George Rogers retires as International vice president of the Central Section.
Central Section to be represented by May, McManamon
GEORGE ROGERS retired May 1 as International vice president of the Central Section, a position he has held since Feb. 1996.
“I have truly been blessed to serve as an officer of Local Lodge 132, the National Transient Lodge, and the International union,” Rogers said. “A lot of my work was performed in the South Central States Area — a most difficult area to be a union worker [due to anti-union sentiment and the prevalence of right-to-work laws]. But I’ve tried to treat others like I would like to be treated, and I have made many friendships and acquired many fond memories that I will carry with me forever.”
International President Newton B. Jones praised Rogers’ many years of service, stating, “George has contributed greatly to our union, to our trust funds and lodges, and to the lives of our members. He has been a great friend of the Boilermakers, and a great friend of mine. We will miss his daily contribution to our union, but I am happy to report that he has volunteered to be on call to assist the organization in any way that he can.”
Rogers began his career in 1964 as a Boilermaker helper at Todd Shipyard & Construction. He helped convert old Navy escort ships into sea/land containerized cargo ships during the summers and between semesters while attending the Texas Lutheran College in Sequin, Texas.
In 1966 he joined Local 132 (Galveston, Texas) while attending the North Texas State University in Denton. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1970, and began a teaching career while still working at the Boilermaker trade in the summer months. From 1971 to 1976, he taught biology, math, and human anatomy and physiology, while coaching football, basketball, baseball, and track for the Galveston Independent School District. But he left the education field, as the Boilermaker trade paid twice the salary that a public school teacher could earn at that time — a move he never regretted.
“Set high, but attainable goals; work hard and close with others; and stay committed and loyal to your tasks, union, and family. The good you do can never be taken away!“
— George Rogers
“My greatest reward as a labor leader has been the ability to help others,” Rogers said. “This not only included assisting committees in negotiating better labor agreements, but also helping brothers, sisters, and even non-members in resolving grievances and other problems in construction, shops, and shipyards.”
From 1976 to 1978, Rogers served as dispatcher and assistant business manager for Local 132. In 1978 he was elected president of the lodge, and in 1981 business manager.
Although he was re-elected as business manager in 1984, Rogers chose instead to accept an offer from then-International President Charles W. Jones to serve as an International rep for the National Transient Division (NTD). He became director of the NTD and an assistant to the International president in 1989.
Rogers served as the administrative assistant to the International president from 1991 to 1996. He also served on the Committee on Constitution and Law as secretary in 1991, chairman in 1996 and 2006, and advisor in 2001.
Rogers first served as a trustee on the Boilermakers’ national funds from March 1991 through April 1999. He became a trustee again in March 2003 and continues to serve in that capacity. He plans to spend his retirement days enjoying life in Texas with his wife, Becky, his three children, and his granddaughter. He would like to convey the following thoughts to those younger Boilermakers who have chosen this trade as a life-long career: “Set high, but attainable goals; work hard and close with others; and stay committed and loyal to your tasks, union, and family. The good you do can never be taken away!“
Central Section to be divided
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7.5 of the International Brotherhood Constitution, International President Newton B. Jones has temporarily assigned all lodges within the Central Section to two International vice presidents, pending International Executive Council discussion.
Great Lakes International Vice President Larry McManamon has been temporarily assigned all lodges within the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.
Southeast Area International Vice President Sam May has been temporarily assigned all lodges within the states of Oklahoma and Texas.
