Featured Laborer
John Hoff - July, 2007
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Personal Profile Hometown: Forest Lake, MN Favorite food: Seafood Favorite Quote: “There’s always enough money to build something once, and never enough to build it twice.” Hobbies: Woodworking, Hunting, & Fishing
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Career Info Laborer Since: 1965 Retired: Feb. 28, 2007 Member: Local 132 Recent Contractor: McGough Const.- 8 Years; Superintendent Notable Projects: Ford Dam /Underground Tunneling
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How does he feel about the training center programs through the union?
- CPR & First Aid; HazMat. “The training programs that the unions have are incredible. One doesn’t just come off the street any more having all the right skills and training. Contractors are looking for the best, skilled people to build their projects safely and within budget. The skills training for new Laborers, available through the union training programs help fill that gap.”
What does being a skilled union Laborer mean to him?
“Security, pride and job satisfaction. I could go on and on. The stigma of being a “dumb Laborer” isn’t so. Laborers are just as advanced as any other trade and have really become skilled craftspeople, through high level apprenticeship training, staying ahead of the curve with technology and so forth.As far as unions are concerned, they make the country go forward, allowing people to vote, attend meetings and stand up for their rights. However, the union has to stay strong and united even now more than ever. They can do that in part by having a faithful and working relationship with the contractors.”
What his contractor relationship has meant to him?
“McGough made me feel like I was a part of their family. The role of the contractor is vital in that they need to be treated fairly and with gratitude. They need to make money, and when they do, their money is really our money as Laborers and skilled craftspeople. In essence, we are a team all working together.”
What advice would he give to a new laborer coming into the field?
“We need to drive home to them how great the benefits are for them through the Laborers union. It isn’t all about salary or dollars per hour. I don’t understand how a person could be a non-union worker without much for benefits. Also, a message could be sent that there are opportunities for Laborers to become Superintendents and Foremen with their contractors. McGough has as many as four Laborers that are Superintendents.”
Is he having fun in his retirement?
“I am enjoying fishing and plan on doing some bow hunting. I do miss the people at McGough and in the industry. But, I am now on my next journey in life!”