Whether it’s rehabilitating highways and bridges or constructing new roadways, the work can be very physical. Such activity, however, has never been a problem for him. In fact, Michael has always been in good shape as evidenced by his previous participation in national bodybuilding competitions.

From 1974 to 1990, he competed in such competitions as Mr.

North America, Mr. Pennsylvania, Mr. Pittsburgh and others.

His dedication and commitment to his physical condition earned him a contract with GNC and for several years he could be seen on many GNC Challenge Vitamin Labels.

Because being a competitive bodybuilder is all consuming, Michael no longer competes, but the job keeps him in shape nonetheless. By the time he goes home to his family at the end of the day, he’s already done more exercise than just about any office worker. It’s one of the things he likes about his job. He also likes the diversity that comes with being a laborer.

“As a laborer working out of the hall, you get to do so many different things that everyday is different,” he explains. “The key is to stay in shape and keep your contractors happy. If you don’t, you can’t expect to work.”

When he is not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Sandy, and coaching soccer for their children, Michael, 12, and Haley, 9. When at work, he enjoys the camaraderie of working in a union environment and being involved in union issues.

In 2000, he was elected a union delegate and represented Local #1058 at its international convention in Las Vegas. He also serves as a union steward.

“When I someday look back on my career, I want to be remembered as a good union steward who always worked safe and protected my union brothers and sisters,” he says.

Chances are he will also be remembered for being in great shape.

Using a digging bar, Michael Huber sets a manhole grate on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.

Ann Flasck Steamfitters Local Union #449
		You never know where life will take you. One day, you’re cutting neighborhood lawns looking for something cold to drink and the next day you’re a multimillionaire sitting poolside at an exclusive country club, all thanks to a winning lottery ticket. Life can be quite a turnaround.

For Ann Flasck, her life change wasn’t anywhere near as random or as dramatic, but her career still took a pretty remarkable u-turn. One day, she was a fraud investigator for Mellon Bank and the next day, she’s fabricating and installing heating and air conditioning systems as a steamfitter for Local Union #449. Not exactly a typical career move. But given today’s economy, you never know what’s in store for you or what’s around the corner.

For nine years, Ann worked in an office environment investigating potential fraud, first for Integra Bank (now National City) and later Mellon Bank. However, when Mellon sold its Fraud Division, Ann could either move to Delaware and continue her career in banking or stay in Pittsburgh and pursue other interests. She obviously chose the latter.

“I had some friends in art and enjoyed going to exhibitions and looking at different kinds of artwork,” she explains. “One form that interested me was welded sculptures. I thought it would be neat to learn how to weld and create my own art or even furniture.”

That hasn’t quite happened yet, but she did learn how to weld. Around the same time, she attended a job fair and subsequently applied to the Steamfitter Union. Before she knew it, she was accepted into the Steamfitters Apprenticeship Program learning the ins and outs of being a professional steamfitter.

That was nine years ago and as to whether she made the right career choice, “I absolutely love what I’m doing,” she exclaims. “I love to build things from scratch.”

As a steamfitter, Ann has worked at Heinz Field, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh/UPMC and at Three PNC, among others. She admits that the work isn’t for everyone, as it can be physically demanding, but it can also be a great career for both men and obviously women.

“I’ve never had any problem as a woman on a job site,” she says. “I simply get treated as one of the group.”