LABORER
Southern Illinois
Local 773 – Laborers’ International Union of North America Volume 4, Number 3 – October, 2007
Senator Gary Forby:
‘We need the revenue now’
Mel Casteel Awarded the Joe Vergilio Award for his Dedication and Leadership
Local 773 Member Mel Casteel was awarded with the Joe Vergilio Award at the 2007 LIUNA Leadership Conference in Chicago. Mel has been an outstanding individual whose passion for his union challenges us to strive each day and work tirelessly no matter what the cause. In 1998 he joined LIUNA as a member of Local 45 which later merged with Local 773. While serving as Shop Steward and later Chief Steward he fought the battles and everyday struggles for his Union at the University of Missouri for five years and was never one to shy away from the toughest of problems. He took on the employer while representing his Union brothers and sisters everyday by handling grievances, mediations, and formed a negotiating team to fight for a good contract. During his years as steward, he dedicated his time to attend training offered through the Laborers’ International Union and the University of Missouri, University Extension and Labor Education Program in cooperation with the Missouri Labor Council to further educate him in serving the membership. Unfortunately, in 2003 he suffered liver failure and underwent a liver transplant in August of that year. After this time he was medically disabled and could not return to work at the University nor as the Union Steward but even that did not keep him down. Since his recovery, he willingly volunteers full time EACH AND EVERY DAY at the Laborers’ Local 773 Union hall in Columbia, Missouri serving as office manager. He is a key organizer in the entire State of Missouri participating in organizing drives and is instrumental in voluntarily training new members. At age 60, He is a perfect
Business Manager John E. Taylor, LIUNA Vice President Edward M. Smith, Award Recipient Mel Casteel, LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan, SCIDC Rep Danalynn Rice, Local 773 Rep Rex Taggert.
example of Union leadership and shows extraordinary and remarkable love for his Union. Mel has been recognized not only as a remarkable individual but for his inspiration, motivation and passion he shows each day despite his limitations. “If I ever think that I’m having a bad day…...I just think of Mel Casteel and my day isn’t so bad afterall” Edward M. Smith
Local law makers, including State Senator Gary Forby and State Representative Brandon Phelps, along with Local 773 Business Manager John E Taylor were among many supporters who gathered in Harrisburg on September 24th to pave the way for a new capital construction program in the State of Illinois. A series of three bills were passed last week which received significant bi-partisan support. The Illinois Senate voted 37-15-6 on Tuesday to open three new casinos to help fund a capital program for the state (HB 2035). It would include a 4,000-postion landbased casino in the City of Chicago, two river boats in unspecified locations and an expansion of 6,000 gaming positions that will be made available by bid to the nine existing casinos. The expansion of gaming is expected to raise approximately $12 billion in new revenue. The Senate also voted on SB 785, $13.3 billion of bond authorizations to help pay for the capital program. It passed the Senate by a vote of 52-3-1. The increased bond authorization will allow the State of Illinois to capture a total of $11.8 billion in federal and local matching funds. The last piece of legislation the Senate voted on was the much anticipated capital bill, SB 1110. It passed by a vote of 58-0. It would bring in $25.2 billion to fund the construction of Illinois’ roads, bridges, and new schools. The Senate capital bill does not address a long-term funding solution for the Chicago Transit Authority and it does not deal with the looming pension crisis for the CTA employees. There is legislation in both chambers that deals with these issues that has the backing of Labor. We will continue to lobby members of the General Assembly for a long term solution to fund transportation for the City of Chicago and surrounding areas.
Pictured: State Representative Brandon Phelps, former State Representative Jim Fowler, Local 773 Business Manager John E. Taylor and State Senator Gary Forby.
General President Terence M. O’Sullivan and LIUNA Retiree Council Coordinator Terence J. O’Sullivan Pay Visit to Southern Illinois
LIUNA Vice President and Midwest Regional Manager Edward M. Smith and LIUNA General President Terence M. O’Sullivan.
Laborers’ Local 773 had the honor and privilege to welcome LIUNA General President Terence M. O’Sullivan and his father, LIUNA Retiree Council Coordinator and former LIUNA Secretary Treasurer Terence J. O’Sullivan to Southern Illinois. The General President and his father had the opportunity to visit our members of the Grounds Department at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale, SIU Librarians and the construction members that were on site that day In addition, they had the opportunity to visit Touch of Nature in Carbondale to discover the potential use for future training as well as the new Laborers’ Training Facility in Marion. Local 773 Retirees and Retiree Council Members were also given the opportunity to have breakfast with the General President and his father at the Rent One Miners Ballpark in Marion. The breakfast was to honor of LIUNA Retiree Council Coordinator Terence J. O’Sullivan and to present Local 773 Retiree Council Members with the new Local 773 Retiree Council Charter.
4 –Southern Illinois Laborer – October, 2007
Built on a tradition of skilled workers and incomparable service, Laborers’ Local 773 in Marion, Illinois, is truly the UNION DIFFERENCE. We proudly represent construction workers, health care providers, public service workers and industrial employees. Laborers’ Local 773, one of the strongest and largest unions in the nation, represents more than 4,200 members in Southern Illinois and 41 states nationwide. President:....................................... Business Manager: ........................ Secretary/Treasurer: ...................... Vice President: .............................. Recording Secretary:..................... Executive Board:........................... Sergeant At Arms: ..................... Auditors: ................................... . Edward M. Smith John E. Taylor John Price Kevin L. Starr Bob Bandy Danalynn Rice Connie Treece Rodney Howell Bobby Bowers Melinda Motsinger-Karnes Barbara Sumner
Laborers’ Local 773
Recently the Southern Illinois Laborers’ Health and Welfare passed a milestone of 30 years of service to our members. It began in 1977 in Cairo, Illinois as the Laborers’ Industrial and Public Employees Health and Welfare Fund with only one contributing contractor. Now with a staff of 14 and nearly 3,500 members, SILH&W covers construction, industrial as well as public and private members servicing them with their health and welfare plan, annuity and vacation fund. Within the 30 years of service, SILH&W has processed over fifty million dollars in medical claims and benefits to the members.
Congratulations Southern Illinois Laborers’ Health and Welfare on Celebrating 30 Years of Service
Knowledge is Power: Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to obtain an affordable college degree
Laborers’ Local 773 5102 Laborers’ Way Marion IL 62959 618-993-5773 Toll Free: 877-993-5773 Fax: 618-998-1773
The Laborers’ and the entire Construction Industry need individuals with work and educational experience to serve in Management capacity in all sectors of the Industry. Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Midwest Region Laborers’ have joined forces to provide all union members with an excellent opportunity to peruse an affordable college degree in fields of study that are relevant to our profession in the trade union movement. Representatives from the University will be at our November Union meeting to explain this great educational opportunity. Don’t miss the chance to hear how you can utilize your previous college credits and your work-related experience in order to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, Health & Safety management or a Certificate option for Education, Training and Development. The Program is available to both Apprentices and Journeyman.
Local 773 Construction Division along with the Foundation for Fair Contracting were successful in putting Laborers’to work at the Tri-State Motor pole barn building in Anna, Illinois. We were also successful in a picket against the Five-Star Convenience store in Marion. A laborer was sent to work at this job along with one of our contractors to cover the work. Work has been overwhelmingly good for the past few months. Members from the B-list list have now recently moved to the A list. However, this work is only for a short period of time. Illinois has not had significant funding for the construction projects statewide in over 4 years. Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois State Senate passed the largest construction package in history worth $25 billion dollars which will create 700,000 jobs. If this bill passes the House of Representatives, Laborers’ will be put to work! Please make a call to your state representative and tell him/her to vote for the Capital Bill as Passed by the Senate. One minute of your time could mean 6 years of work. Representatives from Local 773 attended the ground breaking at LaFarge Cement Plant in Grand Chain, Illinois. This project is over 400 million dollars worth of work. It will put to work 600 construction members, and should last at least 3 years.
Construction News
Mark your calendar
Laborers’ Local 773 Annual Christmas Party
December 15, 2007 Noon to 2pm Bigger Crowd-Bigger Building! Williamson County Pavilion Behind the Illinois Center Mall In Marion
Judge James Wexstten announces candidacy for Court of Appeals
Incumbent Judge James Wexstten announced his run for election of the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Judicial Court on Friday September 21 at Laborers’ Local 773. Wexstten has held this position since being appointed earlier this year. LIUNA has been a supporter of Judge Wexstten for many years because he promises “fair and equal justice for all”. Wexstten served more than 19 years as a circuit judge in the Second Circuit and in that time twice as chief judge. He was appointed to the appellate court in January of 2007 following the death of Appellate Court Justice Terrence Hopkins. Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in History Education, with honors, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, June, 1972. Juris Doctor Degree, Southern Illinois University School of Law at
3 –Southern Illinois Laborer – October, 2007
Pictured Above: Williamson County Commissioner Brent Gentry, Rhonda Bandy, Candidate for Circuit Court Judge Steve Stone. Judge James Wexstten. LIUNA representative Jim Stevens, SCILDC Rep Bob Bandy, Rex Piper, 773 Construction Director Kevin Starr, local 773 Law Enforcement Director Bill Stark
2008 Election Schedule and 2008 Election Schedule and Registration Deadlines Registration Deadlines
General Primary Election Last day to register to vote Grace Period Registration and voting First Day Last Day Early Voting for Primary First Day Last Day
Judge James Wexstten
February 5, 2008 January 8, 2008
Carbondale, Illinois, May, 1976. Law Practice: Engaged in the private practice of law in Mt. Vernon, Illinois Elected: 1988 Retained: 1994, 2000 Career Highlights: Chief Circuit Judge 1991-1993 and 2000 - 2002. Jefferson County Bar Association Past President; Illinois Judges Association Board of Directors, 1991-1993; elected Secretary, 2001; 1993 Recipient of the Citizen Award from the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association in recognition of efforts to enhance probation services across the State of Illinois; Past President and past member of Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Illinois Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse - America.; appointed to various committees by the Governor, Attorney General and General Assembly on issues involving juvenile issues. Author and Lecturer at various education seminars for Illinois Judges.
January 9, 2008 January 22, 2008 January 14, 2008 January 31, 2008 November 4, 2008 October 7, 2008 October 8, 2008 October 21, 2008 October 14, 2008 October 30, 2008
Get Out The Vote!
Members are a crucial part of an extraordinary effort during the election cycles that included hundreds of precinct walks, jobsite visits, mailing literature, getout-the-vote emails and telephone banking. These are only a few ways Laborers’ can band together to create political muscle. Your hard work helps strengthen our union and is our livelihood. Your union needs your help...volunteer at least 3 days each year to your local union and become a voice for working men and woman.
General Election Last Day to register to vote Grace Period Registration and Voting First Day Last Day Early Voting for Election First Day Last Day
Following Live Webcast and Visits by Major Democratic Hopefuls, LIUNA Ramps Up Member Engagement in Search for a Build America Candidate
LIUNA member education and mobilization efforts take shape following Leadership Conference in Chicago where White House hopefuls spoke to LIUNA leaders in person and LIUNA members live via webcast at www.LiunaLive .org. Thousands of LIUNA members in more than 700 communities viewed the webcast. Chicago (September 19, 2007) – The nation’s fastest growing construction workers’ union will ramp up member education and mobilization around important issues and the Presidential campaign following outreach by the candidates to thousands of leaders and rank-and-file members in Chicago this week. On Monday and Tuesday, candidates appeared before about 1,000 leaders at Leadership Conference of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – and their remarks were webcast live to members across the country. LIUNA General President Terence M. O’Sullivan outlined the union’s process for endorsing a candidate:
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The union will conduct further random-sample surveys of members on the issues and on candidate preference. The first of such surveys was completed earlier this month. The union will continue reaching out to members with all available tools, including auto-dialing, email, text-messaging and the web. The Monday and Tuesday webcasts remain archived at www.LiunaLive.org for members to view and submit feedback. Thousands of members – hailing from more than 700 communities – have viewed the webcasts so far. Candidates who participated included Senators Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson. Informational and activist tools will continue to be distributed across the union’s more than 400 Local Unions to better engage members around issues. Please visit our Local website www.local773.com to stay informed of the important issues for the upcoming elections.
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O’Sullivan said the union would endorse a candidate when member support reaches a threshold of about 60 percent. “Our members view this as a presidential race about their everyday concerns – not an endorsement race,” O’Sullivan said. “Our goal is to engage our members – an army one-half million strong – so that they engage the candidates to speak to ‘build America’ issues.” LIUNA members are on the forefront of the construction industry – a sector that is a powerhouse of 10 million workers who produce 5 percent of the nation’s economic output.
4 –Southern Illinois Laborer – October 2007
Women from region and beyond gather for the 4th Annual LIUNA Womens Day Conference
On August 25, women from the region gathered at the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center to promote leadership in their Union as well as encourage women to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them. The morning event included guest speakers such as State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias who gave his perspective on the obstacles he has overcome during his year as the youngest State Treasurer ever elected, Catherine Shannon from the Illinois Department of Labor along with Director of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth who challenged the women to play a non-traditional role in leadership. Edward M. Smith, LIUNA Vice President, Midwest Regional Manager and Assistant to the General President spoke on behalf of his Union encouraging the women to support each other and get involved in issues to make a difference. The women also took part in issues such as wellness, worker’s rights and political action. Now in it’s forth year, the conference provides knowledge and information to women as well as encourages them to get involved with all issues that effect the community.
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
Director of Illinois Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth
LIUNA Vice President Edward M. Smith and Catherine Shannon from Illinois Department of Transportation
Law Enforcement picnic held Oct. 6
On October 6th, Laborers’ Local 773 hosted a Laborers’ Law Enforcement Picnic for the Franklin County Law Enforcement Officers to promote unity and assist with organizing efforts for the Franklin County Units. Local 773 has recently organized the West Franklin County Central Dispatch and recently signed a contract. In addition, Local 773 is in the process of contract proposals for the Franklin County Sheriffs Department which will be going to an election with the FOP. With the assistance from our MROC organizers, we are also currently in the process of continuing to organize the Hazelwood Police Department (99% card check signed), Bel-Ridge Police Department (60% card check signed) in St Louis County, Missouri, St. Charles County Sheriffs Department in Missouri and currently in talks with Woodson Terrece Police Department.
Record attendance at Local 773’s Labor Day picnic
This year marked the fourth year local 773 hosted our annual Labor Day Picnic and Prayer Breakfast Event for all members of local 773. The picnic was catered by 17th Street Bar and Grill and sponsored by Peoples National Bank of Marion. Guest speakers included Edward M. Smith, Midwest Regional Manager and Assistant to the General President, State Senator Gary Forby, Peoples National Bank President Bill Bonan, Steve Stone, Candidate for Circuit Judge and Dr Sam Goldman SIU Board of Trustees. More pictures of our Labor Day Picnic can be viewed on our website at www.local773.com.