Timothy Simmons, International President, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
In a powerful address to owners and contractors, Boilermakers’ International President Timothy Simmons outlined a forward-looking vision built on partnership, innovation and a renewed commitment to workforce excellence. He emphasized that the core purpose of the conference was to build and strengthen the essential relationships between the union and industry partners.
“That’s what this whole conference is about. It’s about growing relationships,” he said. "I guarantee we can solve more problems sitting at a table eating dinner together than we ever could in a boardroom sitting across from each other, going over grievances and arbitrations. We can handle a lot of these things in-house simply by building our relationships with each other.”
Simmons detailed the union’s strategic MOST Programs framework—Mobilization, Optimization, Stabilization and Training—with a focus on training and recruiting the next generation of skilled workers. “For the first time in many years, we’ve hired recruiters. We’ve also encouraged our apprenticeship to do the same.”
The union's training strategy is driven by the needs of owners and contractors, Simmons said. He said the union is committed to listening to owners and contractors to identify new technologies and processes on the horizon. This direct feedback allows the Boilermakers adapt, ensuring the training is always ahead of the curve and ready to meet future project requirements.
The Boilermakers are also reaching across the aisle to bring the nonunion into the union way of life. “So they know what it’s like to have a pension and healthcare and safety on the jobsite,” Simmons said.
He directly addressed industry challenges, including the manpower shortage, urging open communication about future projects to ensure the union can staff them with qualified personnel.
He noted that the Boilermakers’ emphasis on safety must include an emphasis on mental health. He advocated for a culture of openness and support, ensuring members have resources both on and off the job.
“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help,” Simmons said, rejecting the old-school mentality of “leaving your feelings at the gate.”
Simmons also highlighted the union’s investment in its growth and progress through programs like the M.O.R.E.Work Investment Fund.
"Our members are investing in themselves through the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund to be more effective, qualified, productive and safe for you as an industry. This is money out of their own pockets to make sure we are on the cutting edge so we can help you grow."
He called for mutual respect and innovative collaboration, reaffirming that the Boilermakers remain the craft of choice for solving the challenges facing the industry.
“We work better when we work together.”