The final day of the Consolidated Convention was a busy one for committees. The Constitution and Law Committee concluded its report late in the morning; 10 other committees reported in the afternoon: Resolutions; Railroad Industry; Organizing; Shipbuilding Industry; Industrial Forging, Boiler and Allied Industries; Ritual and Brotherhood History; Official Publication; Distribution; and Finance.

Delegates rise to support salary adjustments

A Law Committee recommendation for annual increases in International officer, representative and staff salaries (Article 36, Salary Adjustments) led to a lengthy and often passionate debate. The recommendation called for annual increases of five percent for officers beginning August 1, 2007, and annual increases of at least five percent for representatives and staff beginning August 1, 2006. The measure included a provision allowing the Executive Council to reduce or withhold any increase according to the Brotherhood’s financial condition.

A number of delegates called the increases necessary to keep Boilermaker compensation from slipping well below the average for other union trades. Many rose to cite the sacrifices made by International reps and officers. Others noted that officers, representatives and staff have not received a pay raise in the last two years.

“I can call any representative of the International with a question and within 24 hours I can have an answer,” Jerry Connolly, Local 5 (New York City) told the assembly. “That comes at a cost. I'm willing to pay the cost.”

Tina Riley, Local M24 (Kokomo, Ind.), told the Convention: “If it wasn't for the International, I wouldn't have a job and I wouldn't be standing here today. So give them what they're worth.”

“Our President and our Executive Council work day and night,” noted Tom Baca, Local 549 (Pittsburg, Calif.), a Law Committee member. “They don't get paid overtime. They don't get paid time and a half. They don't get paid double time. They do work holidays. They bleed Boilermaker blood.”

Some delegates opposed the increases, and an amendment from the floor sought to freeze officer salaries at the previous year level should membership numbers decrease. That amendment was defeated, and by a voice vote delegates approved the increases as recommended by the Law Committee.

Legislative Education Fund gets boost

Also triggering debate was a measure out of the Resolutions Committee calling for a mandatory 25-cent LEF contribution per member per month. The measure combined five individual resolutions that were identical in nature. The Resolutions Committee amended the language to allow the International president latitude in situations where the contribution might create hardships for some local lodges. Some delegates objected to the increase, others questioned whether it was legal. However, overall debate was supportive.

Paul Mayday, Local 374 (Hammond, Ind.) told the assembly: “We need to give our people in Washington [the Brotherhood government affairs department] the tools they need to work with.”

Tom Baca, Local 549 (Pittsburg, Calif.) described how his lodge has become empowered politically since it formed a PAC: “Since we've started contributing money, the doors are wide open. We do not have to go to the politicians and seek them out – they meet us whenever we want to meet. We have the check, we have the money. Brothers and Sisters, we now have billions of dollars coming up in refinery expansion work, water transfer lines, and new power plants. It's all going to be 100 percent union. We didn't get that work because we're nice guys; we got it because we're involved in politics.”

Bridget Martin, director of the government affairs department added: “Right now we only have 35 percent of our locals contributing to LEF. This is unacceptable, I'm sorry, we cannot afford to keep representing everyone's interests if we only have the participation of a few.”

Joe Stinger, chairman of the Resolutions Committee, said the committee is confident that a mandatory LEF contribution is legal, and advised that it would be reviewed by labor attorneys.

The resolution passed by voice vote.

Delegates seek pension improvements

A number of proposals taken up by the Resolutions Committee dealt with benefit improvements. Several members rose to discuss health issues that will make it difficult for them to work past age 55. They asked the committee to reconsider resolutions that would remove early retirement penalties from the Boilermaker-Blacksmith Pension Fund.

Committee chairman Joe Stinger reminded the assembly that the committee can only refer resolutions to the trustees of the national funds. The committee itself cannot make changes to the funds. However, several committee members also serve as fund trustees, and they pointed out the pension fund is substantially under funded at this time, and it is just not possible to make improvements until the situation changes.

Jerry Connolly, Local 5 (New York City), secretary of the Resolutions Committee, summed up the committee’s position and sentiment regarding benefit improvements. He told the assembly: “The Committee would like to go on record with the following statement: ‘The Committee unanimously agrees with the intent of these aforementioned resolutions and urges the fringe benefits fund trustees to do everything possible, as they have done in the past, to improve the various plans to allow our retirees to enjoy the fruits of their labor for the many years of service to the Brotherhood.’”