Engineers News - April 2015

Together we’re strong
Semi-Annual proves power in
numbers and diversity
They came from all backgrounds, classifications, age
groups and interests to the Solano County Fairgrounds on
March 15 for Local 3’s Semi-Annual Event. Some, like Darius
Upshaw Jr., son of 31-year member Darius Upshaw, were
considering a career in the union. Others, like Apprentice
Josh Bynum, had recently joined the organization and were
working to complete their apprenticeship. Thirteen-year
member Sal Flores has put in some time in the field and
knows that time off the field participating in his union is just
as valuable. (That’s why he attended the event.) Sixty-year
member and Retiree Paul Greney proudly considers himself a
“union man,” and brought his wife, Nita, explaining that they
come to union meetings as often as possible. Musu Bennett,
a member since 2008, came to articulate the importance of
recognizing women in the industry. Miles Peterson came
with his grandfather/Retiree Johnny Johnson, since Local
3’s Semi-Annuals are a family affair. And Boy Scout Troop
119 came from Galt to perform the Honor Guard ceremony
during the meeting. The hundreds who attended the event
came together because in doing so, Local 3 only grows stronger.
Business Manager Russ Burns stressed the necessity of
union solidarity and togetherness during his State of the Union
Address, explaining how critical it is for the membership to
help the union’s organizers and agents protect our work.
“We don’t want to do anyone else’s work,” he said. “We
just want to do ours.”
He emphasized that the membership has to call the staff
when they see anyone other than an Operating Engineer
operating our equipment.
He also discussed the importance of coming together
against the legislation in Nevada that guts collective
bargaining and attacks prevailing wage.
“We can’t be late to the game,” he explained and urged
our involvement against political anti-union groups across
our four-state jurisdiction.
“Don’t think it [anti-union legislation] can’t jump the
fence,” he warned.
Burns discussed the union’s Health and Welfare and
Pension Funds, highlighting that Local 3 has many months’
worth of reserves in the active and Retiree funds, and thanks
to the stellar market returns of 2013, our Pension Fund is
scheduled to certify in the Green Zone two years earlier
(2024) than had previously been expected.
“Our Pension Fund is solid,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Burns gestured to the audience and
said, “You all make our jobs worthwhile.”
As the crowd dispersed after the meeting, it was obvious
that Local 3 represents a diverse group of members and the
more we come together, the stronger we are.
See you at the next one!
For more photos and information from the March 15
Semi-Annual Event, including details from Business Manager
Russ Burns’ State of the Union Address, please visit us online at
www.oe3.org.
Kat and Mike Canyon learn more about their prescription benefits at the
OptumRx booth.
Apprentice Ishmeal Zeno brought his
family to the Semi-Annual Event for
the food and fellowship.
From left: Steve Searles and President Dan
Reding visit before the meeting starts.
Retiree Johnny Johnson and his grandson,
Miles Peterson, enjoy the watermelon at
lunch time.
Retiree Gerry Sloniker gets his
body mass checked as part of the
free health fair.
Member Mike Kline, his son Luke and wife
Christine take a break from the booths to
get a bite to eat.
12 | Engineers News
Retiree Joseph Athenour, a member
since 1947, and his wife, Alice, “try
not to miss” a Semi-Annual Meeting.