From the Officers

As the business manager of local 49 I am committed to making this local union the best we can be. I will work hard to improve our training program to meet the needs of the industry, organizing the non-union companies to improve our market share and negotiate better labor agreements. I need to know what you need to make your life better. Your input and help is critical to the success of this union and we will only achieve great things if we all do something to help make it better.

Local 49 is made up of people who share the same issues, we want our families to have health care and retirement, good schools for our kids, live where we want and make enough money to enjoy our time off. We accomplish this by collective bargaining, which means we refuse to work for less than the contract rate. We do this as a group which gives us collective power.

The phrase “United we stand divided we beg” is a reality. Attend your union meeting, be a part of your union. Make local 49 the best we can be.

My appointment as president of Local 49 is an honor that myself and my family cannot express in words. I have been a proud member since 1974, was appointed area Business Representative for the Mankato area in 1995. I was given the opportunity to help the members and families of our great Union to advance their talents and provide a better way of life as a member of Local 49. As a 3rd generation 49er, I am grateful to have a career opportunity within a Union that is progressive and encourages the advancement of every Brother and Sister of Local 49. Our Local is respected by all crafts in the construction industry. Our highly trained, motivated and skilled operators are considered to be some of the elite in this nation. I want to thank all the members for supporting Local 49's efforts to advance our agenda as we continue to be a leader in the Organized Labor Movement.

I am the current Recording Corresponding Secretary for Local 49 and I cannot tell you how proud I am to be able to serve our Union in this capacity. As a 26 year member, I am energized and encouraged by what I have witnessed in the past year and a half in Local 49.

I have seen increased attendance at Union meetings, interest by the membership to get involved and a willingness to lend a hand. I have also attended leadership development classes with members eager to learn and advance their skills and thanks to the outstanding efforts of our organizing team, I have watched our membership grow. This is your Union and by taking ownership and being an active participant we, together, can achieve greater things.

I am excited about the future of the Operating Engineers Local 49.

As a member of IUOE Local 49 since 1978 and a Private Sector Business Agent since 1998, it is an honor and a privilege to accept the appointment of Treasurer. Over the past three decades Local 49 has seen many changes. In 1978, as a young man, I remember how proud I was when I became a 49'er member. It meant not only being part of a highly recognized trade organization, but also presented new opportunities to voice important concerns, stand side by side with brother and sister members, gain momentum, gain strength, earn a decent livable wage, receive good benefits and look forward to retirement. By 1998 when I went from working at the trade to working for the trade as a Business Agent, I never forgot the sacrifices that many of our brothers and sisters made to hold our Union together. Long backbreaking hours, inclement weather, having to travel away from friends, loved ones, and familiar surroundings is never easy or part of our plans. But what was true back then applies even more so now - in solidarity there is strength. Now more than ever is the time we need to reunite. As a Business Agent I will earnestly continue to work by your side. As the Treasurer I will serve you, the members, to the best of my ability and work tirelessly on your behalf. Loyalty and unity among our brothers and sisters will inevitably strengthen the very core of what we do and who we are. We are specialized, skilled operators who are recognized as key players in the construction industry and we must continue to maintain the highest standards possible.

I am proud to be a Business Agent as well as the Vice President of Local 49. I’ve been a member of Local 49 since 1978.

I am extremely grateful to have worked my entire career as a union member and proud that we live in a nation that recognizes the importance of union membership. I encourage all members to remember that together we stand tall, but divided we stand alone.

I wish all the membership continued success with Local 49 and hope to see you at your Local Union meetings.