Vol 2 Iss 4 4th qtr 10.pub - Operating Engineers Local 520

Volume 2, Issue 4
Page 3
Ron Johnson,
Business Manager
Hello Brothers & Sisters,
I hope the fall season finds you and your family doing well. The extremely hot
summer that we just experienced makes me welcome the cooler fall days with open arms.
We continue to have a very strong workload with work hours comparable to last
year at this time. We have more people working off our books now than what we’ve had
all year. Our two major projects, Conoco Phillips and Prairie State Energy Campus, are
peaking this year. As these major projects wind down, we hope to have others that will
keep our operators employed. Projects like the Mt. Vernon Hospital, the Science Building
at SIUE, Mississippi River Bridge, the bridge approaches, I-255 extension, treatment plants,
sewer work, waterlines and many road and bridge projects throughout our jurisdiction are
encouraging.
I’d like to thank everyone for coming out and exercising their right to vote in our
August election. We had an excellent turnout with 894 votes cast! I appreciate the continued
support from many members throughout the years. I look forward to working with
our newly elected Executive Board; together we will represent all of Local 520’s members
to the best of our abilities.
One of the keys to our future success is training. I see our new training facility as a
joint venture between Local 520 members and our signatory contractors. The success of
us both goes hand in hand. This new training facility will allow us to offer more and better
classes for our apprentices and members wanting to improve their skills and get certifications.
We hope to have an open house next summer to showcase the new facility.
Thanks to the hard work of many, the Labor Day parade was a huge success.
Some people helped with the fish stand, some drove or furnished equipment, and many
marched in the parade. Whatever you did to help make the 2010 Labor Day parade and
activities a success, WE APPRECIATE IT!! We received many compliments on the 300
pounds of fish that we prepared and served. The Labor Tent at the Du Quoin Fair was
manned again this year by Paul and Mona George. We thank them for their tireless efforts
in representing Local 520 at the fair.
In closing, I’d like to emphasize the importance for organized labor to get out and
vote in the November election. I urge everyone to make sure that you and your family
members are registered to vote. We need to back the candidates that help to secure the
work in our area, promote Project Labor Agreements, Responsible Bidder Language and
protect Prevailing Wage. Support those who support us!
Respectfully,
Ron