Will she ever use her welding skills as an artist? Maybe someday, but not now. For now, she spends her spare time water skiing, mountain biking, running and riding her ATV--about what anyone would expect from a female fraud investigator turned steamfitter.

Ann Flasck of Steamfitters Local Union #449 modifies existing HVAC piping at 3 PNC in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Ronald Sapp International Union of Operating Engineers Local #66
		Now-a-days most college graduates will find themselves in a myriad of jobs, some lasting two years, maybe five, but rarely will someone work for a single organization or company for more than 10 or 20 years.

It may be a desire to excel professionally, a need for higher earnings, a result of the current economic climate or perhaps just boredom that propels workers from job to job. Then again, there are always exceptions, and they can often be found in the union building trades. Take Ron Sapp for example. A 34-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, he found a career that has not only met his needs, but has exceeded his expectations.

After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School, Ron found himself at a crossroads. He was a self-motivated young man who very much wanted to acquire a valuable education, but did not want to wait four or five years before earning good wages and benefits for himself and his family. In August of 1975, he made the decision to enter the Operator’s apprenticeship program, a decision that proved to be one of his best.

As an apprentice, Ron worked on numerous heavy highway projects along Routes 28, 60 and others. Later in his career he would work as an agent on the historic demolition of Three Rivers Stadium and subsequently in the erection of both Heinz Field and PNC Park. “There’s a always a real sense of pride and satisfaction when you see a project through from start to finish, even if conditions are sometimes less than perfect,” he says.

But while his hands on work motivated him as a young apprentice and later journeyman, he had another calling within the organization. Ron’s future would not be a career behind the controls of a backhoe or bulldozer, rather his future was within the organization itself--to represent the men and women with whom he worked, helping to ensure that they could reap the same benefits that he was enjoying.

He subsequently became a business representative and served on the Union’s Advisory and Executive Boards. From there Ron added two more hats as a Trustee for both the Union’s pension and benefit programs and for the Western PA Operators Apprenticeship and Training Program. Today, he’s Vice President of Operating Engineers Local Union #66. His dedication, commitment and efforts are an on going inspiration and example to many.

“I believe in this union and in the union environment,” Ron says.“There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you have helped your fellow union workers perform up to their capabilities and earn the respect of their co-workers and employers. I hope that I have earned the respect of my brothers and sisters and that I have helped them in every possible way. I always want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.”

While Ron may no longer sit behind the controls of a piece of heavy equipment, he can still be seen on many union job sites, overseeing the work and safety of his members. One job in particular that he takes pride in was overseeing the work of the Operating Engineers on the Port Authority’s North Shore Connector. Operating a highly sophisticated $10 million boring machine, members of Local 66 successfully bored twin tunnels under the Allegheny River.

“I’ve been able to set and achieve many goals during my career and will continue to wear many hats and serve in different capacities to the very best of my ability,” he vows. “This has been a great career for me and I’d advise anyone looking for advancement in the trades to pursue any opportunities that they are given with enthusiasm, perform their duties diligently and don’t hesitate to share knowledge with apprentices and those who are in the learning stages of their craft.”