38th General Convention <strong>of</strong> the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Union</strong> Delegates elect Callahan General President, issues call to action to defend 16 international operating engineer
Feature <strong>of</strong> <strong>Operating</strong> <strong>Engineer</strong>s rights and grow membership Delegates to the IUOE’s 38th General Convention, held in Hollywood, Florida from April 28 to May 1, took to heart the convention theme, “Honor the Past, Shape the Future,” by adopting 17 constitutional amendments and 27 resolutions that establish the priorities and positions <strong>of</strong> the union going forward. The delegates unanimously elected James T. Callahan as General President and Brian E. Hickey as Secretary- Treasurer to their first full terms. All current <strong>International</strong> Vice Presidents and Trustees were also unanimously elected. “I am proud to lead a union <strong>of</strong> dedicated and skilled trade unionists who build and maintain North America every day,” said Callahan. “Once again, our union is called to action. We must stand up against powerful interests who want to silence workers, kill private and public sector unions, and marginalize working families. “Now, more than ever, we need to make bold investments and find innovative solutions that will create jobs, pay a fair wage – a union wage– and support middle class families.” Resolutions dealing with organizing, training, occupational health and safety, prevailing wage, economic and labor issues, and pension and healthcare benefits also were passed unanimously, as were other resolutions dealing with various issues. Featured speakers at this year’s convention included U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL); Ambassador Gary Doer, Canadian Ambassador to the United States; Richard L. Trumka, President AFL-CIO; Douglas McCarron, General President - United Brotherhood <strong>of</strong> Carpenters; D. Taylor, President - UNITE-HERE; and Stephen Lindauer, CEO - Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Union</strong> Constructors. The convention theme was prevalent throughout the four-day event and delegates returned home energized and unified for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. More information about the 38th General Convention, including the video presentations that were shown, can be found at the <strong>International</strong>’s website: www.iuoe.org [left] Former General President Vincent J. Giblin administered the oath <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice to the newly elected General Officers and <strong>International</strong> Trustees. [following pages] Scenes from the 38th General Convention that was held in Hollywood, Florida where over 600 delegates from 104 locals took part. spring 2013 17