We are committed to shaping a resilient and forward-thinking future for the Boilermakers union. Being from the field, we know the challenges that Boilermakers face.
Working in the field, I watched craftsmen pour their hearts and souls into their work as Boilermakers. Their dedication and pride in their craft left a lasting impression on me. I remember the first time I walked into a job site as an apprentice: the smell of grinding, the sound of welding.
And from my early days working on the tools at Local 11 to serving as the President of the Montana State Building Trades Council to today, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of unity and dedication. International President Simmons and the entire International Executive Council share this commitment. Having served in various crucial roles, from working on the tools to leading recruitment and organizing for our union to serving as International leaders, this is a team with a wealth of experience.
We see a clear vision in harnessing the power of our union—the power of our unity. To strengthen our organization; to increase member engagement by encouraging active participation in political campaigns, building relationships and alliances with other unions and organizations, encouraging community involvement, growing our digital communications and public and media relations. For too long, our union has shied away from these important elements of unionism.
Providing resources and training on political activism, for example, will empower members to be vocal advocates for their rights. Too many Boilermakers have shrunk away from our union’s duty to political involvement—adding our labor voices to impact our work and our union rights.
Building stronger alliances with other labor unions, advocacy groups and community organizations will also help us by forming a united front on labor issues. Collaborating on joint initiatives will amplify our collective impact. Enhancing our digital presence through social media and online campaigns will allow us to engage with a broader audience and raise awareness about our union’s activities and achievements. Building relationships through social media outlets and launching public awareness campaigns will educate the public about our union’s efforts, fostering a positive image and garnering support for our causes.
Our vision is to focus on these key areas:
- Member Engagement: We will increase member engagement by encouraging active participation in political campaigns, town hall meetings and community events. We will provide resources and training on political activism to empower members to be vocal advocates for their rights.
- Alliances and Coalitions: Building stronger alliances with other labor unions, advocacy groups and community organizations will help us form a united front on labor issues. Collaborating on joint initiatives will amplify our collective impact.
- Digital Platforms: Enhancing our digital presence through more social media and online campaigns will allow us to engage with a broader audience and raise awareness about our union’s activities and achievements.
- Public Relations: Building relationships with media outlets and launching public awareness campaigns will educate the public about our union’s efforts, fostering a positive image and garnering support for our cause.
- The M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund: To maximize the impact of the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, we will strategically allocate resources to key areas. In marketing, we will use advertising campaigns, public relations and outreach to industries to enhance our efforts to showcase the benefits of joining the Boilermakers union. For organizing, we will identify potential workplaces for unionization, build relationships with workers and provide support throughout the organizing process to bring more workers into the union. In recruitment, we will highlight the advantages of union membership, including our exceptional training programs and opportunities for career advancement, attracting new members to our ranks. For employment, we will create job opportunities by partnering with employers, advocating for labor-friendly policies and promoting our skilled workforce to potential employers.
Our M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund is a strategic initiative that embodies our commitment to growth and sustainability. By focusing on Marketing, Organizing, Recruitment and Employment, we aim to increase membership and man-hours. Through targeted efforts in these areas, we will promote the Boilermakers union, attract new members and create job opportunities for our skilled workforce. The M.O.R.E. Work program has already seen success, and we are committed to expanding and innovating to ensure its continued impact.
Together, under the leadership of Tim Simmons, the full International Executive Council and myself, we are committed to shaping a resilient and forward-thinking future for the Boilermakers union. Being from the field we know the challenges that Boilermakers face; and by focusing on strengthening our union and leveraging the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, we will remain strong advocates for workers’ rights, industry advancements and the well-being of Boilermaker members. Let us move forward with determination, unity and a shared vision of a brighter tomorrow.
