A special recMichael
McDonald
ognition and thanks to
Business Manager
the Local 833 members who helped to man the jobs out of
the area and also for their patience and
understanding during such slow work
times. Rick Comport worked along with
me in organizing the few companies that
resulted in jobs we had this year for our
members. The good news is that work
is expected to pick up in the spring. In
the meantime we will continue to assist
members in obtaining work out of the
area if you are interested. Please take
this opportunity to attend classes at the
training center. Many of the companies
are now requesting men with specialized
training and attending classes through
the training center will give each of you
the edge needed.
Many of the members of Laborers
Local 833 volunteered to work during
the election time this year. I would like
to thank you for the time you devoted to
assist in the successful election of President-Elect Barack Obama and US Congressman Jason Altmire. Your hard work
and dedication is greatly appreciated.
I hope to see you at the members’
Christmas Party on December 6th, and/
or the Children’s Christmas Party on
December 14th. Information for both
will be mailed to your home but if you
have any questions please call the Union
hall.
As always, my wish for each and every
member and their families is a safe,
healthy and happy holiday season. Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
YOU
are the “U”
in UNION.
LOCAL UNION 910
With winter around the corner, we
expect work to slow down. We had a
very busy construction season. We would
like to thank the locals
that helped supply us
with people when we
needed help filling
positions and everyone
involved at the District
Council for all of their
Robert Kmecak
help throughout the
Business Manager
year. We expect next
year to be another good year.
Hunting season is now upon us and
the holidays are fast approaching. We
hope everyone has a safe and successful
hunting season and an enjoyable holiday
season. When the holiday activities are
over, remember to take advantage of our
training center and some of the many
good classes that are available. The more
qualified and versatile we are, the more
employable we make ourselves. Proper
training and skills also allow our contractors to get projects done on time, safe
and under budget, which benefits all of
our members and contractors on future
projects.
I would like to thank all the members
and retirees who gave up their time to
do phone bank, walks, and rallies in the
past election. I am proud to say that you
made Local 910 look good. We were the
best represented at all political functions. Also, the next Call-In day is January 5th between 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The
office is closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Monthly dues for 2009 will increase to
$27.00 per month.
We would like to recognize our new
retirees: Ronald Berg, Dale McConnell,
Earl Downin, William McGowan and
James C. Myers.
We would also like to recognize our
new 50 Year Member Kermit J. Strait.
Remember our members and their
families serving in the military, who will
not be home for the holiday season. They
will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Officers and Staff would like to
wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a
happy, healthy and safe New Year.
LOCAL UNION 952
Business Manager Mark Toy reports
that Walsh Construction Company along
with PENNDot and
state and local officials held a ribbon
cutting ceremony on
Thursday,
October
23, 2008 to mark the
official opening of the
new West Kittanning
Bridge. The project
Mark Toy
that is nearly comBusiness Manager
pleted had 52 laborers working at the peak of construction
and consisted of three roadway resurfacing projects along with the replacement
of a four-span continuous multi-girder
bridge. The bridge was open within nine
months of the original bridge closing as
projected by the general contractor.
Nello Construction will be wrapping
up extensive renovations at Lenape Elementary School by the end of this year.
Mascaro Construction is slated to complete the dormitory project along with
Mark Hudson Construction winding up
work on the dining hall, both at Clarion
University, by the end of this year also.
This will be followed by MA Beech who
is expected to complete work on the Foxburg Bridge in early spring of 2009.
Keystone Power Station is a flurry of
activity as International Chimney continues work on the scrubber project. There
are numerous other contractors on site
with what looks like work that will continue well into next year.
Business Manager Toy would like to
take this opportunity to thank all of the
other locals who were able to supply
laborers to assist on the many jobs that
were in our jurisdiction throughout this
work season.
As a reminder to Local 952 members,
there will be a dues increase effective
January 1, 2009, making the monthly
dues $27.00 per month. It is extremely
important that members pay their dues
on time as to avoid suspension.
As the work season begins to slow
down a bit Business Manager Toy would
like to take this opportunity to encourage
his members to take full advantage of
the Training Center. This would be the
perfect time to check the web site (www.
laborpa.org) to see what classes are available and sign up. There are numerous
classes available at the Training Center
that would greatly benefit each member.
Please remember to contact the Local
Union after attending the classes so that
we can update your qualification sheet.
Members are reminded that call-in
days for the out-of-work list are the first
Monday in February and the first Monday in August. Calling in on these days
secures your place on the out-of-work
list.
At this time we at Local 952 would
like to take this opportunity to extend
our condolences to the families of sister
Gladys M. Ferringer and retired brother
Robert R. Lorigan who recently passed
away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to
their families.
In closing the Business Manager and
Officers of Laborers Local 952 would
like to wish everyone a Safe and Happy
Holiday Season and a Prosperous New
Year.
LOCAL UNION 964
Local Union No. 964 Business Manager Donald Mangino reports that construction work in Lawrence, Mercer and
Crawford
Counties
has remained steady
throughout 2008, but
unfortunately it did
not turn into the big
year we had anticipated. 2009 looks to
Donald Mangino bring a lot of bridge
Business Manager
construction but less
in paving work to our Western Pennsylvania region next year. There should be
many requests for skilled rod tiers from
contractors. Laborers with free time
this winter should take advantage of the
available training at our training center
and get those rod tying skills necessary to
perform at a high level of efficiency.
Last year I reported that Centaur
Group was awarded the States final
Harness Racing License and they have
worked very hard to satisfy the State
Gaming Commissioners background
checks, a required step before a gaming
license can be approved and awarded to
Centaur. But now due to the disastrous
state of our financial institutions and our
economy, Centaur is struggling to secure
funding for the four hundred and fiftyfive million dollar project.
Centaur has not given up and is working to secure the funding and wants the
opportunity to build this facility in Lawrence County. Projects of this size are
rare in this area and the possible loss of
this facility in Lawrence County would
be a major disappointment to this region
and local area.
We are currently working to secure
labor agreements with the County Jail
Guards, Court Appointed and Court
Related Units. Our major issues continue
to be wages and health care benefits.
A reminder to our members: if you
move please call the office to change
your address with the Local. Also if you
retire please let us know which month
you will begin your retirement.
Monthly Union dues will increase by
one (1) dollar per month to twenty-seven
dollars ($27.00) per month effective January 1, 2009, and our Union meetings
are every Third Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. at
the Teamsters Hall in the North Gate
Industrial Park. Monthly meetings are
open to all members. If you have never
attended and need directions please call
the office.
I would like to extend our deepest
sympathies to the Koprivnak and Stewart families due to the passing of Brother
George Koprivnak and Brother James
Stewart. Our thoughts and prayers are
with the families.
This political season has been very
demanding and I would like to thank
those who volunteered there time to
phone banks and precinct walks. In closing I would like to thank our Executive
Board for their support and hard work
this year. All your efforts are deeply
appreciated. Thank you for your service
and best wishes to all our Union brothers
and sisters and their families for a safe,
healthy and happy Thanksgiving and
Christmas seasons.
LOCAL UNION 1058
We want to thank all our members who
worked tirelessly this political season
by attending phone
banks, rallies and
precinct walks. Your
hard work is greatly
appreciated.
We have begun
negotiations with Allegheny County, Kane
Hospitals and the
Philip Ameris
Convention
Center.
Business Manager
Agreeable resolution
of all issues is anticipated.
With the upcoming winter months,
be sure to take advantage of the many
classes offered at the training center.
Gain those new skills which will make
you more marketable for the coming
construction seasons. Be sure to update
your skills card to reflect any new skills
acquired.
It was a pleasure to recently have
International Vice President Dennis
Martire attend our monthly meeting.
Mr. Martire was well received and the
messages he provided regarding the
upcoming election helped to strengthen
the members’ resolve.
It is with great sadness that we mourn
the loss of our building superintendent
Pete Bruno. Our sympathy goes out to
his family. He will be greatly missed.
The Officers and Staff at Local 1058
want to wish all a happy holiday season.
LOCAL UNION 1305
Here we are at the end of another year
and we all know this has not been a very
good year for Local
1305 members. We
are now in the midst
of another round of
layoffs and bumping. I
would hope everybody
takes their time with
turning in your papers
on bumping to make
Mark Mulhearn
Business Manager sure you can go to
where you really want
to go. It’s been tough times for us all and
it seems every time they need to tighten
their financial belt it’s always the workers who must bear the brunt of it. I want
you to know that we feel for all of you
in this difficult time as it is at a time of
year so close to the Holidays. I want to
let all of you being laid off to know you
have 24 months for a call back before
you lose any seniority. Hopefully 2009
will be a better year as we can build our
census up so more people can be called
back to work.
I want to also remind you if you change
your phone number and/or your address
changes, to please remember to let H.R.
at Laurel Crest know of said changes so
they may notify you for recall back to
work. I would also hope everyone who
was laid off would take advantage of all
the avenues available to you through
Career Link and JARI. If you have any
questions feel free to contact me at work
or home. My phone number is in the
phone book.
I also want to thank you for getting out
the vote this past election for a job well
done.
I hope everyone has a Safe and Happy
Holiday Season. So hang in there and
hopefully 2009 will be a better year for
us all.
LOCAL UNION 1451
Work in the area is going well. With
winter approaching I urge you to check
the Training Center
schedule and register
for training if you are
unemployed. We are
getting a lot of requests
for OSHA 10, Certified Scaffold Builder,
Forklift Operator, Rod
Denis Mazzoni Tying and Concrete
Business Manager Worker. We have one
of the finest training facilities and trainers in the country; let’s utilize them.
Congratulations and best wishes to our
most recent retirees Francis Ernesty,
Tom Cullen, Chuck Lloyd and Carmen
Mazzoni, and to the newest Fifty Years
Gold Card Members John DeAngelo,
Michael Iapalucci and Henry Marchoni
– thank for your hard work and contributions to our union.
Thank you to the members and families who attended the Labor Day Parade.
We had a very nice turn out.
Remember to mark your calendars for
the 2009 Call-In dates; they are the first
Mondays in February, May, August and
November.
Thanks to the surrounding locals who
have placed our members to work on
projects in their areas; this has really
helped in getting enough hours to be eligible for hospitalization. Thanks to Paul
Quarantillo and his Staff, also the District Council Executive Board and all the
locals for the support they offered Local
1451 moving into our new office. We
have a new 3 year agreement with Ligonier Borough, thank you to Paul Quarantillo for negotiating that agreement.
Remember our monthly meetings are
the 3rd Thursday of the month 8:00 pm
at the FOE on Spring Street in Latrobe.
I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving with your families and wish you
all a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
IN MEMORIAM
LOCAL 603
CASIMIR RZOMP
JOHN VOGEL
LOCAL 952
GLADYS M. FERRINGER
ROBERT LORIGAN
LOCAL 964
GEORGE KOPRIVNAK
JAMES STEWART
LABORERS’ QUARTERLY — Page Seven
Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania
DECEMBER 2008
The Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania would like to extend
our very best for the Holiday Season to all our members and their families,
especially to those serving in our armed forces!
Auditors:
Larry Addleman John Lomax Dennis Long
John Weaver, Executive Board Member
Barry Young, Executive Board Member
Patricia Nyman, Office Secretary
Season’s Greetings
PAUL A. QUARANTILLO, President-Business Manager
GERALD J. PECORA, JR. JOHN MILLER
Vice President
LOCAL UNION 833
Secretary-Treasurer
Executive Board Members
ROBERT KMECAK RAYMOND MOORE MICHAEL McDONALD JOHN TRETTER
Auditors
MARK TOY PHILIP AMERIS RICHARD SHELDON, II
DONALD MANGINO, Sergeant-at-Arms
Office Staff
MARK A. MACHI
MICHAEL J. LAQUATRA
Staff Representative
Staff Representative
DAVID M. WEBER PHILIP AMERIS, JR.
Asst. to the Bus. Mgr. /Special Intl. Representative
LIUNA Construction Market Representative
LOCAL UNION 910
Organizers
JOHN T. DUFFEY MATT McHUGH RICK COMPORT
Secretaries
KAREN STROOP CYNTHIA FOWKES LAURIE APODACA LILLIAN BALINT
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA LABORERS’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND
JAMES KEMPINSKI Administrator/Training Dir.
MARC R. FERRARI
Instructor
SEAN P. McMANUS
Asst. Administrator/I.T. Administrator
MICHAEL A. LAQUATRA
Apprenticeship Coordinator
STANLEY P. PLUTNICKI
LEE A. KONTIS, JR.
Instructor
Instructor
ROSE CHERAN
FRAN SWIDZINSKI
Office Manager
Apprenticeship Coordinator Assistant
CHERYL MILLER
JASON McDONALD
TINA GREEN
Secretary
Maintenance
Food Preparer
LOCAL UNION 286
Brownsville, PA
Dennis Pazzabon, Business Manager/Delegate
A. J. Lent, Jr., President/Delegate
Gregg Fogle, Vice President
James Nichols, Recording Secretary
Donald Henze, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Liston, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Anthony Laurita George Ribniscky Richard Petuck
Ricky Pietroboni, Executive Board Member
Wayne Morris, Executive Board Member
Lisa L. Pavtis, Office Manager
LOCAL UNION 323
Butler, PA
Ralph Sarver, Business Manager/Delegate
Rodney Stutz, President
Curt Hempfling, Vice President
Thomas McCommon, Recording Secretary
Robert Furka, Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Douglas Smith, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Keith Englert Dino Omogrosso Jeff Anthony
Daniel Fennell, Executive Board Member
Jackie Hodapp, Executive Board Member
Denel Cavalero, Office Staff
LOCAL UNION 373
Pittsburgh, PA
Raymond Moore, Business Manager/Delegate
Edward Gondek, Asst. Business Manager/Vice President/
Field Representative
William Brooks, President/Field Representative/Delegate
James Mull, Secretary-Treasurer/Field Representative/
Delegate
Richard Irlbacher, Recording Secretary/
Field Representative/Delegate
Dean Sedlar, Executive Board Member/
Field Representative
Matt McHugh, Executive Board Member
John Jackson, III, Sergeant-at-Arms
LABORERS' QUARTERLY
Official publication of the
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL
of Western Pennsylvania
Forbes-Pride Building, 5th Floor
1425 Forbes Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Auditors:
Dale Moon Albert Sinopoli Michael Murphy
Paul A. Quarantillo, Delegate to Council
Office Staff:
Julie Richards Holly Andrews
LOCAL UNION 419
Somerset, PA
Richard Sheldon, II, Business Manager/Delegate
Timothy H. Uphold, President/Delegate
Elmer E. Caton, Jr., Vice President
Mark A. Kritschgau, Recording Secretary
Stephen Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer
V. J. Clevenger, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Chad Johnson Darren Smith
Marvin Spangler, Executive Board Member
Eric Ryman, Executive Board Member
Jane Campbell, Office Secretary
LOCAL UNION 603
Erie, PA
John Tretter, Business Manager/Delegate
Robert Uhlman, President/Delegate
David Williams, Vice President/Delegate
Jack Croston, Secretary-Treasurer
Jason Roach, Recording Secretary
Tim Pietrasiewicz, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Mike Kovac Lee Strain Andre Horton
Keith Hadfield, Executive Board Member
Samuel Pulliam, Executive Board Member
Bonny B. Brown, Office Manager
LOCAL UNION 824
Johnstown, PA
Robert L. Kmecak, Jr., Business Manager/
Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Raymond F. Lacko, President/Delegate
Douglas Telenko, Vice President/Delegate
Timothy Telenko, Recording Secretary
Timothy Park, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Alan Paratto Richard Rokita Lyle Ribblett
Barry Robb, Executive Board Member
David Renninger, Executive Board Member
Albert Grata, Executive Board Member
Office Staff:
Mary Beth McNamara
Denise M. Neal
Legal Counsel
DOMENIC BELLISARIO, ESQ.
New Brighton, PA
Michael McDonald, Business Manager/Delegate
James L. Duncan, Jr., President/Delegate
Jason McDonald, Vice President
Fred Duncan, Recording Secretary
Michael Popps, Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Jason Hupp, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Chris Barrett Fred Fattore John Walker, Jr.
Kevin Ralph, Executive Board Member
Sam DiBacco, Executive Board Member
Bellefonte, PA
John W. Miller, Business Manager/Delegate
John Peters, President/Delegate
James Meeker, Vice President
Jeffrey Catherman, Recording Secretary
Albert L. Young, III, Secretary-Treasurer
Clyde Swanson, Sergeant-at-Arms
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 763
LOCAL UNION 952
Kittanning, PA
Mark G. Toy, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer/
Delegate
Alan B. Rearick, President/Delegate
Steven L. Olinger, Vice President
Russell N. Schmader, Recording Secretary
Edward L. Crawford, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Donald E. Blose Marty R. Wolfe Joshua R. Ingram
Lewis R. Ferris, Executive Board Member
A. Duane Primac, Executive Board Member
Matthew L. Graham, Executive Board Member
Pamela Boyer, Office Secretary
LOCAL UNION 964
New Castle, PA
Donald Mangino, Business Manager/
Field Representative/Delegate
Daniel Kean, President/Delegate
Phil Fabich, Vice President
William Quigley, Recording Secretary
James Mott, Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Michael McClenahan, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
Jodi Panella Shawn Sullivan Dan Shipton
Roland Buttgereit, Executive Board Member
Jeffrey Grinnell, Executive Board Member
Patty Relic, Office Manager
LOCAL UNION 1058
Pittsburgh, PA
Philip Ameris, Business Manager/Delegate
Gerald J. Pecora, Jr., President/Delegate
Joseph J. Laquatra, Jr., Vice President/
Field Representative/Delegate
Curtis Bevilacqua, Recording Secretary/
Field Representative/Delegate
John T. Duffey, Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Clinton Wright, Sergeant-at-Arms
Walter P. Schnelbach, Executive Board Member/
Field Representative/Delegate
Michael Laquatra, Executive Board Member
Gerald T. Pecora, Esquire –on Staff
Auditors:
Joseph DiNardo Sam Manfredo William Noll
Office Staff:
Shirley Kaczmarek Judith A. Lewis Sarah Pohuly Cherrie A. Cheran
Jesse Matkovich, Maintenance
LOCAL UNION 1305
Ebensburg, PA
Mark Mulhearn, Business Manager/Delegate
Sherry Hagerich, President/Delegate
Ed Stasik, Vice President
Patty Choros, Recording Secretary
Gina Sowers, Secretary-Treasurer
Denny McHugh, Sergeant-at-Arms
Bruna Kissell, Executive Board Member
Doreen Zupon, Executive Board Member
Auditors:
Connie Bono Lisa Biller Patty Banks
LOCAL UNION 1451
Latrobe, PA
Denis Mazzoni, Business Manager/President/Delegate
Matt Deal, Vice President/Delegate
Michael Bolinger, Recording Secretary
James Boyd, Secretary-Treasurer/Delegate
Joe Malik, Sergeant-at-Arms
Auditors:
John Borrelli Dave Bard Mark Mazzoni
Joe Brahosky, Executive Board Member
Mark Steeves, Executive Board Member
Mike Ponderendolph, Executive Board Member
Ann Bosco, Office Staff