32nd Consolidated Convention badge manufactured by Local M18.
Lodge also does work for FBI, other law enforcement agencies
WHEN DELEGATES TO the 32nd Consolidated Convention in Las Vegas wore their credentials July 25-28, most were likely unaware that part of those credentials — the handsome brass badges — were made by fellow Boilermakers. Local M18 members employed by Bastian Co. of Phelps, N.Y., use 20-ton presses to create the badges, which are then hand-painted.
L-M18 Pres. Jenaro Garcia, who attended the convention, said, “I’m proud that delegates see the kind of work our members do. We have about 12 members employed at Bastian.”
The company has been a union shop since 1895. In addition to manufacturing convention badges, Bastian produces badges for the FBI, other law enforcement agencies, security firms, and fire departments. Bastian also makes lapel pins, key tags, luggage tags, belt buckles, magnetic sculptures, and other items. All Bastian products are union-made and are sold through distributors located throughout the United States.
Chartered in 1996 as a metal polishers lodge, L-M18 also represents workers employed by Getinge Co. of Rochester, N.Y., which makes sterilization equipment and other products for the health care industry.
