Cleveland Builds Apprenticeship Outreach

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.

A Successful Steward Training In Columbus!

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.”

Ohio Bricklayers Pension Town Hall Meetings Coming Up

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

Apply For US Bates Scholarship!

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.

Union Solidarity

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.

Photo Of The Week

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

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier
Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2026-02-17T13:24:39+00:00February 9, 2026|Apprenticeship, Outreach, Pension, Scholarship, Training, Union Solidarity|0 Comments
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Next Generation of Craftworkers On Display At The Skills USA Competition

Last Friday, a group of young men and women came together at the Skills USA Competition at The Great Big Home & Garden Expo at the I-X Center in Cleveland to work on team projects that included carpentry, plumbing, electrical and, of course, masonry.

In total, 13 schools competed in the North East Regional Competition. A-Tech, Auburn Career Tech, Cuyahoga Valley Career Tech, and Medina County Career Tech will all be advancing to the State Competition!

The competition was judged by BAC Local 23 leaders: Cleveland Field Rep. Nicole Ohmer, Cleveland Field Rep. Joe Harrison, Akron Field Rep. Tom Dieringer, and Local 23 Vice Chairperson Joshua Moss.

“Last Friday was a great glimpse into the future of our trade. We had the opportunity to watch and judge the next generation of craftworkers in a team atmosphere where masonry was showcased. These types of events really bring excitement to the trade and give young craftworkers the opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Moss.

Brick By Brick:
Students Learning The Trade At The Southern Ohio Regional Training Center

On January 29th, the Southern Ohio Regional Training Center hosted 35 students who attend classes at the Grant Career Center in Bethel, Ohio. Our Local 23 apprentices, along with Local 23 instructors David Hale and Matt Lightle, were able to show the high school students what our center has to offer. Our Local 23 team worked hand in hand to familiarize the visiting students with bricklaying, caulking and restoration skills. This was a first time visit for the students of Grant Center, who have a special connection to Local 23: classes at their school are taught by former BAC member Ken Carter!

THIS SATURDAY:
Local 23 Hosting Steward Training In Columbus: February 7

BAC Local 23’s Central Ohio Chapter will be holding a Steward training class on Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the chapter’s headquarters at 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219. To register, please contact Bill Hulet at 330-323-0818 by the end of the day on Feb. 5 so he can order lunch for class participants.

Ohio Bricklayers Pension Town Hall Meetings Coming Up

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:

NEXT TUESDAY: 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

Photo of the Week

Director of Apprenticeship and Training for BAC Local 23, Brian Greynolds working on some mockups at the Columbus Training Center!

“A huge thank you to Brian and the whole Local 23 team who are working tirelessly to reopen the training center. The demand for union bricklayers in Columbus is growing, and Local 23 will be ready,” said Local 23 President Danny Musacchio.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier
Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2026-02-17T13:25:06+00:00February 3, 2026|Pension, Skills USA, Students, Training, Training Center|0 Comments
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Unemployment Updates For Members

As we warm up after the weekend’s winter storm, we understand a lot of members will need to file for unemployment as job sites thaw. We sent out this notification back in early December of last year, but we feel this information is more important than ever. As always, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the main office at 440-986-3000 or email them at frontdesk@bac23.org. (The office is closed today, January 26, due to weather, but we will be back in tomorrow.)

Unemployment is a bit different this year, but no need to worry because Local 23 has your back.

Field representatives will no longer complete union verifications from their offices. Instead, once a week unemployment will send a list to the main office in Amherst. The ladies at the Local 23 office that take the dues payments will verify you are a member in good standing and are paid up on your dues. Once they verify that you are paid up on your dues, they send the list back to unemployment for processing.

The basic gist is that instead of going through your local chapter, unemployment will be going through the main office.

This is a much faster process than before.

While waiting for unemployment, be sure to continue with work searches as usual. You can put down the last contractor you worked for and BAC local 23 as contacts. And make sure when you file you are putting down Local 23 and the main address: 8497 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH 44001. Remember to check your claim daily for correspondence. For dues payment you can call 1-800-442-0479.

For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your field rep. You can also call the office at 440-986-3000 or email them at frontdesk@bac23.org.

Your union is here for you.

Local 23 Hosting Steward Training in Columbus: February 7

BAC Local 23’s Central Ohio Chapter will be holding a Steward training class on Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the chapter’s headquarters at 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219. To register, please contact Bill Hulet at 330-323-0818 by the end of the day on Feb. 5 so he can order lunch for class participants.

Thank you to snow plow drivers!

With snow coming down all across the midwest, we wanted to give a special thank you to the union snow plow drivers who are out in the cold clearing roads and keeping our community safe.

Ohio Bricklayers Pension Town Hall Meetings Coming Up

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:

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

Photo of the Week

Vice-Chair and Field Representative Brian Collier congratulating Brother Ron Djubek after swearing him in from Apprentice to Journeyman at the January 20 Northeast Chapter Meeting.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier
Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell


By |2026-01-26T20:30:12+00:00January 26, 2026|Pension, Snow, Training, Unemployment|0 Comments
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OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course Available Dec. 29 and 30!

Attention to all members: we are now accepting sign ups for the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course on Dec. 29 and 30 at the Northern Regional Training Center at 8499 Leavitt Road, Amherst OH 44001. To sign up, please call or text Brian Greynolds at (304) 276-2547.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course is an entry-level safety program designed to provide workers with essential knowledge of construction industry hazards and safe work practices. This course helps participants recognize, avoid, mitigate, and prevent job-related safety and health risks on construction sites.

Training covers OSHA regulations, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and standards specific to the construction industry. Core topics include:

* Introduction to OSHA and worker rights

* Focus Four hazards: falls, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in/between

* Personal protective equipment (PPE)

* Scaffolding safety

* Stairways and ladders

* Health hazards in construction

* Tools and equipment safety

* Excavation and trenching basics

* Material handling

The course is taught by an OSHA-authorized instructor and includes interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hazard recognition exercises. Upon successful completion, participants receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction completion card, demonstrating foundational safety awareness required by many employers, contractors, and job sites.

Class will start at 8am both days. Dec. 29 will be a full day and Dec. 30 will be a half day, ending at noon. We will need a minimum of 3 members to sign up, with a class size limit of 40, to hold the course. If you are interested in attending, call or text Brian Greynolds at (304) 276-2547.

Holiday Parties In Full Swing!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday parties are off to a great start, with the Northwest Chapter Kids Christmas Party, Central Ohio Chapter Holiday Party, and Tri-State Christmas Dinner kicking off the festivities (check out the pics below). There are many more parties and celebrations on the horizon so take a look at the times and locations below to find the party for your chapter! There still might be some additional dates added, so be sure to stay tuned. For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

PS: All members should keep an eye on their mailboxes in the next few weeks. A special surprise from Local 23 will be coming your way! 🎅

Upcoming Holiday Parties:

Central Retirees Christmas Luncheon

When: December 11 @ 11am

Where: 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Southwest Ohio Holiday Party

When: December 11 @ 6pm

Where: 3366 Successful Way, Dayton, Ohio, 45414

Southern West Virginia Christmas Party

When: December 11 @ 6pm

Where: 600 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston WV, 25301

Northwest Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 4652 Lewis Avenue, Toledo OH 43612

Northshore Christmas Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Northeast OH Akron Christmas/Awards Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Northeast OH Canton Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Ironworkers Local 550, 618 High Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44703

Northeast OH Youngstown Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Operating Engineers Local 66, 291 McClurg Rd., Boardman, OH, 44512

Valley Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 18th @ 6pm

Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 19th @ 6pm

Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

Employment Opportunity

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

Unemployment Updates For Members

Unemployment is a bit different this year, but no need to worry because Local 23 has your back.

Field representatives will no longer complete union verifications from their offices. Instead, once a week unemployment will send a list to the main office in Amherst. The ladies at the Local 23 office that take the dues payments will verify you are a member in good standing and are paid up on your dues. Once they verify that you are paid up on your dues, they send the list back to unemployment for processing.

The basic gist is that instead of going through your local chapter, unemployment will be going through the main office.

This is a much faster process than before.

While waiting for unemployment, be sure to continue with work searches as usual. You can put down the last contractor you worked for and BAC local 23 as contacts. And make sure when you file you are putting down Local 23 and the main address: 8497 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH  44001. Remember to check your claim daily for correspondence. For dues payment you can call 1-800-442-0479.

For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your field rep. You can also call the office at 440-986-3000 or email them at frontdesk@bac23.org.

Your union is here for you.

Photo of the Week

Field Representative Scott Ansell made a recent visit to the Northern Ohio Regional Training Center. Fourth year apprentices Richard Roberts, Toledo, and Jacob Addis, Cleveland, built this awesome set of steps.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier
Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-09T13:23:42+00:00December 9, 2025|Holidays, Job Opportunities, Training, Unemployment|0 Comments
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Welcome to the BAC Local 23 Weekly Update – January 6, 2025

Filing For Unemployment
Just Got Easier In Ohio

Ohio union members in good standing facing a layoff?

Filing for unemployment in Ohio just got a little easier.

 For Ohio members, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) implemented a new procedure on January 1, 2025.

 If you are laid off and applying for unemployment compensation benefits, you should check the box that says you are a member of a union that operates a hiring hall.

 ODJFS will verify that your union, BAC Local 23, is on their approved list – we are – and will confirm with us that you are a member in good standing. The old procedure that required you to take these extra steps yourself has been eliminated.

 Until ODJFS “flips” or approves your application in their electronic system as a member in good standing of a union with a hiring hall, you must engage in two work-seeking activities in order to qualify for benefits that include, for example, (1) contacting your union and (2) updating your resume.

 Yes, these two steps count as two. Click here and scroll down to see “Other activities that will meet your Weekly Work Search Requirements.”

 Once ODJFS approves your application, and this is expected to take a week or two, you do not need to do anything else to “seek work.”

If you return to work, and are laid off again, you will need to follow the same procedure to apply for unemployment benefits.

ODJFS believes this new process will move quickly and make it easier for a union member in good standing to meet their requirement to seek work in order to qualify for benefits.

Here is a link to get started.

We want to hear from you and your experience with this new system by sending us your ideas to info@bac23.org.

BAC Local 23 members in other states, stay tuned. We will send current information for your state soon.

Nomination Meeting For Election
This Saturday, January 11

The Nomination Meeting for the upcoming elections will be held this Saturday, Jan. 11 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local, 1260 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212.

At that time, nominations will be accepted for President, Secretary/Treasurer and five Vice Chair positions for BAC Local 23.

An Election Committee, appointed by President Danny Musacchio in accordance with the Model Constitution, is responsible for the upcoming nominations and election.

The Election Committee members are Mike Collins, Donald Mays and Russell Cerisano.

Among other duties, the Election Committee is responsible for ensuring candidates nominated at the Jan. 11 nominations meeting in Columbus meet the eligibility requirements for serving as an elected officer for BAC Local 23.

Chapter Nomination Meetings This Week

Brrrrr. Due to the snow emergency in central Ohio, the Central Ohio Chapter meeting that was scheduled for tonight, Monday, January 6 has been cancelled and rescheduled for January 20 at 6 p.m. at 2005 Lamb Road, Columbus, OH, 43319.

The Northwest Ohio Chapter will hold a nomination meeting on Tuesday, January 7 at 6 p.m. at 1310 Siler St., Fremont, OH, 43420.

The Southwest Ohio Chapter will hold a nomination meeting on Thursday, January 9 at 6 p.m. at 1550 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223.

At these meetings, officers and negotiating committee members for each chapter will be nominated.

Job Opportunities for BAC Local 23 Members

  • We have an opening for a local Field Representative in the former Local 18 jurisdiction representing Kentucky and Ohio, and for a Field Representative in the former Local 7 jurisdiction in Ohio. If you are interested in being a Field Rep, and want to learn more about the positions, please send an email to info@bac23.org or call 440.986.3000.
  • Mike Coates Construction, Inc. is seeking to hire union bricklayers to work on a project in Cleveland, Ohio beginning in February, 2025. The project includes detailed brickwork on a three-story structure at a private high school. The project is expected to last three months, but Coates will have other opportunities available throughout Northeast Ohio after the completion of the high school project. If you are interested, call Mike Coates Construction at 330.652.0190 or email the company at mail@mikecoatescontruction.com.

 

 

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier
Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-01-07T13:33:26+00:00January 7, 2025|Elections, Job Opportunities, Meetings, Unemployment|0 Comments
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