INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS
LOCAL 101
VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1 • KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI • FEBRUARY MARCH
APRIL 2015
How the elections affect our members
| page 3
Local Contractor helping our community
| page 13
“Right to Work” ordinance
| page 15
HEAVY/HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EWCONSTRUCTION AGGREGATES
1
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
STATIONARY ENGINEERS
Inside this issue...
Fe atu re d A r t i c l es
Page 3
Scott Rettig . . . . . . . . B
usiness Manager
Page 4
Michael Charlton . . . . P
resident,
Business Representative
Kansas City
Page 6
Kurt Chaffee . . . . . . . V
ice President,
Business Representative
Topeka Area
Page 8 Terry Simpson . . . . . . F
inancial Secretary,
Business Representative
Kansas City
Page 10
Fred Voigt . . . . . . . . . B
usiness Representative
Kansas City
Page 12
Aaron Brown . . . . . . . R
ecording Secretary
Business Representative
Kansas City
Page 14
Nick Carey . . . . . . . . . Business Representative
Kansas City
Page 16
reasurer
Darwin Gardner . . . . . T
Business Representative
Kansas City
Page 18
Charley Kendrick . . . . Business Representative
St. Joseph Area
Page 19
Shawn Mulligan . . . . . Business Representative
Sedalia Area
Page 20
Jerry McKnight . . . . . Business Representative
Springfield Area
Page 22
Mike Ward . . . . . . . . . B
usiness Representative
Wichita Area
Page 24
Kevin Rusnak . . . . . . . B
usiness Representative
Stationary - Kansas City
Page 25
Peggy McGinnis . . . . Business
Representative
Stationary - St. Joseph Area
Page 27
Schedule of Training Classes
22
Featured on the front cover:
Kissick Construction, Musselman & Hall and
Great Plains Drilling working at the
Burns & McDonnell World Headquarters
Per Capita Tax Increase
DUES INCREASE
Effective July 1, 2015
Delegates at the 38th General Convention of
the International Union of Operating Engineers,
held in April 2013, voted unanimously for a
Per Capita Tax Increase of fifty cents
(50¢) per month (or $1.50 per quarter)
DUES RATES
The following Dues Rates will go into effect starting
July 1, 2015 for Local 101 Operating Engineers.
Heavy Equipment Operators
101, 101B, 101R (Apprentice)
$22.40 monthly
$67.20 quarterly
101C (Retiree)
$12.05 monthly
$36.15 quarterly
Stationary Operators
101S
according to contract
101S (Retiree)
$11.75 monthly
101S (Out-of Service)
$15.25 monthly
PLEASE NOTE:
CHANGES IN DUES CALCULATION
• Your dues MUST be paid through the
CURRENT MONTH not the Quarter
• Delinquent/ Reminder Notices are sent
at thirty (30) days past due.
• Members whose dues remain unpaid will be
suspended after sixty (60) days.
PAY BY PHONE:
The Kansas City branch of Local 101 is
now offering “Pay by Phone” for your
convenience. In order to
pay by phone, just call 816.737.8600.
LOOKING AHEAD IN 2015
As 2015 is getting started, I know that many
members are anxiously awaiting for the work season
to begin. During the 2014-2015 Holiday Season, Local
101 members had a lot of work at the two car
manufacturing plants in the Kansas City area.
Contractors that work under the Heavy Constructors
Agreement have also kept some of our members busy
with ongoing work repairing our roads, bridges, and
various other Heavy projects. With the exception of
a couple cold spells, the dry weather has made this
work possible. Looking ahead into 2015, up-coming
work looks positive. There are jobs carrying forward
from last year, as well as new jobs being reported
from our Contractors for 2015.
This is Local 101’s first newsletter since the November
2014 Elections. The results of that election were quite
disappointing. The results from that election will more
than likely have negative effects for most of us over
the next few years. In Missouri, many newly elected
Legislators will be introducing, so called “new rightto-work” laws as well as more attacks on Prevailing
Wage. In my opinion, the time and effort that these
lawmakers waste trying to break down wages and
working conditions for the middle class could be
better spent solving real issues like the conditions of
our roads and bridges in Missouri.
In Missouri, it is reported that 26% of our supplemental
roads are in such poor condition that they may soon
resemble a gravel road instead of a paved one. On
these supplementary roads are approximately 483
bridges that are reported to be in serious condition.
In ten years, that number could rise to approximately
1400. Nearly 90% of these bridges will close, as well
as many others that are subject to weight restrictions.
The work that is needed on Missouri’s roads and
bridges, would put many Missourians to work. If the
lawmakers in Missouri would focus on the real needs
of Missouri, instead of filling campaign promises to
those fat cats (that fall in the 1%) who pay for their
elections, they could help everyone in Missouri.
Scott Rettig
Business Manager
In Kansas, the voters decided that they had not had
enough of the failed experiment conducted by
Governor Sam Brownback. The voters chose to bring
Governor Brownback in for another four years. This
decision will affect many Kansans, especially those
that make a living building and maintaining the roads
and bridges in Kansas. In 2010 a 4/10th-of-a-cent sales
tax was implemented with overwhelming support from
all areas of the state. This 4/10th sales tax would
provide 8 billion dollars over ten years to fund highway
and transportation needs in Kansas. It would also
provide an estimated 175,000 jobs. Because of the
Governor’s failed experiment, to date nearly 1 billion
dollars has been diverted to fill the shortfalls in the
Kansas budget.
Recently, it looks like he will be going after another
350 million dollars, which will jeopardize future
projects. The work currently underway in Kansas,
being done by our members, will not be affected.
However, this will be a huge concern for future
projects.
The actions of the lawmakers in both Missouri and
Kansas are making decisions that very much affect
the livelihood of our members. It is very important
for you to let your respective representative know
how you feel about their interference in your livelihood.
Your Local will continue to keep you informed of any
possible threats arising on the subjects of Right-toWork, and Prevailing Wage issues in Missouri.
Wishing all the members of Local 101 a prosperous
and safe 2015!
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
3
Michael Charlton
Infrastructure in
America Rated
at a D+
President
infrastructure, and says the country would need to
spend $3.6 trillion by 2020 to get it all up to par. In
the meantime, bridges have literally collapsed under
traffic.
I
nvesting $1.3 billion in infrastructure next year would
add at least 29,000 jobs to the construction industry
alone and $2 billion to economic growth while reducing
the deficit by $200 million, according to a new report
from Standard & Poors.
The jobs added are likely to be new ones, not just
hiring people who are already employed. Even more
jobs would be added to related industries. The report
cites a 2012 study that found 61 percent of jobs directly
created by infrastructure investment would be in that
industry, with another 12 percent in manufacturing and
7 percent in retail and wholesale trade. Almost 9 out
of 10 of those jobs would be defined as middle-class.
Returns will keep increasing even after the initial
investment. In addition to the short-term benefit of job
creation, significant investments in large projects can
enhance efficiency and allow goods and services to
be transported more efficiently. Once the infrastructure
is up and running, it boosts the economy’s capacity
and output, which means increased growth and more
jobs long after the work has ended.
There are plenty of places where the U.S. could spend
money improving infrastructure. The American Society
of Civil Engineers gives us a D+ grade on our roads,
bridges, waterways, electrical grids, and other
4
Government spending has fallen by about $60 billion
in just a few years and spending on infrastructure and
other long-term priorities has fallen below any level
since World War II. On top of all of this, the Highway
Trust Fund, which gives federal money to states for
infrastructure projects, will become insolvent shortly.
President Obama proposed a four-year, $90 billion
dollar plan that would have put $150 billion back into
the fund, but that amount would have still fallen far
short of what the country should be spending.
The Missouri Republican-led Legislature voted in May
to refer the transportation tax to last year’s ballot in
a vote that split the political parties, drawing some
Democratic support but also some Republican
opposition. Because it was in the form a constitutional
amendment that is decided by voters, the measure did
not have to go before the Democratic governor for his
signature or veto.
Nixon noted that legislators this year also approved a
gradual income tax cut – by overriding his veto – that
is projected by legislative researchers to eventually
reduce state revenues by $620 million annually.
Lawmakers also approved a series of specially tailored
tax breaks for particular industries, organizations and
consumers that Nixon says could reduce state and local
revenues by an additional $776 million annually.
KANSAS CI TY
KANSAS CITY
The ballot proposal said the sales tax would have
generated $534 million annually for 10 years while
prohibiting increases in the gas tax. That’s over
$5 billion in 10 years. That would have been
145,000 jobs in the construction industry over
the next 10 years.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has
said it soon won’t have money to adequately
maintain roads and bridges, much less undertake
any major new projects, because of declining
revenues. Over the past five years, Missouri’s
construction budget for roads and bridges has
fallen from about $1.3 billion annually to $685
million this year. It is projected to dip to $325
million by the 2017 budget.
ESI on the American Bridge Project
Missouri has the seventh largest road system in
the United States while ranking 43rd in funding.
The sales tax would have improved that while
creating tens of thousands of good, high-paying
jobs in the construction industry.
American Bridge working on the 69 Hwy
Bridge demolition
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
5
K
-State has seven different jobs varying from $20 million to $1.5
billion that are in various stages of bidding. At this time, without
much imagination I can see close to $2 billion dollars worth of projects
starting in the next year. The big one of course is the NBAF project
which to those who have been watching has had some level of activity
for the last six years. The lab itself is supposed to be started by May
with some phases of construction lasting as long as 5 years! I’ll keep
you posted as it develops.
The SCR project at Jeffrey has finally wound down. This has been a
great job for all of organized labor as only a very small portion of
the work went non-union. From our perspective this job provided
literally thousands of man hours for the membership of 101 and their
families. It also kept at least a dozen union contractors busy throughout
the process. I’ve never taken our existence at the area powerhouses
lightly, as it remains one of our strongholds through good times and
bad. The folks at Westar appreciate the “get it done right, get it done
the first time” attitude that our union members possess. It’s the reason
we maintain the relations we have. My hat’s off to all those 101 members
that made that job happen. Our professionalism was noticed by all!
Believe me; they have choices! Wrapping up powerhouse news, the
outage at Lawrence Energy Center is scheduled to start March 30th.
Kurt Chaffee
Vice President and
Business Representative
Topeka
Other events around the area include the Deep South project with a
crew working on moving a vessel out of Saunders at Emporia that will
wind up in Eldorado. They seem to be having a bigger existence in
the area as time goes by. Blue Hat Crane Rental and Doherty have
had an around-the-clock project involving a dryer at the ICL plant in
Lawrence (formerly FMC), which has been a good one for them.
As I write this article the dirt side of work is slow to none, but not
unusual for January. The K-10 project with N.R. Hamm continues to
make progress when weather permits. Rieke Brothers still have work
at Menards in Lawrence to finish up. There’s not a lot of big work in
the upcoming KDOT projects locally. The focus seems to be on bridge
work and bridge replacements. I’m hoping City and private work in
Lawrence and Topeka is able to pick up the slack. Also locally, I’ve
been contacted by a couple of demolition companies about tearing
down the Docking Building at 901 Harrison in Topeka. We’re hoping
that project goes union as well.
We would like to thank the staff at the training site for coming over
and putting on a forklift certification class. It was appreciated by all!
Enerfab working at the Jeffrey SCR project
Condolences go out to the families of Gregg Shereman and Kenny
Ware. Gregg passed away on December 31, 2014 and Kenny passed
on January 2, 2015. They will be missed.
In closing: If you have been called back to work, please call and
let me know so I can remove you from the “Out of Work” list.
Stay alert and work safe!
6
B U SI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
TOPEKA
Blue Hat Crane working
around the clock at the
ICL Plant in Lawrence
The Topeka meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm located at
3906 NW 16 St, Topeka, Kansas. We hope to see you at a meeting soon.
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
7
This winter has been brutally cold! We are now approaching midJanuary and many of our contractors are getting back to work while
they can before the cold hits again.
Clarkson Construction and Kiewit Infrastructure (GIC) have a lot of
work going on at the Johnson County Gateway Project. Other areas
with work are on College Boulevard, K-10 & Ridgeview with the bridge
expansion. The bulk of the work in the area is around the
435-K-10/I-35-435 area with bridge columns popping up for the new
flyover bridges. With this comes a lot of dirt work on the south side
of the job for future expansions.
Terry Simpson
Financial Secretary
Belger Cartage set out another tilt-up warehouse at the Intermodal,
and will soon be setting the next one. Central Plumbing is also on site
doing storm sewer and waterline work. Freeman Concrete is doing the
curb work, while McAnany Construction will be doing the asphalt
paving. McAnany also has work on 99th Street in Lenexa, which is
approximately 90% complete.
The subdivision work in my area still looks good for the up-coming
season. O’Donnell & Sons, and Kissick Construction were all over in
Olathe and Overland Park last year, continuing this work season as
well. Kissick Construction also has on-going work for “Water-One” in
Olathe with 8 miles of 42" waterlines.
Haupt Construction has on-going work at 127th Street just west of
Metcalf for a new apartment complex. Site Rite Construction is also
on this project installing the underground utilities. This is just one of
many new apartment complexes going up in the Johnson County area.
Kissick Construction
Enerfab began a 6-week shut down at Lacygne in mid-January for the
final preparation and tie-in for all the new work that Kiewit has been
doing for the last 3½ years. Everything should be up and running and
turned over to KCPL by late April or early May.
Max Rieke Brothers has on-going work at 124th & Quivira around the
retirement home doing the pipe work and the silt pond. George Shaw
has the site work and Redford Construction has the utility work for
the new Olathe High School which will last for quite some time. George
Shaw also got the by-pass road to Hedge Lane so that KCPL can
come in and move the existing power poles down Hedge Lane. Shaw
also started work at the new Overland Park City Center located at
Switzer & College.
The Foley Co. was the low bidder on water pump station work in the
new Century Air Center doing pump upgrades and replacements.
Ideker Construction picked up some mill and overlay work for K-DOT
at 107th & 169 Highway.
Looking ahead in 2015 the work looks real good.
Enerfab at the Lacygne job
8
As always, work safe and productive and represent Local 101
with pride!
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
KANSAS CITY
The Gateway Project
Lacygne
Power Plant
Holliday Sand & Gravel at plant #3 in Shawnee
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
9
The Christmas shutdown at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant
in Claycomo was a great boost of work for the men and women of
Local 101. I heard nothing but praise from the Contractors about the
quality manpower that Local 101 supplied. This is a testament to the
professionalism and craftsmanship of the men and women of Local
101. I thank you for that!
Fred Voigt
George J Shaw has demolished two buildings on the Saint Luke’s
Plaza Campus, making way for further expansion. No official word on
what will be built. There is speculation that it will be a multi-story
parking garage and doctor’s offices.
Business Representative
Kansas City
Truman Medical Center is building a four-story office building and
parking garage at 22nd and Charlotte. George J Shaw, Mark One
Electric, Rodriguez Mechanical, Midland Steel, Blue Hat Crane Rental,
and Building Erection are on this project.
Expansion of the Burns & McDonnell world headquarters continues
with Kissick Construction, Musselman & Hall, Fordyce, George Shaw,
Building Erection, Midwest Crane and Great Plains Drilling all on site.
Musselman & Hall, with Wilkerson Crane Rental, are setting precast
on a substation located at 47th & Troost.
Blue Hat Crane and Midland Steel
at Truman Med Center
Absolute Crane, and Building Erection are putting up red iron on a
church in the Westport area.
Street Car Constructors have maybe a third of the rail installed along
its route from Union Station to the River Market. Kissick Construction,
Redford, and Ideker are still on site in force. Building Erection,
Midwest Crane, George J Shaw, Max Rieke Bros., and Rodríguez
Mechanical are forging ahead on the Streetcar Maintenance Facility.
American Bridge has a M-250 on the water, and a 4100 on the south
bank of the Missouri River, as they prepare for demolition of the south
bound Platte Purchase Bridge. This will make way for a 4-lane bridge
connecting Riverside Missouri, and the Fairfax Industrial area of Kansas
City Kansas. Once completed, they will demolish the North Bound
Platte Purchase Bridge. Phillips Hardy will then erect a minor bridge
for this Project. ESI is constructing temporary ramps on the Missouri
side of this project, to get the bridge girders over the levee.
Building Erection and Absolute Crane
in Westport
10
Northland’s, “Twin Creeks” was headlined on 1-1-15 in the Kansas City
Star as the next major growth area. This article was heralding the
completion of the 40 million dollar sewer project in Platte County,
that was constructed by Redford Construction, Radmacher Excavating,
and Kissick Construction.
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
KANSAS CITY
Hopefully, the city will realize that when you hire the reliable
and professional Union Contractors, your projects complete on
time and within budget. This article in the Kansas City Star
proceeds to say that now the city will need to look deep into
the budget for a way to pay for the roads in this area (estimated
to be $300 million or more). This will be needed for the estimated
60,000 to 75,000 people that will be moving into this area.
With an investment like this, the city would be well advised to
consider Union Contractors and the advantages that they bring.
The work load for 2015 looks very good. I would not go as far
as to say “full recovery,” but things are looking up!
Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Come to work rested, and
alert, and watch out for yourself and others around you. Go
home knowing you have set the standard for safety and Union
Craftsmanship.
Belger Rail Yard
JE Dunn at Kansas City Board of Trades Building
American Bridge working on the
69 Hwy Bridge Demolition
ESI working on an American Bridge Project
Hayes Drilling & ACI Concrete at 16th & Main
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
11
Public opinion of Labor Unions is not the best! There is
a lot of criticism from those that do not understand what
a union is all about. There is a misunderstanding about all
the good things a union does for its members, and even
for those that are not affiliated with a labor organization.
Aaron Brown
Recording/Corresponding
Secretary
As you read further, I will explain how unions have a positive
effect on entire communities, as well as our entire nation.
With a strong union presence in your area, the economy
will reflect it. Union members as a whole make higher
wages than others working in the same capacity. This in
turn puts more money into the local economy. As businesses
flourish, the need for more employees occurs. On the flip
side of things, if you live in an area that low wages are
prevalent, and businesses aren’t flourishing or making good
profits, the need for more employees dwindles. Statistics
prove that a large metropolitan area with a strong union
presence, has a much better chance for creating new jobs
and sustaining a healthy economy.
Strong organized labor unions create higher pay by creating
a higher prevailing wage. These higher wages will have a
positive effect on everyone that lives in your community
whether you are a union member or not! When a person
lives in a weak area of organized labor, or perhaps none
at all, the wages race to the bottom.
Hopefully, I have just given you a few examples of how a
strong labor presence in your area positively affects your
community.
There is a
misunderstanding
about all the
good things a
union does for its
members.
As a way of giving back to our community Local 101 has
been monetarily supporting such groups as The Bishop
Sullivan Center and The Banneker Elementary School. We
have also been making yearly contributions to these
organizations: The City Union Mission, The Salvation Army,
and Harvesters. These contributions are made possible
because of union wages.
In closing, I hope I have shared some reasons with
you to support the fact that you are part of an
Organized Labor group that has a positive affect
for the community you live, work, and play in.
12
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
KISSICK
CONSTRUCTION
GIVES BACK TO
OUR COMMUNITY!
Jim Kissick Construction demolition of an
abandoned house in a Kansas City neighborhood
What a great way to help out!
Kissick Construction jumps in to
help our community by donating
their time and efforts to demolish
many abandoned “eye sores” in the
Kansas City area.
This is just one more example of
how much union contractors and
their workers impact their
communities. You won’t find any
(non-union) contractors making this
kind of effort.
Demolition of abandoned houses donated
by Jim Kissick Construction
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
13
The Christmas shut-down at General Motors
main plant produced work opportunities for
about fifty Operating Engineers.
Clarkson Construction and Comanche Construction
were the low bidders for the I-70 work. This work will
take place from 7 Highway north of Bonner Springs,
back east to the 110th Street Interchange. Clarkson is
also working on the new Auto Plaza that is just east
of I-435 and south of Parallel Parkway.
Nick Carey
Business Representative
Kansas City
I
am looking forward to the 2015 work year! Gas prices
are as low as we have seen in many years. In the past,
lower fuel prices helped jump start the economy,
especially in the construction industry.
The Christmas shutdown at General Motors main plant
produced work opportunities for about fifty Operating
Engineers. Automatic System, Inc. received the biggest
part of the maintenance work load. Smaller portions
of the work was awarded to Commercial Contract
Corporation, International Industrial Inc., and Boldt
Construction. Sellers & Marquis was also at GM working
on the roof of the main plant.
Azco has been working in the Fairfax district at the
CertainTeed Plant. Blue Hat Crane Rental and Concorp
also have been assisting with the maintenance work
at this location.
E.S.I. has been working at I-35 and Mill Street. They
have been rocking the banks of Turkey Creek. Midwest
Crane & Rigging and Building Erection have been
setting precast at 75th and Neiman Road, on the
Shawanoe Elementary School addition.
14
J.E. Dunn Construction is starting a new job on the
northeast corner of 39th and Stateline. This job will be
a 300,000-square-foot, six-story, structural steel
hospital building. Dunn also received more work at the
Overland Park Regional Hospital for a new parking lot.
George Shaw Construction did the dirt work, Realm
Construction took care of the retaining walls, and
Hanrahan Asphalt Co. layed the asphalt.
Belger Cartage did the hoisting for the tilt-ups at the
new Woodend II Industrial Park. Hanrahan worked on
the north side of the building laying asphalt for
temporary parking.
Looking ahead, The 2015 work year looks promising!
Keep your equipment certifications, and CISAP cards
up to date. As winter passes, and you receive a call
back to work, please remember to call and take your
name off of the “out of work” list.
I wish everyone a prosperous 2015 work year, and
as always, BE SAFE!
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
A KENTUCKY COUNTY JUST VOTED
TO APPROVE THE FIRST
“RIGHT-TO-WORK” ORDINANCE!
Passing a “right-to-work” law at the state level has
been a top priority for this right in recent years.
Where such laws might not be able to pass at the
state level, local “right-to-work” ordinances may be
on the horizon.
In recent months, a coalition of anti-union groups
have been promoting the idea of passing “right-towork” ordinances on the city and county level.
Recognizing the success of progressives in pursuing
labor rights at the local level, these anti-union groups
have decided to try their own version of small scale
warfare!
Outlined, is the anti-union arguments and some of
the associated problems in an article for THE NATION.
A few days later, Politico’s Brian Mahoney reported
from ALEC’S winter meeting that “specifically the
groups are looking at counties in Washington,
Montana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and perhaps
most aggressively Kentucky.
A county in southwestern Kentucky, approximately
halfway between Louisville and Paduch, voted for
preliminary approval of a county-level “right-to-work”
ordinance. The vote appeared to come out of
nowhere. It was listed on the agenda as “an Ordinance
relating to the promotion of Economic Development
and Commerce.” One of the magistrates stated that
he only found out about the ordinance on the
morning of the vote!
If Warren County, Kentucky takes the final step to
passing its local “right-to-work” ordinance, it will
represent the beginning of a long fight over the
legality of such local laws.
Promoters of the effort argue that although federal
labor laws generally preempts any local ordinances,
Section 14 (b) of the Taft-Hartley Act, which permits
right-to-work laws in “any state or territory,” is
ambiguous as to whether it applies to cities and
counties.
They argue that counties are subdivisions of the state,
and home rule cities have been delegated authority
by the state, so these entities should be included
under the term “state.”
While anti-union argument is wrong, this has all the
earmarks of an eventual Supreme Court case in the
making. Recent cases have already shown that the
court is capable of some truly anti-labor decisions!
THIS INFORMATION WAS FIRST
POSTED AND APPEARED AT THE
“CENTURY FOUNDATIONS” BLOG.
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
15
George Shaw Construction starting on the
Cerner Project in South Kansas City
Darwin Gardner
Business Representative
Kansas City
I
hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and wishes for a very
Happy New Year. The weather has been a cold mess, and has been
very hard for those trying to do the dirt work. It is that time of
year, so we will just work around it as always.
Work looks good for this up-coming year. If the weather cooperates,
we will have many operators hard at work.
Haines & Associates picked up water line work on Bannister Road
and Eastern Avenue. Blue Nile has four crews working in the
Hickman Mills/Red Bridge area installing water lines. Blue Nile also
has a crew working in Martin City, as well as upcoming work they
have not yet started.
J.A. Lillig and Beemer Construction are both setting reinforced
concrete pipe in Lee’s Summit, with Haggard Hauling setting them
in place. Lico Steel is setting the iron at the new N.O.A.H. project
in Grandview. Central Plumbing, Mark One, and Haupt Construction
are all on this job as well.
Redford Construction is doing pipe work on two jobs located in
Belton and Harrisonville. Mid States Excavating returned to the bus
barn in Grain Valley for some finish up work. Kissick Construction
has the dirt work at the Unilever job in Independence and the sewer
tie in work in Sugar Creek. Amino Brothers finished up a roundabout in Blue Springs and are getting ready to widen Woods Chapel
Road. Radmacher Excavating started off and on again work on
Lee’s Summit Road, with on-going work on Strother Road. Phillips
Hardy is near completion for their work on Markey Parkway in
Belton. J.E. Dunn reported that the mass excavation for the Cerner
project will begin soon.
Haggard Hauling and Beemer on a
JA Lillig job in Lees Summit Missouri
16
There was a good turn-out for the Kansas City January Union
Meeting. It was nice to see so many faces in solidarity.
REMEMBER, while you are out working on various jobs, you
have the right to request another workers union card,
particularly when you see another trade running Operating
Engineers equipment.
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
KANSAS CITY
50
Alan Engnes received his
50 Year Service Pin in January
Larry Harris received his 40 Year
Service Pin, Gold Card, and Watch
in November
Don Shaw received his 45 Year
Service Pin in November
35
40
Robert Criscione received his 40 Year
Service Pin, Gold Card, and Watch
in November
John Thomure received his 35 Year
Service Pin in January
30
Greg Harris received his
30 Year Service Pin in January
40
45
35
Sheila Hoehn received her 35 Year
Service Pin in November
25
Steve McKinley received his 20 and
25 Year Service Pins in November
Drawing Winners for November pictured are
Randy Bergstrom, Phyllis Strozier and Shane Walulik
20
Randy Verdoorn received his
20 Year Service Pin in January
January Drwing Winners pictured are
Casey Miller, Laura Fuller, and David Cruse
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
17
ST. JOSEPH
2015 has arrived. Last year was good but we hope this year is
better. The economy continues to show positive progress. All things
are not perfect, but we remain optimistic for more growth in the industry.
Charley Kendrick
Business Representative
St. Joseph Area
35
We will face many of the same challenges this year as we have in the
past. As the new Congress now has a Republican majority, that list may
grow. Local 101 and the International will continue to monitor the politics
to press for legislation that has our best interest in mind.
In the past several years, Local 101 has enjoyed a lot of new mainline
pipeline construction in our area. This year we don’t currently have any
scheduled. There will be several pipeline jobs across the country though.
The Keystone XL Pipeline still remains a battle to get started. Keep in
mind that the first section of this pipeline, the Cushing Extension, was
constructed in 2010 through Kansas into Oklahoma. It is four years later
and the XL line is still being argued over in Congress. This pipeline will
bring work for qualified operators in Montana, South Dakota and
Nebraska when it gets approval.
Mark Menard received
his 35 Year Service Pin
in November
30
Steve Kent received his
30 Year Service Pin
in October
Ron Davis received
his 30 Year Service
Pin in December
30
Rick McCracken received
his 30 Year Service Pin
in December
18
30
20
Greg Hillyard received his
20 Year Service Pin in
November
The St. Joseph area is experiencing the normal slow
down due to the winter season. The ongoing jobs
are hampered by the weather situations, but they
work when they can. Our contractors are constantly
struggling to compete for the work available. Union
contractors are definitely outnumbered by nonunion contractors in the northwest corner of
Missouri. This is the situation of the whole country,
not just our area. It would be nice to see this trend
turn around.
We had the following members receive service pins
at the end of last year. Steve Kent received his 30
year pin in October. At the November meeting, Mark
Menard received his 35 year pin and Greg Hillyard
received his 20 year pin. The December meeting
also had two members entitled to service pins. Rick
McCracken received his 30 year pin and Ron Davis
was present to receive his 30 year pin. We would
like to thank all of these members for their years
of service and dedication to Local 101.
Please remember to call in every 60 days to remain
active on the “Out-of-Work List”. Update your
qualifications, phone numbers and/or e-mail address
when you contact the hall. The meetings in St. Joe
are held the 1st Tuesday of every month and start
at 7:00 p.m.
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
For the most part the winter hasn’t been too bad yet. The work
SEDALIA
here in the Sedalia area was thinner than we like to see, but looking
ahead is looking better.
Well it sounds like we have the same anti-union bills in Jefferson City,
just another year! The Republicans just don’t care about us working
folks. It is all about keeping the 1% and the corporations happy with
their pocket books, while sticking it to the middle class. It makes me
sick!! All I can say about this, is “we are going to have to stick together
in solidarity” and make our voices heard louder and louder.
Environmental Specialist Inc. is making good headway on the levee
for the Cranberry Bend project for the Army Corps of Engineers north
of Grand Pass. Doherty Steel, Midwest Crane Rental, and Belger
Cartage are finishing up the new dorms for University of Central
Missouri in Warrensburg. Subsurface Constructors put the aggregate
piers in for the new storm shelter addition on the Crest Ridge High
School in Centerview Missouri. Bloomsdale Excavating picked up
another dirt job at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach for a new
building pad.
Shawn Mulligan
Business Representative
Sedalia Area
The Sedalia Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month
starting at 7:00 pm. We hope to see you at the next one!
As always, Work safe, Be safe!!
Heath Moose Wissman was the
November Drawing Winner
ESI at the Cranberry Bend Wildlife Refuge
in Grand Pass Missouri
Ideker finishing up at the Sedalia Airport
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
19
SPRINGFIELD
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. As I
write the first article of 2015, we are experiencing single digit temperatures
with the wind chill well below zero. Needless to say, all work in our area
has come to an abrupt stop. I am hoping by the time you read my article
the weather will be much warmer, and work will be well underway in this
new year.
Jerry McKnight
Business Representative
Springfield Area
Jim Holt working for Midwest
Crane & Rigging at Primatara
20
I recently received some good news. Back in April of 2013, the voters in
Lebanon, Missouri approved a bond to build a new 32 million dollar middle
school. Phillips Hardy Inc. got the dirt work on the new Lebanon Middle
School. The dirt work should begin in the next few weeks, weather permitting.
The new school is scheduled to be open for classes to start in August 2016.
Prestressed Casting has a lot of work on the books for 2015. They currently
have two crews booked through the end of this year. APAC Missouri has a
full docket this year and are still bidding work. Radmacher Brothers should
be getting back to work soon on the Highway 60 project. They started
moving dirt at the end of last year, but the job was shut down due to
weather.
Midwest Crane & Rigging is working on Robert Low’s (the founder of Prime
Inc.) new house on the Primatara Thoroughbred Farm just north of Springfield.
They are hanging approximately 650 tons of steel. This house is sitting on
top of an 8,000 square foot man made cave. When finished the house will
be approximately 22,000 square feet and cost an estimated 50 to 56 million
dollars. The house will have an indoor gun range, bowling alley, spa and
elevator among many other amenities.
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VES
30
40
10
3 GENERATIONS OF OPERATORS
Tracy Potter, Laverne Potter and Cliffton Potter
I would like to shine the spotlight on a pretty rare and unique thing.
We have 3 generations of Operating Engineers that are members of
Local 101. In November of last year Laverne Potter received his 40 year
pin and gold card. His son Tracy Potter is also a member of local 101,
and in July of this year he will have been with this local for 30 years.
Laverne’s grandson, Cliffton Potter, is also a member of local 101 and
in March, Cliffton will have been a member for 10 years. I would like to
Congratulate Laverne, Tracy and Cliffton on their many years of service.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this local.
At the January union meeting Doug Hunnell received his 20, 25 and
30 year pins and Marty Vanderhoof received his 20 and 25 year pins.
Thank you, brothers for your hard work and dedication to Local 101.
30
left to right....Doug Hunnell received his 20,
25, and 30 Year Service Pins and Marty
Vanderhoof received his 20 and 25 Year Pins
Midwest Crane & Rigging
working at Primatara
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
21
25
Starting a new year is always a challenge, a dream or a hope that things will
be better than the year before. Many of us sit down and make resolutions that
we will do things differently to improve our situations over the preceding year.
With the Elections of 2014, Moderates and Democratic Candidates across the
United States and Kansas lost. I for one believe that we will have to resolve to
battle Brownback’s failed experiments in Kansas – and be ready for a fight against
“Right to Work” in Missouri.
Mike Ward
Business Representative
Wichita Area
Work in the Wichita area has stayed steady for this time of the year. COLD! The
Riverton Empire Electric Unit 12 Project is going well, with AZCO, Marley Cooling
Tower (MCT), AC Dellovade, Sterett Crane and Midwest Crane Service out of
Tulsa.
Site Rite Construction has work at the McConnell Air Force Base. Barnhart Crane
and Rigging is working at the Panhandle Eastern Pumping Station Expansion
Project in Haven, Kansas. Wolf Construction will have several projects in the
Wichita area in 2015. Piping and Equipment has picked up more work at Holly
Frontier Refinery in El Dorado. This work should be completed in June of 2015.
Hayes Drilling has approximately five to six weeks of drilling at the Holly Frontier
Refinery.
40
The NCRA Refinery in McPherson, and the Coking Unit Projects are getting closer
to completion. Belger Cartage Service, Bennett Steel, Inc., and Piping and
Equipment all have Operating Engineers working on projects throughout the
refinery. The 2015 NCRA shutdown, turnaround, should start on or about March
17th. The proposed count of 100 operators will be needed for the two shifts
through April.
Congratulations to Mike “Too Tall” Walsh for winning the December Meeting Drawing.
Condolences go out to the families of Brothers Roger Adams (member since
1957) and Calvin Transue. Both Local 101 members passed away recently and will
be duly missed.
Malachi Westmoreland received
his 40 Year Service Pin,
Gold Card, and Watch
The Wichita Meetings are held
on the 1st Thursday of each
month, at 7:00 pm located
at 3830 South Meridian,
Wichita, Kansas. Hope to
see you there!
Belger Cartage working at the
APAC batch plant in Wichita Kansas
...and be ready for a fight against
“Right to Work” in Missouri.
22
B USI NESS REPRESENTATI VE
Sterret Crane at the Riverton project,
Baxter Springs Rail Yard
The Empire Electric Power Plant
in Riverton
Barnhart Crane at the Panhandle Eastern
Pumping Station in Haven Kansas
LO C AL
LOCAL
101 I N
101
REVI
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23
STATIONARY ENGINEERS
Almost a year ago, I wrote that HCA Midwest Health Systems was set to acquire
St. Joseph Medical Center in south Kansas City. HCA was denied approval from the
FTC in Washington. Recently, we received word that Carondelet Health has signed
a Letter of Intent with Prime Healthcare Services for the sale of their hospitals. The
sale is expected to close by the first quarter of 2015. This recent announcement was
made to the Engineers and employees at this facility. Contract negotiations have
been extended to allow the sale to happen, and bargain with the new employer.
Contract negotiations are currently ongoing with Truman Medical Centers, the Hospital
Hill and Lakewood campuses. We have had some difficult issues to address, and
several meetings have been held with more scheduled for end of January. We should
have a new Agreement ratified by the time you receive this article.
Kevin Rusnak
Business Representative
Stationary Engineers
Up next, I have sent the opening letter, and will begin contract negotiations for a
new Agreement with ISS Facility Services for our engineers working at UMB. I also
have P1 Inc. to negotiate for our groups working at all the St. Luke’s facilities.
Congratulations on the retirement of Arthur Carrillo in October, and John Collard
in September from Honeywell. Best of luck!!
55
25 20
Congratulations to the following members who recently
received their service pins: December:
Ronnie Sexton and David Malam for twenty-five years
of service currently at Honeywell. January: David Davis
for twenty years currently at Truman Medical Center Lakewood, Tim Miller and Chris
Jones for twenty-five years both are currently at Unilever. February: Fred Needles
for fifty-five years, John Staponski for twenty-five years.
Our condolences go out to the family on the passing of Brother George Cleveland.
George worked for P1 at St. Luke’s and will be duly missed by everyone.
See you at the monthly Union meeting on the 3rd Thursday of every month,
or soon at your workplace!
St Lukes South Hospital
24
STATI ONARY ENGI NEERS
Two thousand fifteen is starting off memorable! Cold, cold, cold! Hats off to
the Operators keeping the heat on!
25
Congratulations go out to Ed Chambers, Paul Ellenshon and Bret Macklin
with Tower Properties in Kansas City, Missouri for receiving their twentyfive year service pins, as well as Mike Ritchie at Nestle Purina in
St. Joseph, Missouri, who is also receiving his twenty-five year pin.
With the help of the Nestle Purina Union Stewards in St. Joseph, Missouri, we
were able to get a new five-year contract agreement. A lot of hard work and
dedication went into these negotiations, and we were not only able to keep
what we had, but also made it better. It probably seems like negotiations wouldn’t
be difficult, but these stewards will tell you otherwise. It takes special people
that work very hard to make things better for all. Thank you for your dedication
and hard work. Negotiations with Nestle Purina were accomplished with all new
faces. Hillshire Brands negotiations will also be accomplished with new faces.
With a March 7, 2015 expiration date of Hillshire Brands/Tyson Foods contract
in St. Joseph, Missouri, negotiations are now underway. There has been a large
turnover in leadership during the life of our current contract that includes a new
maintenance manager, plant manager, supervisors and others. Only one HR
person will be a returning face for the Hillshire Brands Company at negotiations.
Stewards: Calvin Matthews, Chad Kalaman and Mike Ranney will represent the
IUOE membership at negotiations. Until we are told differently, we will continue
to address the company as Hillshire Brands. Meanwhile, there is a lot of capital
being spent to repair and replace their equipment. New hires, as well as new
equipment, is always a positive sign.
Similarly, at Blueline Rentals in Kansas City Missouri on Front Street, we have
seen management changes, but otherwise, it is business as usual.
Peggy McGinnis
Business Representative
Stationary Engineers
Negotiations at Nestle Pictured left to
right are Carolann Hayes, Allen Anders,
Mike Walters, and Mike Rich
New faces in leadership at Jackson County are also not uncommon. Our four
Local 101 members in the Downtown Kansas City, and Independence Missouri
locations, share seventy-five years of experience between them.
J&L Drywall in St. Joseph, Missouri continues to stay steady, as well as Tower
Properties in Kansas City, Missouri.
We have two new Union Stewards (William “Pete” Smith, and Eric Atkinson)
joining us at Dairi Concepts in El Dorado Springs Missouri. These new Stewards
will be joining our current stewards Anthony (Tony) VanDyk, Patty Brownlee,
George Ellis and George Winder. Congratulations on your appointment as
stewards!
Congratulations to those celebrating retirement! For those out on sick leave
recovering from illness or injury, we wish you a full and speedy recovery! For
those able to return to work, “good for you!”
Work, play, and drive safe. Happy New Year!!!
LO C AL
101 I N
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LOCAL
101
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REVI EW
Negotiations at Dairi Concepts are from
left to right are William “Pete” Smith,
George Ellis, George Winder,
Eric Atkinson, Patty Brownlee,
and Tony VanDyk
25
APPRENTICESHIP
& TRAINING
Pipeline Training
Apprentices in training
26
APPRENTI CE TRAI NI NG
THANKS.
How to take a Computer Based Test (CBT) at all testing sites.
You must meet OECP eligibility requirements and application
guidelines as outlined in the Crane Operator Candidate
Manual, just like the paper test, and:
• A current application must be on file at the OECP office,
Kirk Zeit at the Weston Training
Site
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
2015
start at
7:00 a.m. unless noted
OECP CLASS SCHEDULES Weston
OECP Crane Refresher
Feb 28 - March 1
OECP Crane Written Exam
March 7
OECP Crane Practical
March 28
OECP Crane Refresher
April 25 - 26
OECP Crane Written Exam
May 2
OECP Crane Refresher
June 13 - 14
OECP Crane Written Exam
June 20
OECP Crane Practical
July 18
OECP Crane Refresher
August 1 - 2
OECP Crane Written Exam
August 8
OECP Crane Practical
August 29
OECP Crane Refresher
September 19 - 20
September 26
OECP Crane Written Exam
October 24
OECP Crane Practical
JOHN HENRY ROCK DRILLING
(watch for future announcements)
May 4-30
applications are good for 5 years from date of acceptance
• You must register to take an exam at least five (5)
working days in advance by calling the OECP office for
both "Off Site," and "Weston Training Site" CBT
BASIC
REQUIREMENTS
locations
Everyone must call or e-mail OECP office to sign up for
1. 1000 •hours
practical crane-related experience
the CBT testing [either at the training site or an offsite
in last 5 years.
testing
and get on the schedule.
issued ID.
2. Government
3. Copy of IUOE membership card with legible id#.
4. Copy of valid DOT or DMV medical card.
5. Actual cisap results within last 90 days.
(Copy of CISAP card will not be accepted)
6. Completed candidate experience form.
CBT COMPUTER BASED TESTING
You must meet OECP eligibility requirements and application
guidelines as outlined in the Crane Operator Candidate Manual,
just like the paper test (summarized above), and:
1. A current application must be on file at the OECP office,
applications are good for 5 years from date of acceptance.
2. Register to take an exam at least five (5) working days in
advance by calling the OECP office for both “Off Site,” and
“Weston Training Site” CBT locations.
3.Everyone must call or e-mail OECP office to sign up for the
CBT testing [either at the training site or an off site testing
and get on the schedule.
OECP CONTACT INFO
[email protected] •
OSHA 10
FIRST AIDE/CPR
HAZMAT 40 HOUR
HAZMAT 8 HOUR REFRESHER
951-351-4001
www.oecp.org
Winter classes are complete.
Check website for future dates.
AS WITH ALL CLASSES:
• You must have an up-to-date receipt of dues paid
FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION
Offered year round
OECP TESTING
Weston/Boliver
• You must have appropriate work attire i.e. work boots
(no tennis shoes, no shorts and no sleeveless shirts)
CALL THE TRAINING SITES TO SCHEDULE CLASSES OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
WESTON 816-640-2336
INSTRUCTORS: RANDY BATES, STONEY COX, MATT BAINBRIDGE
BOLIVER 417-777-7746
INSTRUCTOR: RICK MEANS
LOCAL 101 I N REVI EW
27
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kansas City, MO
Permit # 2185
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 101
6601 Winchester, Suite 280 • Kansas City, MO 64133
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Main Office
6601 Winchester, Suite 280
Kansas City, MO 64133
(816) 737-8600
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 3rd Thursday of the month
Fringe Benefits Funds
6601 Winchester, Suite 250
Kansas City, MO 64133
(816) 737-5959 • Toll Free (888) 272-5911
St. Joseph
4730 Frederick Ave.
St. Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-5715
Business Representative: Charley Kendrick
Stationary Business Representative: Peggy McGinnis
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 1st Tuesday of the month
Topeka
3906 Northwest 16th Street
Topeka, KS 66618
(785) 233-3662
Business Representative: Kurt Chaffee
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month
Springfield
2545 W. Kearney
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 864-6889
Business Representative: Jerry McKnight
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of the month
Apprenticeship/Training
P.O. Box 197
Platte City, MO 64079
Administrator: Mike Charlton
(816) 640-2336 • Toll Free (888) 640-2336
Wichita
3830 S. Meridian, #B-40
Wichita, KS 67217
(316) 529-1012
Business Representative: Mike Ward
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 1st Thursday of the month
Sedalia
1216 W. 18th Street
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 826-6363
Business Representative: Shawn Mulligan
Meeting Time/Date: 7:00 p.m. 1st Thursday of the month
Notice to Members:
You must be in good standing to attend
Union Meetings. All Union Cards
will be checked at the door.