On this Labor Day, I find myself reflecting on the second-best decision I ever made in my life (number one was to marry my wife, Jeanne): To join OPCMIA Local 31 in Pittsburgh exactly 42 years and one month ago to the day.
That decision empowered me to learn and practice the craft of plastering—and to earn the income and benefits that enabled Jeanne and I to raise our two sons in a middle class household. It gave me a voice on the jobsite, a pension providing retirement security, safe working conditions, and the opportunity to continually upgrade my skills. It also gave me the brotherhood and sisterhood of my fellow members.
That is exactly what the OPCMIA—and the North American labor movement—does for its members: provide security, stability, safety and support from apprenticeship through retirement.
So if I was about to retire after a career working exclusively as an OPCMIA plasterer, I would do so with enormous gratitude.
But fate had other ideas. Because I could see first-hand all that OPCMIA does for its members—and did so from birth, because my father was a proud OPCMIA member, too—I took an interest in the affairs of my union, and sought to make it even better. Over the years, I served as Recording Secretary, Apprentice Coordinator/Instructor, Executive Board Member, Business Agent, Fund Trustee, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for Local 31.
Some 18 years ago, I joined the International as International Vice President, then Executive Vice President and Director of Organizing, and since 2016 as your General President.
It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve my OPCMIA brothers and sisters, and to continue and expand our union’s and the labor movement’s work to improve our members’ lives.
Today, as I plan for my retirement in January 2023, I have nothing but thanks for my union, our members, and the entire labor movement of which we are an integral part. Not just for what they have done for me, but for what they do to make our communities and countries better places to live and work. And I couldn’t be more proud to have played a small part in pursuing this great mission.
My hope on this Labor Day is that each and every one of you will take a moment amid whatever festivities you have planned to reflect and give thanks for what your union and the labor movement bring to your lives. And to pledge to give back by being active in the affairs of OPCMIA to make our union even stronger in the future.
Above all, I wish every OPCMIA and their families the best!
Daniel E. Stepano
General President
