International Brotherhood of Boilermakers - The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, AFL-CIO

  • The Boilermakers Vacation Trust: Take control of your vacation payouts
    Following are important updates from the Boilermakers Vacation Trust. Third-party administrator updateEffective June 1, 2024, the Boilermakers Vacation Trust transitioned to a new third-party administrator, Health Services and Benefits Administrators (HS&BA). All future correspondence and mailings should be directed to HS&BA at the following address: 4160 Dublin Blvd, Suite 400, Dublin, CA 94568 New member portalHS&BA is excited to introduce an enhanced, user-friendly member portal, designed to provide you with easy access to your Vacation Trust information. The portal allows you to conveniently view your vacation balance, payout history, and work history, with additional features coming soon. This service is faster, more efficient, and available at your convenience. Be sure to register today at bvtportal.hsba.com. If you have any questions, contact the administrative office at 1-800-833-2682 or via email at [email protected].  ACH signup for faster payoutsTo expedite your 2025 payout and all future payouts, users should complete and return the ACH form to HS&BA or email it to [email protected]. By submitting the ACH form, you can opt for direct deposit, ensuring your 2025 payout and all future payouts are remitted directly to your designated account—eliminating the need for a paper check. Please note: Your ACH form must be received no later than September 30, 2025, in order to receive your 2025 payout electronically.  For a copy of the ACH form, as well as additional resources, visit boilermakers.org/members/resources/vacation-trust or contact HS&BA using the contact information provided above. — Feb 27
  • Boilermakers promote union workforce at 2025 PowerGen expo
    The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers promoted the union workforce in February in its fourth sponsorship of PowerGen. The event is an annual information and networking conference attended by 7,500 power generation professionals representing some of the world’s most prominent employers and contractors in the industry.  The Boilermakers sponsorship of the 2025 event in Dallas included a highly visible booth in the exhibit hall to showcase Boilermaker expertise. The goal of the union’s presence at PowerGen is to secure work opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.  Boilermaker representatives engaged with industry pros at the booth, highlighting what sets Boilermakers apart—from rigging, welding and mechanical aptitude to the union’s reputation for getting jobs done right the first time and delivering with excellence. Industry events like PowerGen serve as key networking opportunities, said Johnny Baca, Director of the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund. In some cases, the events reconnect the union with former Boilermakers who now run contracting firms, equipment companies and major energy projects.  “These relationships create valuable pathways to put Boilermakers to work across the evolving power sector,” he said. “The Boilermaker alumni network is a powerful tool that must be consistently leveraged to ensure the next generation of Boilermaker hands get their fair share of opportunities.” Beyond staffing the exhibit hall booth, Boilermaker representatives attended critical discussions offered at the event, including new trends in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), union job growth and the future of power generation. Key topics included carbon capture, coal, natural gas, geothermal and the resurgence of nuclear energy—all of which present major opportunities for Boilermaker man-hours. “As data centers and AI-driven energy demands surge, the Boilermakers are positioned at the forefront of emerging energy technologies,” Baca said. “Whether it’s traditional power generation, renewable expansion or advanced industrial applications, the battle never stops to ensure union Boilermakers are on site to lead the way.” The Boilermakers union began as a PowerGen sponsor in 2018. PowerGen describes itself as the “premier networking and business hub for power generation professionals and solution providers…bringing together power producers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, OEMs, and large-scale energy users.” — Feb 26
  • Federal government challenges auxiliary system
    The establishment of auxiliary locals by the Boilermakers’ union was a product of segregationist practices during the early 20th century. While this isn’t a proud moment for the union, it’s an important part of Boilermaker history that cannot be ignored. These were Jim Crow-era ideas that marginalized Black workers, subjecting them to discriminatory rules and limited union representation. Auxiliary locals, controlled by nearby white locals, were not allowed to send their own delegates to Convention, which silenced Black members in union decision-making. Members of auxiliary locals lacked business agents, grievance committees or any channel to negotiate with employers. Black workers also faced barriers to career advancement, such as being excluded from apprenticeship programs and facing restrictions on promotions from helper to mechanic. Union insurance policies were also unequal, with death and injury benefits for Black members set at half the amount granted to white members. Black members paid the same dues as white members but received less in return. This inequitable treatment was not unique to the Boilermakers, as many unions did the same. Since the practice ended in the last century, the union has apologized for its past treatment of Black members and changed its ways. The situation began to shift with the onset of World War II. Although segregation was still widespread, the federal government started to challenge racial discrimination in wartime industries. President Franklin D. Roosevelt barred companies that held federal contracts from engaging in racial discrimination, leading to the establishment of the Fair Employment Practices Committee in 1941. The FEPC encouraged workers to report discriminatory practices—especially workers employed by companies tied to federal defense contracts. By late 1942, complaints began surfacing from Black Boilermakers in Portland, Oregon. Local 72 had 65% of shipyard employees in the region, including those at the massive Kaiser Shipyards. Eager to diversify its workforce, Kaiser began recruiting Black workers from New York City, but Local 72 resisted integration. They formed an auxiliary local for Black members. Local NAACP leaders even backed the decision because they saw it as a step toward inclusion. However, many Black workers were unwilling to accept a segregated system. In July 1943, more than 300 Black workers at Kaiser Shipyards were dismissed for refusing to join the auxiliary local, citing inequities. The firings sparked FEPC public hearings, where Local 72’s attorney, Leland Tanner, defended the auxiliary system by claiming, “We live in that house, we didn’t build it and we’re not the architects of it.” Tanner’s statement highlighted the nature of segregation in American society, where legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896, had enshrined racial separation as an acceptable norm. Segregation reached a boiling point when Providence, Rhode Island, Local 308 integrated its lodge by accepting around 500 Black members. In 1943, the local elected a Black delegate for Convention. Union leadership was not pleased. IVP William J. Buckley intervened, stating the Black delegate would not be recognized and his vote would be invalidated. Subsequently, he pressured Local 308 to create a segregated auxiliary lodge. It wasn’t the hoped-for outcome, but the controversy surrounding the auxiliary system exposed the racial divides within the union, which mirrored the broader national struggle over civil rights. And future battles would eventually dismantle segregated practices in the Boilermakers.   In the next issue of The Boilermaker Reporter, read how the auxiliary lodge practice ended at the Boilermakers.   — Feb 14
  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Statement About American Eagle Flight 5342
    We are saddened to learn from our union brother, General President Mark McManus, that four members of the United Association have been confirmed among those killed in the American Airlines Flight 5342 crash. Additionally, we have learned that the two flight attendants were Association of Flight Attendants-CWA members, and the plane's two pilots were members of the Air Line Pilots Association. Our hearts go out to our union family and all families who lost loved ones yesterday evening.  International President Timothy Simmons, Boilermakers union — Jan 30
  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Statement About Plea of Former International Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Stapp
    On December 19, 2024, the former International Secretary-Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Kathy Stapp, pled guilty to conspiracy to assist the racketeering activity of former officers and employees. Ms. Stapp was not charged with the receipt of any funds improperly. Ms. Stapp resigned from the IBB on August 25, 2024, after she was indicted on multiple charges. Under new leadership, the IBB is committed to ensure that these abuses never happen again. The IBB has implemented new procedures and safeguards to ensure that the misuse of IBB funds cannot happen again. “Our leadership is committed to repairing the damage from the past while positioning the union for the future,” International President Timothy Simmons said. “We will never allow the misdeeds of our former leaders to tarnish the hard work and dedication of our members.”                    Dated: December 20, 2024 — Dec 20