BAC, Local 15: Bricklayers' goals include training, health care

John Creller is field representative for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 15.

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers is the longest continuously operating union in North America.

It was formed on Oct. 17, 1865, in Philadelphia by delegates from Baltimore and Philadelphia local unions.

Local 10 was established in February 1902 in Springfield, and merged with Kansas City in December 1999 as part of Local 15.

One of our many goals as a union is training.

Our training program is one of the finest in the country. We are part of a five-chapter training program that includes Wichita and Topeka, Kan., Springfield, Jefferson City and our headquarters in Kansas City.

It is through this program that we produce the highest-quality craftworker for our contractors. Our office has been at 414 S. Grant since 1953.

Another goal of ours as a union is affordable health care and a good pension plan so our members and their families will have a secure future something many American families do not have.

Local 15 has joined the Salute to Construction council to help them let people know that being a bricklayer is more than a paycheck. It is learning a craft that you can be proud of and make a good living at.

We have approximately 220 active members and 38 retirees.

Our chapter officers are: John Creller, field representative; Tyler Thornton, chapter chair; Steve Morrow, recording secretary; and John Thomas, sergeant-at-arms.

The president of our local is Steve Mullen.

An annual awards and retiree banquet is held the second Thursday of October. This year we have one 40-year member, Lemmie Stone Jr., and seven 25-year members: Gerry Betebenner, Mitchel Betebenner, Thomas Hagler, Larry Kuhlman, Billy Long, Richard Pantenburg and Archie Walker.