Training Director Brian Greynolds recently participated in Cleveland Builds’ new 40-hour Apprenticeship Readiness Program, providing hands-on instruction and working directly with individuals exploring opportunities within the skilled trades. Representing BAC Local 23, Greynolds demonstrated masonry techniques and highlighted the union apprenticeship as a proven and reliable pathway to a long-term career.

The program allowed BAC Local 23 to maintain a visible presence within regional workforce development efforts while connecting directly with prospective apprentices.

“This was an important opportunity to show individuals that BAC Local 23 offers a structured pathway into a skilled and rewarding career,” said Greynolds. “By working directly with participants, we were able to demonstrate the value of our training and the opportunities available through our apprenticeship program.”

Participation in Cleveland Builds supports ongoing efforts to strengthen recruitment, expand training opportunities, and promote the long-term strength of the trade.

On Saturday, over a dozen Local 23 members attended a Steward training at the Columbus hall. These trainings are essential to strengthening our union and providing our members with leaders who have the tools and knowledge to stand up for your rights on the job.

“Trainings like these are one of the things I love most about this job. It’s so important that we equip our members with the skills needed to step up as leaders in their union,” said Local 23 President Danny Musacchio. “Columbus is one of our fastest growing markets, which means we will need more stewards to be a voice on jobsites for our members. Thanks to the work of all our leaders, Local 23 now has more stewards ready for the job ahead.”

These special called meetings are open to all plan participants and spouses to explain the upcoming changes to the Ohio Bricklayers pension plan. All plan professionals will be in attendance to answer your questions. Please make every effort to attend. Dates and locations are as follows:

TOMORROW: Tuesday, February 10th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: 9437 Hamilton Dr., Mentor, Ohio 44060

Thursday, March 12th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1550 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

The International Union is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 US Bates scholarship program. Every year the program selects three students to receive a stipend of $5,000 per year for up to four years – up to $20,000 total.

To be considered for the 2026 US Bates scholarship, a student must:

•         Be a senior in high school and planning to enter college in the fall of 2026

•         Be the child or stepchild of a US member in good standing of a US BAC Local

To learn more and apply online, please visit: https://bacweb.org/bac-journal/us-bates-scholarship.

The application deadline is April 9, 2026.

If you have questions, please call BAC at 1-888-880-8222, ext. 3887, or email askbac@bacweb.org.

Recently, we’ve been getting a lot of questions from members like ‘what is Right to Work?’ and ‘what is prevailing wage?’. We’re happy to get these questions because it means members are engaged and want to learn more about their union and the threats we face. So, we decided to start a project called ‘Union Solidarity’. We’re going to be sending texts out to all members each week on Wednesday, with answers to these questions and much more. From what is a scab to what is the best union song of all time? (Hint: It’s by Woody Guthrie, although we’re open to other answers.)

This will be a great way for members to empower themselves by learning more about the history of the labor movement, past and present fights for labor rights, and how we can stand strong together even while many organizations are trying to bust up unions all across the country.

Be sure to check your cell on Wednesday for the first edition of ‘Union Solidarity’. Not signed up for the text list? Please reach out to the front office and they can make sure you get added to the list. You won’t want to miss these.

Director of Apprenticeship and Training for BAC Local 23, Brian Greynolds, working with the next generation of craftworkers at Cleveland Builds.