Engineers News - April 2015

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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.
Member Philip Yoder signs the “always wear hearing protection” pledge as part of worker safety that was emphasized during the Semi-Annual Event. Charles Perry gets his blood pressure checked during the free health fair. From left: Bill King and Scott Crippen catch up during the March 15 Semi-Annual Event. John and Debbie Dovala enjoy the barbecue lunch, which included chicken and ribs. From left: Eleven-year member Gerard Tynan and Rec. Corres. Secretary Jim Sullivan. Retiree Roger Flansburg and his wife, Terilynne, get lunch. From left: Ben Moreno talks with Business Manager Russ Burns before the meeting. Thirty-one-year member Darius Upshaw, right, brought his son, Darius Upshaw Jr., to the event to learn more about the benefits of Local 3. From left: Members Chris Hutcheson, Justin Lord and Adan Moreno visit at the Solano County Fairgrounds during the union’s Semi-Annual Event. From left: David Hardy talks with Vice President Pete Figueiredo. Sixty-year member Paul Greney and his wife, Nita, get their seats early before the meeting begins. From left: Treasurer Justin Diston and Financial Secretary Steve Ingersoll salute the flag. April 2015 | 13
Page 1 and 2: Operating Engineers Local 3 Vol. 73
Page 3 and 4: For The Good & Welfare By Russ Burn
Page 5 and 6: Unit 12 Maintaining the Delta fish
Page 7 and 8: ATPA By Bob Miller, ATPA senior acc
Page 9 and 10: The attacks continue By Scott Fulle
Page 11: Rancho Murieta Training Center for
Page 15 and 16: It’s never a dull day for a pipel
Page 17 and 18: seasoned veterans of the trade and
Page 19 and 20: edding I 20308 Engineers Lane, Redd
Page 21 and 22: Eureka I District Rep. Dave Kirk ut
Page 23 and 24: stockton I 1916 North Broadway, Sto
Page 25 and 26: REMINDERS Upcoming picnic informati
Page 27 and 28: OFFICIAL ELECTION NOTICE: OFFICERS
Page 29 and 30: Face-to-face with … … Nine-year
Page 31 and 32: Swap Shop ads are offered free of c

Engineers News - April 2015

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