Highlights of Convention Day 3

Pastor Teddy Johnson got the third day of the Convention off to a rousing start, singing a version of the Lord’s Prayer that prompted Convention Chair Warren Fairley to remark, “That would make you want to charge Hell with a water pistol, wouldn't it.”

BCTD President Mark Ayers delivered a candid and uplifting opening address to the convention – ripping national political leaders for failing to give top priority to creating jobs, but also issuing a challenge to all construction trade unionists to seek excellence in their craft. He praised the Boilermakers’ emphasis on achieving excellence and challenged delegates to get the word to owners, contractors, and public officials that Boilermakers bring exemplary value to projects every day.

During the report of the Resolutions Committee delegates passed two resolutions honoring recently deceased Director of Legislative Affairs Abe Breehey. The first awarded him a posthumous 7-year pin. The second renamed the Boilermakers annual award for legislative excellence the “Abe Breehey Legislator of the Year Award.”

Two constitutional issues tied up the remainder of the day. The Law Committee submitted a revised recommendation for Article 5.5, which drew an amendment. The amendment vote turned into a roll-call vote, which defeated the amendment about an hour later.

After lunch, delegates spent more than two hours debating the Law Committee’s recommendation to raise the salary of the International President. Another roll-call vote resulted in passage of a motion to lower the Law Committee’s recommendation. The Law Committee’s recommendation at this lower level passed by voice vote.