The President

ED NAVARRO

A PROVEN LEADER WITH ADMIRATION AND RESPECT FOR THE CRAFTWORKERS

I started my apprenticeship in 1978 and as an apprentice and bricklayer I took pride in my trade. As crazy as this sounds, I couldn't wait to go to work as I knew I was getting faster and slicker every day. Becoming a good bricklayer was a high priority for me. I worked faithfully as a bricklayer until becoming a Field Representative for BAC Local 5 in October 1993. I then obtained the office of President / Sec. Treasurer in 1995. I have accomplished many successes to make life better for our members and families. Here are a few:

1. RECRUITED a top of the line staff (secretaries dedicated to assisting our members with knowledge and respect).
2. FIELD REPRESENTATIVES / ORGANIZERS devoted to organizing for the growth and future of Local 5.
3. SECURED EXCELLENT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS - Areas now have better working conditions including breaks and overtime provisions. Most are now participating in the Vacation Plan and Annuity's. All areas have received excellent Wage and Benefit Increases.
4. IMPROVED RETIREMENTS - BAC Local 5 was instrumental in assisting the Trustee's of the Local Pension Plans in OKC and Tulsa with the merger to the International Pension Fund. These mergers improved benefits for all participants active and retired. As well as increasing contributions to the International Pension Fund in most areas for a more secured retirement.
5. ANNUITY / VACATION PLAN - Implemented the Annuity and Vacation Plans in many areas of Local 5 jurisdiction to ensure members optimal savings short and long term.
6. HEALTH & WELFARE - BAC Local 5 has worked hand in hand with the IHF in a positive and creative way. This has enabled Local 5 members and their families benefit improvements. This achievement when other areas are experiencing large annual contributions increases (10 to 12%).
7. APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING - I have made training one of my top priorities setting the bar very high. Local 5 has supported and utilized all Local-Regional-National Training Centers in a continued effort to replace the highly skilled craft workers (Retirees') to maintain and grow our union. Working with apprentice committee's to implement Local and Regional apprenticeship contests.
8. IMPROVED LABOR / MANAGEMENT RELATIONS - Working diligently with signatory contractors through-out Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas to improve communications. It is very important to work positively as many of the signatory contractors are union due to the hard work and organizing efforts of myself and staff. My administration has been instrumental in signing many contractors (including some of the largest in our region).

9. NATIONAL RECOGNITION - Under my leadership Local 5 has received National Recognition of organizing and training. Paul Harvey on his National noon radio show reported the successful and aggressive Local Training Program in conjunction with IMI. BAC Local 5 was featured in an article of the Wall Street Journal with a lengthy story on organizing / training success.

10. PROUDLY SERVED ON NATIONAL COMMITTEES - National Reciprocity, Apprenticeship Committee, Health and Welfare Task Force, Brick Committee and the Code of Conduct with a strong voice and respect for the members.

Working for the union has opened my eyes to many things. You might say I've seen the best and the worst. Some feel being a rebel gets more results. I Don't!! I live and think for the future and will not ponder on the past. I truly believe the members we represent in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas want continued positive results. We are very pleased with the accomplishments to date and look forward to building our union with pride.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SERVE AS YOUR PRESIDENT