A soaring air-rights tower that would bridge an ugly highway canyon dividing the Back Bay and South End is poised to move forward this summer after years of debate.

Developer Arthur Winn's Columbus Center team is finalizing a series of financing and regulatory agreements needed to start construction in late summer on the 400-foot hotel/condo/retail complex, say executives close to the planning.

To read the entire story JH

On Friday, April 29th, family, friends, political and business heavyweights, and his brothers and sisters from the organized labor community gathered for the retirement celebration of former Boston Building Trades General Agent, Joe Nigro, at the new South Boston Convention Center. Senator Ted Kennedy and Boston Mayor Tom Menino were two of the evening's speakers. Each recalled fond memories of working with Joe over the years, but It was Joe's daughter, Shannon Amsler, who eloquently illustrated the wide-ranging talents of her dad to the overflow audience. Congratulations Joe, you were a true leader and your work put food on the tables for thousands and thousands of workers over the years, many of them our very own iron workers!

To view more pictures of "A Tribute to Joseph W. Nigro"   JH

Local 7 officers and friends of Jimmy Coyle, outgoing Local 7 BM-FS/T and new General Agent of the Boston Building Trades, and Joe Nigro, the man Jimmy replaced, gathered at Mario's Restaurant in East Boston for an appreciation dinner on Thursday, April 28th. Also in attendance were two new members of the "Half-Century Club," new Local 7 BM-FS/T Jim Brown and attorney Jim Langan, who does a lot of fine work on behalf of our funds and our members. Congratulations are in order for all four guys!.

To view more pictures of this event JH

Capco Steel is doing a huge hotel project adjacent to the new Convention Center in South Boston.

For a first-hand look at the "cast of characters" doing the work JH
 

A group of delegates from the District Council spent time in Washington, DC this week for the annual Building and Construction Trades Legislative Conference. Combined with the conference were a number of training sessions at our International headquarters, private meetings with a number of national politicians and a retirement party for former International General Treasurer Dennis Toney.

For a look at pictures from the conference JH
 

To see pictures of the Massachusetts Delegation's breakfast JH

 

During the conference, BCTD President Eddie Sullivan announced the first annual "HATS OFF" award to a delegate who had performed an exemplary task since the last conference. Local 7's own Bernie Evers was the worthy recipient for his development of a plan to recover work in the reinforcing steel industry in an eighteen state area of the country.  

To see pictures of that award ceremony JH

 

There were some great training programs incorporated into the conference for the delegates. These classes were held at our headquarters in DC and were well attended. IMPACT hosted classes on job tracking in the commercial and industrial industry that will lead to more jobs for our members if the information is followed through on. There was also a class on political activism and how to track our enemies, the people who are intent on destroying organized labor, which was hosted by John Gans, his staff and associates. It proved to be remarkably informative and we will soon be passing on applicable information to you for your personal use.

To see pictures of these classes JH




As stated earlier, part of the conference was the retirement party of former IW General Treasurer Dennis Toney. Keynote speaker for the event was New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

To see the DENNIS TONEY Retirement Program JH

To see some 'behind the scenes' pictures of the event JH
 

If you have previous ironworking experience, it will be taken into consideration during the application process as Local 37 maintains the right to slot apprentices in at an advanced level. (While we're on this subject, if you feel like your experience warrants journeymen status, please contact Roy Coulombe @ 401-438-1111 as soon as possible and that request will be given every consideration too).

For a MapQuest map of Local 37 JH

Local 37 has many jobs (schools, bridges, prisons, power plants, casinos, etc.) coming up. One of the more high-profile and glamorous jobs include the $100-million project at Waterplace Park (which, it should be noted, is being partially funded by our DC pension fund as highlighted (and BOLDED by us) in the tail-end of a story that appeared in the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL and is available immediately below). 

For a look at the project at Waterplace Park (from the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL) JH

 

Other potential projects in the Providence area include a 27-Story Condo which was recently highlighted in the Providence Journal:

To read that PROVIDENCE JOURNAL story JH

and a
 

32-story tower that would be the first skyscraper built in the Financial District in 20 years:

To read the rest of the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL story JH

and a
 

$38 to $58 million renovation of the aging Dunkin' Donuts Center:

To read the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL story on this possibility JH

Even absent any guarantee or approval on these final three proposed projects, the future is bright for the members of Local 37. The opportunity of joining their apprenticeship is here, and they need to plan for manpower now to enjoy a prosperous future. If you're looking for a career in construction, or, if you're already there, but you're looking for safe working conditions, higher wages, comprehensive health insurance and a pension when you get to the other end of your career, not to mention the many other tangible benefits that go along with being a member of organized labor, now is the time to take advantage of it. JH
 

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4/16/05

Local 7's Danny Wambolt, Book #273374, was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Police Association. Wambolt, a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame, was president of the National Boxing Association for twelve years. He is pictured above with Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Dan Clark, who frequently wows audiences with his fabulous renditions of patriotic songs.

To see a larger version of the photo  JH

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4/15/05

Boston Red Sox executives yesterday outlined plans to add 2,700 seats and standing-room perches over the next three years where the glassed in .406 Club and rooftop seating sections are now found.

This is good news for the district council, as the Red Sox constantly utilize the services and talent of the building trades. Redoing the .406 Club (which will be renamed, but maintain its 406 seats after Ted Williams .406 average - the last of the "400 hitters") will actually bring back memories for our members as we built the original structure years ago. Some of our more recent work, which was highlighted in a past edition of our newsletter, The COLUMN, was the "Monster Seats" atop the left field wall - one of the most sought after tickets in all of baseball.  

To read the entire BOSTON HERALD story JH

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4/15/05

See some fantastic footage of 60 State Street being built (mid 70's)...

For a great story and some superior pictures of our guys in action, check out the link below. The subject is The Sixty State Street tower and its use of different portions of its structural system to respond to vertical and lateral loads. The overall system is called tubular framing, since the perimeter frames of the building are designed to act as a cantilevered tube in resisting lateral forces. Comparisons are made to a number of famous, and similarly constructed, buildings - including the WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS. Thanks go out to our attorney, Mickey Long, who came across this link while reviewing a work-related subject on the web. This is a must see (while the link lasts). Enjoy...

To see this fantastic footage and an interesting story JH
 

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4/15/05

When you vote for most Republicans (Tom Delay, Mitt Romney, etc.) you get Republican values. What are Republican values?

A House committee approved four bills that supporters said were written to ease burdens on small businesses when they deal with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

We must understand that when a Tom Delay controlled Congress starts "easing the burdens on small businesses," it's time to hang on with both hands and double up on your lanyards! Somebody ought to take Humpty-Dumpty TOM DELAY out to work in a decking gang or bolting up to see if he really wants to "ease any burdens!" You got any room in your decking gang, Gretzky?

Once again, these people are cutting deals with our members' well being as collateral. They water down the rules for the Big Business Bosses and the campaign chests overflow with thanks (in the form of green money cash - which keeps these anti-worker candidates in office). Once they shut us up - which is their goal - there will be nobody left to speak up. Silence equals surrender.

To read the latest idea from the TOM DELAY controlled Congress JH

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4/15/05

Our intention is to get the news about our members, our industry, our friends, and (especially) our enemies (see glowing stories on people like Mitt Apple for an Orchard Romney and Tom Humpty Dumpty Delay for verification), as quickly as possible.

The time to call on an injured or sick member is when they are injured or sick. We shouldn't be waiting until they show back up at the hall to see how they are doing. If people forward information to me, and I can verify its authenticity, I will post the information ASAP. Tom Brown (far right in the picture above, which was taken at the retiree meeting on April 12th) is our first "victim." Tom had both knees replaced on April 13th and could use some cheering up. I cannot post addresses or phone numbers on the site for all the obvious privacy reasons, but if you know Tom (or any subsequent person we may list), drop him a card or give him a call - and don't forget to give him time to get to the phone, as it ain't easy with two new knees! It's like the old joke: What I used to do all night, now takes me all night to do! Good luck Tommy!
 

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4/15/05

To see the full list of officers JH

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4/14/05

Meet Texas Congressman TOM DELAY

The man who's out to get America's workers!

To read more on Tom Delay's antics JH

If you're not a regular follower of national politics, yet the name Tom Delay rings a bell, here's why: After 9/11, our nation's Majority Leader, issued a scathing attack on organized labor, claiming "...the union bosses drive to grab more power presents a clear-and-present-danger (NOTE: his underlined emphasis, not the District Council's) to the security of the United States at home and the safety of our Armed Forces overseas...." What did organized labor do to perturb him? We advocated that workers should be allowed (if they chose) to join a union in their workplace.

Tom Delay is a scary and dangerous individual, whose longtime antics are just now catching up to him. He is a world-class arm twister and power abuser and our members must understand that his intention is to destroy organized labor and all it stands for (good wages; fair benefits and safe jobs). We can fight back, or allow Delay and his minions to succeed in their efforts. Ignoring his attacks, or failing to portray him for what he truly is - a bully - keeps him in the driver's seat and us in his crosshairs. It is Tom Delay that is a clear-and-present-danger to our nation's workers, and this time the emphasis is straight form this District Council!

 

To read TRMPAC FOR DUMMIES JH

 

Ten reasons why Delay must go... WITHOUT DELAY!

To read the top 10 reasons from Political Campaign Action Fund   JH
 

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4/14/05

Who is training our next generation of construction workers?   The Building Trades' Unions...

Washington, DC….The Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, has released the final report in a two year study of apprenticeship programs sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).  Using data from the U.S. Department of Labor and state apprenticeship agencies, the report examines every ABC sponsored apprenticeship program in the country, and every apprentice that was registered in these programs from approximately 1995 to 2003.

Not the ABC!

To read more on the ABC's woeful lack of training JH
 

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4/13/05

While the ABC spreads their usual propaganda, and works feverishly to deny hardworking employees things like health insurance and pensions, 100% of the ironworkers in the state of Massachusetts are trained by the Ironworkers Union (100%, this is not a misprint!). As a matter of fact, in North America, the Ironworkers Union has spent $45 million in its 175 training centers in the past year to teach 11,500 apprentices the "tricks of the trade." These trained ironworkers and instructors are constantly giving back to their communities throughout the United States and Canada, as this is how it is supposed to work (unlike the Merit Shop's hit and run policy of doing the work and slipping back out of town, and more often than not, out of state, at the end of the day).

One quick example of this community service was Local 7 apprentice instructor Kevin Hart building a state-of-the-art BBQ grill for the students at the Woodward School in Quincy, MA. Great job, Kevin, and thanks to the Local 7 retirees, Billy Harvey, Louie Canini and Mike McKinnon, as well as Local 7 President Jim Brown, who took the time to deliver the gift to the school and forward us a few pictures.

To view a couple of pictures of the event JH

 

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4/12/05

To see more about Mike's work JH

To contact Mike JH

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4/12/05

The "W" in the fancy logo above shouldn't stand for Winchester but for WHAT- as in: WHAT is the Winchester Hospital planning on doing on their new construction project?

For more on a story that will have a significant affect on our members and their families JH
 

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4/12/05
 

Local 7's Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, June 25, 2005 President's Golf Course Quincy, MA. First come, first served....$75 per player...Tee times a must...Gifts, food, fun...

John Coyle (617-669-1484) Dave MacKenzie (617-327-3512) Barry Sullivan (781-762-5701)

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4/12/05

Local 7 Retirees' monthly meetings being held again now that the winter is over (It is over, right?)

Stopped in to see the Local 7 retirees at their monthly meeting today and snapped a few pictures (camera's still intact, amazing...hey, you'll know what I mean when you see the pictures!). It was great to see everyone. Brings back unbelievable memories and it is so important for this great group of people to get together on a regular basis. As you may know, they suspend the meetings in January, February and March due to potential bad weather. So, if you can make it in May, the next meeting is on MAY 10, at 11AM at Local 7's Union Hall.

To see the pictures of today's meeting JH

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4/11/05

Wave of new museums in Boston results in good jobs for our members...

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4/9/05

Tommy Shea elected new Business Manager/FST in Local 57 Worcester

Tommy Shea was elected as the new Business Manager/FS-T today in Worcester, MA. Tommy will replace Jack Mundy who made a recent decision not to run again. More information will follow as it becomes available but we wanted to get this out ASAP. Congratulations are in order for Tommy. 

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4/9/05

Local 7's training facility and union hall was the site of yesterday's BOSTON POLICE promotional ceremony. Local 7 is active in a wide range of community affairs in Boston and this is just another example of how they step up and give back to the city and its citizens and officials when called upon.

To read the story from the BOSTON HERALD or see a larger picture JH
 

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4/9/05

Apologies to brother John DeCourcey of Local 57 in Worcester, MA, who recently submitted a poem about ironworkers that got tangled up in the mess that exists on the top of my desk and got temporarily lost. JH (John should not be confused with Local 7's John "Jake" DeCourcey, who is not a poet!)

To read brother DeCourcey's handiwork JH

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4/8/05

While this won't solve the problem completely, it is a terrific start. Senate President Robert Travaglini should be commended for his recognition of this widespread problem, as well as his willingness to attack the powerful statewide (and national) lobby made up of contractors and companies whose wish is to pass on these responsibilities to the taxpayers.

Workers who are fortunate enough to be covered by health insurance are already hit with an "Uncompensated Care Pool" tax. The way it works is if socially responsible owners and companies choose to give their employees insurance, they are charged a tax (disguised as a "Surcharge"), so that the employees of their competitors - who DO NOT provide their workers with insurance - will be covered in the event they end up at a hospital. Does this make sense? We have a Senate President who does not think so, and is in a position to do something about it. This is what we are talking about when it comes time to elect candidates for office. Some think in a manner that is in the best interest of working class American taxpayers. Some don't, and we should reject them as a result!

To read the entire ASSOCIATED PRESS story JH

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4/7/05

To read Steve Bailey's story JH

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4/7/05

To read Mr. Woodlief's entire story JH
 

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4/6/05
(updated from 4/4/05)

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Here comes the Judge(s)... and they have working families in their sights!

President George W. Bush has said his models for appointments to the federal judiciary are Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, the two most extremist members of the Supreme Court. His current group of judicial nominees reflects those extremist views and one common denominator is their troubling records on workers’ rights.

For a list of prospective judicial nominees JH
 

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Do you live in Weymouth, Abington or Rockland, Massachusetts?

If so, it is important to stay abreast of what is going on at the Naval Air Station property. When you are called upon to attend these meetings that are designed to facilitate work on this property (or to stop it) please take the time to show up, as an abundance of work opportunities for our members are what's hanging in the balance!

To read the full story by Jon Chesto of the PATRIOT LEDGER JH

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The BOSTON GLOBE is reporting that Boston developer Samuels & Associates detailed plans yesterday to build a $100 million mixed-use building near Fenway Park that would include 210 condos and rental apartments, only a few weeks after the Boston Red Sox outlined their vision to revitalize the neighborhood near the ballpark.

To read the full story or see a larger rendering of the picture JH

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Because our newsletter only comes out every two months, we've asked The COLUMN's Tony Loureiro to update our deaths, retirees and get wells from time to time online.

For the latest list JH
 

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4/4/05
(Updated from 4/1/05)

Local 7's John Tellier Fighting for our freedom in Iraq

We heard from another warrior within our ranks. John Tellier of Fall River, MA, and Local 7, is serving admirably in Iraq. He didn't provide much information, but did send two pictures. Forward us some more info John and may God Bless you and your entire group in the interim.

To see the pictures JH

To see MORE pictures of John JH

NOTE: Disregard the date on the picture. The camera setting was wrong. No conspiracy theories! We communicated with John and he will forward more info and hopefully more pictures.

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To see the BOSTON HERALD story or a larger version of the picture that ran with it JH
 

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To read the story JH