News from the President - OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LABORERS' DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA - Laborers' District Council of ...
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME 16 PITTSBURGH, PA WWW.LABORPA.ORG JANUARY 2021 No. 2
News from the President
Dear Brothers and Sisters, essential for public safety and stability.
I would like to wish each and every one of you a In these uncertain times it is hard to predict and plan
Happy New Year and hope that this year is better than last for the future. But we are committed to fighting for our
year. 2020, as all of you know, has been an extremely members rights, securing work, and maintaining pension
trying time for the entire world. I pray and hope for each and health benefits that our members have earned. Due
of our members and their families that 2021 brings you to the pandemic, several jobs have either been stopped or
good health and prosperity. delayed, and several projects that were on the books have
I would like to thank all of our been cancelled. We are contacting our
Business Managers, Agents, staff of political allies, meeting with contractors,
District Council and affiliate locals, as and providing target fund requests in
well as Marc Ferrari and staff at the order to secure work for our members.
Training Center for doing an outstanding As expected, several of the public and
job during this pandemic. As all of us private sectors we represent had major
were in uncharted waters, and everyone layoffs, and we are pursuing, through our
stepped up to the plate to serve our collective bargaining agreements, to
membership. I would also like to thank protect laid off workers and do
Kevin Hribar and Mark Santucci of the everything in our power to get these
Laborers’ Combined Funds for their hard members back to work.
work and dedication by working through Our history as laborers is one of
the pandemic every day, during weekends, struggle and triumph. We have been
and after hours, to make sure our members knocked down before, but banded
received their pension checks and had together to rise up and achieve the
coverage through our benefits. Philip Ameris benefits of what a union represents. We
Most importantly, I would like to President, look forward to whatever challenges await
thank each member, from heavy and Business Manager us in 2021, and we are prepared to do
building construction, to front line workers whatever is necessary to be Union strong,
in various municipalities, Union proud and Union united.
Kane Regional Centers, and
public and private sectors Yours in Solidarity and God Bless,
that we represent. Your
hard work, dedication, and
commitment enabled our
signatory contractors and
the employers we represent Philip Ameris
provided services that were President-Business Manager
Wishing Our Members and Families a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Update from Our LiUNA Vice President
In more ways than one, 2020 was out of the ordinary. Since Pennsylvania was likely to determine the election
Through every challenge that came with this year and outcome, all eyes were on Pennsylvania during the
this pandemic, I was reminded of just how extraordinary election. Laborers however kept our eyes on the issues
our LIUNA leadership and membership is in western that impact our members – prevailing wage,
Pennsylvania especially. infrastructure, energy, and labor agreements - and the
candidates on both sides of the aisle who support these
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I myself am a proud issues. Laborers were incredibly active this election
member of Local 1058. Over the years, I have been part season and it made a difference. 2021 will bring many
of the fight as both a leader and member to advance our pro-labor candidates into office because of our efforts.
union. Instead of letting 2020’s challenges defeat us, Even though the election is over, it is important that our
laborers in western Pennsylvania fought back and political voice remains just as loud so that we are heard
achieved big victories. on issues that impact you and your family’s wages and
benefits.
Our leaders and members have worked extra hard this
year. On the topic of challenges, I want to give special For our union, I do not define this year by its challenges.
recognition to our members working in hospitals during I define it by the character of our members and leaders –
the pandemic. As these members take care of others, a strong work ethic, an unbreakable dedication, and a
LIUNA leaders are taking care of all members by commitment to excellence - that made our victories
protecting jobs and protecting members on the job with possible. If we can make it through 2020, we can make it
proper safety equipment. There is so much about this through anything together. With the combined strength
pandemic that we have no control over. That does not of LIUNA leadership and membership, we should all be
stop LIUNA leaders from looking for new work looking to 2021 with optimism and opportunity. I wish
opportunities for our members as well as better wages all of you health and happiness this holiday season and
and benefits. That pursuit is going to continue in 2021 in the year ahead.
and every year after that.
Dennis L. Martire
LIUNA Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional
Manager
Dennis Martire
LIUNA Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager
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Change in
Newsletter
Distribution
Special note: We will no
longer be distributing a hard
copy of the quarterly newsletter.
Training Center Resources We have over 13,000 email
addresses for members that we
The Western Pennsylvania Laborers Training Center is a first-class facility with the will send the newsletter to
expertise to train Laborers in all the current craft skills. This training provides our directly. If you have not yet
signatory contractors with a competitive edge. The training staff is qualified to done so, I encourage you to go
provide cutting edge technological skills to every apprentice and journey worker. to our website to sign up to
Currently, there are 45 courses offered, covering such topics as: concrete, asbestos, receive the newsletter and other
scaffold building, blueprint reading, ICRA, and -First Aid/CPR/AED. (Full Course notifications through email. In
Listing) All current members and active apprentices are strongly encouraged to addition, I encourage every
utilize this valuable resource to better prepare themselves for future employment. member to take advantage of
the Training Center and the
Visit their website today! - https://www.laborpa.org/training-center
classes they have to offer to
H O W T O S CH E D U L E T R A I N I N G increase your marketability to
our signatory contractors. The
• Must be an active member in one of the Locals within the LDCOWPA more skills you have, the better
• Registration for all Training Courses must be made by calling the chance for you to get work.
Training Center Please check our website
regularly (laborpa.org) and
• Courses are offered on a first come/first serve basis
check your Local individual
• All courses start promptly at 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Business Manager’s comments
• Courses are subject to change at the Training Center's discretion included in later in this
newsletter.
FULL COURSE LISTING AND CLASS DESCRIPTION
HELP WITH DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
If you are experiencing an issue with Drug or Alcohol Abuse, please contact Michael Laquatra at the District
Council office, 412-391-1712. A drug failure on the job will result in loss of employment and will limit your
ability to be referred to future projects. Refusal to take a drug test, or walking off the job during pre-hire,
when presented with a test, will also result in termination and restriction from the Local Union referral list.
Marijuana is prohibited on all construction projects. Testing positive for marijuana, even with a medical
marijuana card, will result in loss of employment and is subject to ban from signatory contractors under the
applicable agreement.
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NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL UNIONS
LOCAL UNION 323 LOCAL UNION 373
Undoubtedly 2020 has been a rough Happy New Year brothers and
year, we are looking forward to a sisters. This year presented several
positive and prosperous 2021. Moving unique challenges, and as always,
forward with the Pandemic it is our union stood united and met
important for us to continue wearing them head on. We would like to
masks, hand washing and social thank the entire membership for
Robert Furka distancing. I would like to thank their commitment to safety and
William Brooks
Business Manager District Council, Philip Ameris and staff Business Manager professionalism during these
for helping us navigate thru 2020. Their unprecedented times. When faced
support and their care to ensure we have masks and hand with the possibility of a shutdown, the proud members of
sanitizer to give to our members was much appreciated. Local 373 stepped up and trained in Infectious Disease
As we start the New Year off on the right foot here are Awareness and embraced new jobsite safety protocols
a few reminders for our members. aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. As a result,
construction continued and many of our brothers and sisters
• Update Business Manager with any and all changes in were able to earn their wages, benefits and pensions
address and/or phone numbers. throughout the pandemic. As expected, work has begun to
• Update Drug Free Cards slow down, but we remain optimistic that the post COVID-
• Union meetings are held the third Monday of every 19 recovery will result in an increase in work for all of our
month. Starting time is 8:00 pm. We welcome everyone brothers and sisters in the region.
to participate so that they may know what work is The membership showed strong support for the non-
looking like in our area and any updates. partisan political endorsements of our District Council,
• Ensure you take the opportunity to utilize the Training resulting in a very successful election cycle. Voting with
Facility. It is important to keep your Certifications your union helps to ensure that we have politicians that
updated as work is released in our regions. (Example: understand our issues and are willing to work with us.
Flaggers, Rod Tying, Asbestos and OSHA 10) Business Manager Philip Ameris continually provides the
entire District Council with the type of decisive and
In closing, we would like to send our condolences to the steadfast leadership that is required to prevail through
families of the members we lost this year. trying times like these.
As we prepare for an increase in work, it is very important
We look forward to a brighter year with little or no impact that we continue to provide employers with a trained and
from the Pandemic in 2021. Have a safe and healthy New skilled workforce. Our Training Center offers the
Year from Local 323. membership extensive training in every aspect of the
industry. Please contact the Training Center to schedule
classes if you are off. Please keep an eye on social media
Union Dues for any last-minute changes that may occur with office
hours or scheduling due to state mandates related to
COVID-19. As always, myself and the Business Agents
are available by phone. The office is currently open;
Monthly Unions dues for 2021 will however, we encourage all members to pay their dues by
remain at $39.00 per month. mail or online in order to ensure the safety of the
membership and office staff. Please remain vigilant on the
Monthly Retiree Dues will also jobsite and continue to stand united.
remain at $8.00 per month. Sincerely,
William Brooks
Business Manager
Laborers’ Local 373
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PEZZULLA on 50 YEAR GOLD CARD.
LOCAL UNION 603 Congratulations BROTHERS JOHN BOWMAN JR,
DAVE BALIOR, DENNIS K SWARTZ, DAVE FRITTS,
Brothers and Sisters, THOMAS HUDAK, JAN HALL AND JOSEPH
2020 started out busy for Local 603 MANTLE, on their retirement.
with many jobs that where We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the
continuing from 2019. PennDOT family of ROBERT D SINGER who recently passed away.
had placed some nice projects on Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult
the list to be put out for bid and the time. Also all our men and woman serving here or abroad
outlook for work in 2020 looked to protect us.
Bill McLaughlin
Business Manager
very positive. Well, the COVID
pandemic took care of all of that. • MONTHLY DUES FOR 2020 ARE $39.00 a
Construction was shut down on most projects mid-March MONTH
and it continued for several months. • THE MONTHLY DUES are due on the first day of
The shutdown made it impossible for many members to the month and unless paid on or before the last day of the
work enough hours to qualify for our health insurance. I following month, the member shall be deemed suspended
would like to thank the Laborers District Council of by the International Union WITHOUT NOTICE!!!!
Western Pennsylvania and the good people at the Laborers The TRAINING CENTER is there for your
Combined Fund office for crediting everyone who was certifications. Visit their website at LABORPA.ORG or
qualified 240 hours to keep them and their families insured phone # 1-800-442-8868
during a pandemic.
2021 is looking better all the time. Lindy Paving picked Western PA Laborers Training Center
up a good size job up on I-90 and there are some other nice 317 Deer Creek Road
paving jobs coming out for bid in 2021. With all the Saxonburg PA 16056
shutdowns, 2020 was a tough year for highway work. Otis *Dues must be paid to get certifications.
Eastern has about 5 miles of pipeline work under contract
in Warren and Bob Cummins Construction is really going Members are reminded call-in day is JAN 4, 2021 from
after work at the 7 Mile Mineral project in Mt. Jewett. 9am-12 noon and 1-3 pm to remain on the list.
The training center is open, and I encourage everyone to On behalf of myself and the entire executive aboard and
keep an eye on their schedule and sign up for a class in the my secretary Cherl, we would like to wish everyone
off season. Most industrial plants require OSHA 10. Being HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
a certified flagger is a good way to get yourself on a paving Business Manager
job. Every bridge job needs rod tiers. Mason tending is hard Jeffrey Horner
work, but if you are not afraid to learn the craft, you will
never look for a job.
Merry Christmas to all and a safe, happy, and LOCAL UNION 833
prosperous New Year. I am humbled by the honor of
representing the Membership of Local 603. First and foremost,
As most of you know, Brother Fred
Thank you, Duncan has retired as Business
Bill McLaughlin Manager of Local 833 as of
September 25th, due to health
concerns. We would like to thank
LOCAL UNION 824 Fred for his many years of service
Mike Crespo and dedication to Local 833. I could
Business Manager
Business Manager Jeffrey Horner not be more honored that Fred has the
reports that work is GOOD at the trust in me to assume his role as Business Manager. I would
present time. Penn State has jobs also like to thank our officers and members for all the hard
going on campus. G M Mc Crossing work this past year. Last but not least, I would like to thank
working on waste water treatment all my stewards for doing such a great job representing the
plant and power plant hall!
CONGRATULATIONS TO Due to the time of year, work has slowed down in Beaver
Jeffrey Horner
Business Manager
ROBERT D MCDONALD, LEO County. Although we still have over 450 laborers on the
Pennsylvania Chemicals Project. We look forward to some
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new contractors joining the project in late spring. We also Congratulations to our Gold Members: James Williams,
have a Beaver Valley Power Station outage coming up in John Vargo, Andrew Rusnak, Joseph Sherwin, Stanley
April. They will start hiring on March 1st. Custer, and Joseph Eichelberger.
For those of you that have interest in making yourself Condolences go to the families and friends of: Mark
more employable, please visit the Western PA. Laborers Earnest, Dennis Hynes, James Miller, Thomas Platt, Jeffrey
Training Center web site at https://www.laborpa.org or call Smith, John Stanislav, David Renninger, John Roles, and
724-352-2224 to view the upcoming schedule. Robert Funicelli.
As a reminder, the monthly dues will remain at $39.00 I would like to take this opportunity to thank the District
per month through 2021. Every member is responsible for Council for all they have done throughout the year for our
keeping track of their own dues. If a member gets more than members, including food baskets, masks, hours toward
2 months and 1 day behind, they shall be deemed suspended hospitalization to name only a few. Our members
by the International Union WITHOUT NOTICE from the appreciate how you have always considered them and the
hall. needs of their families.
Congratulations and best wishes to our 2020, 50 year On behalf of myself, officers, and staff of Local 910-
gold card members and our new retirees. Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New
On behalf of the officers and staff of Local 833, we Year. Looking forward to great things in the upcoming
would like to wish everyone and their families a very year. Please stay safe out there.
happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.
BEST OF LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR!!!
LOCAL UNION 910
Wow! What a year this has been.
I hope everyone is staying safe.
Even with the COVID pandemic,
our work was fair to good, proving
once again the strength of our union.
This year we had more work in
the northern counties, than the LOCAL 910 CELEBRATES 75 YEARS!
Doug Telenko
southern ones. Our power plant work
Business Manager
has really decreased. Upcoming in LOCAL UNION 952
2021, there should be solar farm work.
As we head into 2021, we would
Local 910 celebrated its 75th Anniversary in October.
like to take this opportunity to
Our current officers are working hard to carry on the legacy.
remind members that the training
(See Picture) We would like to thank all of our
center is available for any updates or
predecessors for all of their hard work and dedication to the
new certifications that you may
union; without them, we wouldn’t have the union we have
wish to obtain. We encourage
today. If our current members continue to work hard, we
members to take full advantage of
should have 75 more. I’d like to recognize the Business Mark Toy
Business Manager this opportunity so that you are ready
Agents that have come before me- Bob Kmecak, Jim
for the upcoming work season. Upon
Crotzer, Bob Wertz, Jim Crotzer, Sr., and Pete Livolsi.
completing any classes remember to call the hall to update
I would like to thank members for using the training
your qualification sheets.
center, and please continue to use it. A few of the skills that
Also, as always, call in days for the out of work list are
you can be certified for are: ICRA, flagging, mason
the first Monday in February and the first Monday in
tending, and rod tying, which we are always needing.
August to either keep your position or be placed on the list.
Schedules are always available on www.laborpa.org.
Please note that the monthly dues for 2021 will remain
I would like to congratulate our recent retirees: Rickie
the same. Active members will remain at $39.00 per month
Adomnik, Martin Buffone, Robert Cooper, Donald
and retirees will remain at $8.00. It is in your own best
Sekerak, and Steven Young.
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WPA LABORER WINTER 2021
interest to pay dues in a timely manner as to avoid phone number, email, or qualifications please call our
suspension. office at 724-654-5551.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate In closing I would like to thank Phillip Ameris and the
Brother Harvey Bellas, Jr on becoming the latest member entire District Council for all the continued support for the
to join the “50 year” ranking in our local union. Locals and Members during the Pandemic. It shows that
We would also like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Laborers’ of Western PA are a class above the rest. I’d
the families of the following members who have passed also like to wish everyone a Happy Safe Holiday!!
away: Brother Thomas Summerville, Brother Samuel
Buffone, Jr, Brother Clarence Schmader, Brother Kenneth
Ferringer, Jr, Brother Gary Loughrey and Brother Brandon LOCAL UNION 1058
Hawkins.
Members please be aware of the changes in the welfare Wishing everyone a safe, healthy
fund. As of January 1, 2021, the Welfare Fund will institute and happy Holiday Season! It has
the CVS Smart 90 mandatory mail order program. been a very difficult and trying year.
Members can receive prescription drugs through either I want to commend and thank all the
Express Scripts or CVS Pharmacies. Any member who Local 1058 members for carrying on
receives monthly life-sustaining maintenance drugs should with business as usual.
utilize the 90-day mail-in order service or CVS Pharmacies Local 1058 is proud to represent
Joseph Laquatra, Jr.
for retail service, to achieve savings for such medications. Business Manager the heavy highway workers, the
This service delivers all of your maintenance drugs right to front-line workers, and all the
your door and provides a savings to the member of paying municipal workers who persevered in their duties to their
only 2 copays instead of 3. All members are strongly jobs during this pandemic. If you are currently not
encouraged to take advantage of the mail-in order service. working, please take advantage of the Training Center and
For those members who do not want to participate in the remember to update your skills card at the Hall when you
mail-in order program, you can pick up your maintenance have completed a course. If you do not have a skills card
drugs at a CVS Pharmacy at the same reduced rate of 2 on file, call the Hall and we will send one to you.
copays instead of 3. All other prescriptions that are not Also, remember to put your name on the Out of Work
maintenance drugs will not be affected by this service. List. We will continue to work together with our members
In closing, we look forward to your calls with regard to to overcome any obstacles that 2021 may bring.
updated and new certifications in preparation for what we
hope will be a prosperous work season. God Bless and stay safe!
Joseph Laquatra
Business Manager
LOCAL UNION 964 Local 1058
As 2020 comes to a close, many
of us are looking forward to a better
year in 2021. I know everyone
including myself are ready to put the
COVID-19 Pandemic behind us!
We had a decent year and added
another 50 new members to keep up
Jeff Grinnell
Business Manager with the demand of our contractors.
Please remember to take advantage of
the Training Center in Saxonburg by calling 800-442-8868
to schedule classes. It is imperative that our members use
the Training Center as a tool to help keep our membership
skilled and in need by employers.
I would like to congratulate Mike Wasko for achieving
50 years of service with the Laborers and becoming Gold
Card Status!
Please remember that dues will still be $39 beginning
January 1, 2021 and if you have any change in address,
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LOCAL UNION 1451 In Memoriam
It’s been a wild and crazy year Local 373
here at Local 1451! Daniel Sebolt John Teagarden
Starting with the Corona Virus Ernie Mehall James Cutuli
which put a big damper on our work.
Donald Pivirotto John Wilson
The merger of Local 419 into Local
James Geiger Rafael Alcantarilla-Diaz
1451, took effect on October 1,
Damian Turner Carroll Davis
2020.
James Boyd Charles Grodes Russell Baker
Business Manager I would like to take this time to
welcome all members of Local 419 Ronald Yokimcus Salvatore Cinea
and I look forward to serving everyone in the upcoming Melvin Coburn Dana Berish
year. All members of Local 419 should have received a William Barnhart William Duall
letter with the Local 1451 address and phone number on it. Donald Kulas Robert Kemp
If you didn’t receive one, please call the office at 724-537-
7451.
Please keep in mind that you are still required to do your
Local 824
Wellness Profile every year in order to stay on the Premium Robert D. Singer
Plan. Also please remember that Local 1451 has a call-in
day the first Monday of February, May, August and
November, to maintain your spot on the Out of Work List.
Local 952
Thomas Summerville Kenneth Ferringer, Jr.
If you do not call in on these days, I will assume that you
Samuel Buffone Jr. Gary Loughrey
are working, and you will not be on the Out of Work List
until you call in!! Clarence Schmader Brandon Hawkins
It is also very important that if you have an address
change or phone number change to immediately contact the
office, so that we can adjust our records. Work has been
Local 910
Mark Earnest John Stanislav
very slow this year and we are hoping for a better 2021. If
Dennis Hynes David Renninger
you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact me
at the office. James Miller John Roles
In closing, I would like to thank our District Council and Thomas Platt Robert Funicelli
Philip Ameris for all of their help with the Jeffrey Smith
merger of Local 419, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas
and a Prosperous New Year! Here’s to looking forward to
Local 1058
Keith Beatty John Gwinn Jr
a better 2021. Stay Safe.
Clyde Bracken Thomas Hammond
Jim Boyd Joseph Brown Marshall Kelley
Business Manager Donald Camerson Shawn Mimm
Local 1451 Ronald Daugherty Paul Olbeter
John Dellaria Henry Scheid, Jr.
Antonio Ditano Francis Shaffer
Ryan Divani Gilbert Shroyer
Leroy Fennell George Suchar
Lisa Friend George Sutyak
Emil Giampa Kenneth Watson
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