Union democracy

A new group, 6,000-member International Association of Machinists District W24, is born of merger.

Rick Bender and Al Link pass the mantle to Jeff Johnson and Lynne Dodson.

Jan. 1, a new union is born: 6,000-member Machinists District W24.

John Mohlis was sworn in as executive secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trade Council, and Paul Riggs of IBEW Local 48 was elected to finish out Mohlis' executive secretary term at the Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, which expires December 2011.

At a Sept. 27-30 convention in Orlando, delegates chose Larry Hanley over Ron Heintzman as international president of Amalgamated Transit Union. Heintzman, former president of Portland-based ATU Local 757, had been international president since July 1, and was backed by former president Warren George as a successor.

Close to 40 active members from at least 13 union locals met Aug. 28 in Portland, and not one of them was over 40 years of age.

At a special business managers' meeting, IBEW member Paul Riggs was elected executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council.

John Mohlis, executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, was elected by acclamation to succeed Bob Shiprack as executive secretary of the Oregon State Building Trades Council. Shiprack is retiring after 25 years at the helm.