BIOs

Andrew Sandberg

Assistant President/Directing General Chairman
District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: BY029752, LL 754

Andrew Sandberg is the Assistant President/Directing General Chairman representing Machinist District Lodge 19; he is also a third generation Union Member from New York. In the role of Assistant President, Andrew oversees the day-to-day operation of the District in which all General Chairman report to him for guidance and assistance as needed. In addition, Andrew has assignments of his own. His knowledge of Freight, Commuter and Passenger Railroads along with Railroad related and National Labor Relations Act agreements aids in these duties. Andrew’s home Local is 754 in Long Island, New York.

A big believer in equal economic, political, and organizational rights for workers, Andrew has devoted 28 years of his life to Union Activism and Leadership; he is also currently the Chairman of the District Lodge 19 Political Action Committee. A highlight of this activism came in 2019 when he testified before Congress on the state of the rail workforce focusing on a management scheme called, Precision Scheduled Railroading. This testimony has brought a great deal of scrutiny onto the Class One Freight Railroads by the Federal Government, and it led to a congressional study of how Railroads operate, it also led to the Surface Transportation Board Inquiries in 2022.

Andrew is a qualified Trade Unionist and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Labor Studies from Empire State College (State University of New York) as well as certification in Leadership, Human Rights, Organizing, Health and Safety, Collective Bargaining, First Contract and Arbitration from the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center, the AFL-CIO, and UAW Region 9A. He continues to sharpen his skills by attending classes each year and by reading books about how to improve the Labor Movement. As the District 19 Educator, (2017-present) Andrew teaches two classes at the W3 Center each year as well as on site classes as needed throughout the United States for Railroad Locals.

Prior to being elected General Chairman in 2011, Andrew spent 4 years as the Local Chairman at his home Local Lodge. He also served as a Trustee for Local 754 before being elected Local Chairman in 2007. Preceding his railroad career Andrew was elected as Chief Steward, a position he served in for 8 years at a United Auto Workers Shop in Bay Shore New York.

Additionally, Andrew has been elected as delegate to the AFL-CIO (Long Island Federation of Labor) and New York State Council of Machinists while serving as Local Chairman. He has also been elected as delegate to the 2008 and 2012, 2016 and 2020 Grand Lodge Conventions.

In 2022, Andrew was appointed by the International President to fill a vacancy on the Law Committee. The Law Committee reviews and presents propositions to change the IAM Constitution that are sent in by each Local. A couple of highlights out of nearly 100 propositions are the ability for Locals to have a virtual portion of their meeting and the ability for the IAM to hire an army of organizers. These should help our progress moving forward by helping to inform and educate our Members, plus, add new Members.

As President (PDGC) Andrew promises to double our efforts in building a strong ongoing coalition where all Union Members will become active in seeking improved wages and working conditions. Emphasis needs to be added on negotiating limits to forced overtime and the addition of paid sick leave that can be used without discipline among other things. He has experience in building coalitions from the shop floor up to Union Leaders and back and keeping Members engaged.

Andrew can be reached at his home email address reelectsandberg@gmail.com at any time.

VOTE FOR ANDREW SANDBERG ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR PDGC
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Richard D. Nadeau - Book No.: BU014209, LL 1333
Secretary-Treasurer – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Secretary-Treasurer, Richard Nadeau, has devoted his life to serving our membership in many different capacities. He first started serving membership as a communicator for his Local Lodge because he knows the importance of an informed membership. His Local Lodge, soon after, encouraged Rich to become the Assistant Local Chairman, and shortly thereafter, the Local Chairman. Rich won many claims for his Local Lodge while policing the Agreement and worked tirelessly to improve his Local’s solidarity.

Rich’s dedication and professionalism was recognized by District Lodge 19, and he was hired in 2004 as a General Chairman. He has dedicated his career to improving and changing the district to better suit its current needs and environment. In every position he has served with the District, he has made the necessary changes to improve its performance and operation.

Brother Nadeau’s most challenging position has been the Secretary-Treasurers’. In 2016 he knew he needed to take this position in order to manage the District finances. Since 2020 the challenges have not stopped, and Rich’s experience is greatly needed as the Secretary-Treasurer at this time. 

A VOTE FOR RICH IS A VOTE FOR SUCCESS!

Rich’s Life Experience:                                                            Email: reelectstnadeau@gmail.com                                                    

·        US Navy Veteran – Propulsion Engineer Aboard United States Aircraft Carrier USS Constellation

·        Joined IAMAW in 1992 - Campbell Shipyard as a Senior Outside Machinist.

·        UPRR – Machinist 1995

·        Local Chairman, 2000 thru 2004:

o   Policed the CBA, Handled Claims/Grievances and Hearings.

·        General Chairman, 2004 thru 2013:

o   Required to move from Washington State to Denver, Colorado. Servicing General Chairman for UPRR & Progress Rail, handled transfer of work agreements, subcontracting claims, contract negotiations, hearings and arbitrations.

o   Serviced one of the largest territories in the District.

·        Assistant to the President/Directing General Chairman - 2013 thru 2016:

o   Involved in various contract negotiations and District Administrative Work, including working with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office.

o    Oversaw the 2014 District Convention and organized the first District Guide Dogs of America Golf Tournament – First year raised enough money to provide one Guide Dog for Service. 

o   Managed the creation, and maintained, the District Website.

o   Appointed to the FRA’s Rail Safety Advisory Committee. 

o   Appointed to CRLO Subcommittee which Administers the National Health & Welfare Plan.

·        Secretary-Treasurer, 2016 thru Present:

o   Since 2016 has reorganized the total operation of the Secretary Treasurer’s office in order to streamline and simplify its operation.

o   Established a team-work environment to enable each person to understand the importance of their role in the successful operation of the office. Encourages the team to bring new ideas in order to always make improvements.

o   Focuses on precise and accurate administration of all membership records. 

VOTE JUNE 9th, 2023 FOR RICHARD NADEAU
FOR SECRETARY-TREASURER
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

John Denny
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: AT078702, LL 430

A native of Montana, John served eight years in the U.S. Army before joining the IAM in 1998 as a Machinist. Rising through the ranks. John held has held many positions local and District positions prior to being elected as a General Chairman. John has been involved in coalition building, contract negotiations, and implementing agreements under the Railway Labor Act and the National Labor Relations Act. He has had success in the processing of claims and grievances including Rules, Discipline, and Sub-Contracting cases.

John’s assignments now include BNSF, SOO, DM&E, D&H, UP, MRL, CN Shop Machinists, Traveling Mechanics, and the Rapid Responders. This year alone he has worked hard to win contracts for MRL, which was overwhelmingly accepted, the SOO, and Delaware and Hudson. With the DM&E is rapidly ending soon as well. This has prevented the Carriers from gaining traction while dividing our members. As well as several implementing agreements.

When time allows, John likes to go camping and fly fishing with his family.

VOTE FOR JOHN DENNY ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

James Orwan
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW
Book No: AK043201, LL 1869

James Orwan, a Pennsylvania native, is no stranger to personal sacrifice and dedication in service to others. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by demonstrating leadership and service to the community.  Prior to coming on staff full time with the I.A.M.A.W, he served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic for over sixteen years. He has an associate and bachelor’s degree and continues to attend education and training at the Winpisinger Training Center.

Since being elected as General Chairman in 2019, James has represented members from LL263, Charlotte NC, LL1041 Newark, NJ, LL1347 Bellevue, OH, LL1352 Philadelphia, PA, LL1639 Altoona, PA, LL1676 Conway, PA, and LL1869 Enola, PA.  These Local Lodges have members from many Carriers, including Conrail, Norfolk Southern, CSX, New Jersey Transit, Septa and Amtrak.

He has successfully negotiated agreements for Septa and New Jersey Transit.

He has successfully arbitrated numerous claims and discipline cases including 3 dismissal cases where the members were awarded their jobs back with 2 years of backpay. 

He has provided factual and clear representation to the members.

He has visited work locations and attended LL meetings in his assigned territory.

He was a member of the 40th Grand Lodge Convention Veterans Committee.

Additionally, James has assisted in the education of members at the Winpisinger Training Center and Local Lodge special training.

VOTE FOR JAMES ORWAN ON JUNE 9th, 2023, 

FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Jason Gibbs
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: CB057805, LL 376

Jason is a lifelong Christian that goes to Providence United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN.  He attends church with his family on a regular basis when his work schedule allows. 

After High School Jason completed an Apprenticeship program as a tool and die maker.  This program was certified by the US Department of Labor.  He also graduated from Nashville State Technology School with a certificate in tool and die making.

Jason started his railroad career as a Journeyman Machinist in April of 2003, at the CSX Nashville Locomotive Shop.  After a short time of getting his feet set in the new industry, he started to look into being a leader at the local level of the IAM.  Jason was mentored by several members in the local but the two that were most integral were John Myers and Jim Langford.  John was a longtime Recording Secretary.  Jim was a Financial Secretary at the local level and a District Lodge 19 Executive Board Member for many years.  Jason realized he wanted to do more and became President within 2 years of the local lodge.  With the help of John and Jim, they both helped teach him how to be a good member and leader.  Jason is very thankful of that.

From 2005, Jason consistently held either the President, Vice President or the Local Chairman position at his local.  There were occasions where he held both the President and Local Chairman positions when the Local Chairman quit abruptly, and business had to continue.  Jason always wanted to make sure the membership was represented properly.  In 2010, Jason was elected to the District Lodge 19 Executive Board.  He served on the Executive Board until he was appointed as a General Chairman in September of 2017.  Jason was then reelected in 2019 as a General Chairman which he is very proud of that accomplishment and does not take that lightly.  Jason services Alabama State Dock, Amtrak, BNSF, CSX, South Central Florida Express, NCVA, A&O, CN, Bombardier, SCPR and NS.  His service area is from as far north as Avon, IN, south to Hialeah, FL, west Memphis, TN and east to Hamlet, NC.  Jason is also the chairman of the District Lodge 19 Arbitration Review Board.

As a General Chairman, Jason puts the members first and always listens to what they have to say.  He understands that most of the times the members’ issues are not the same.  He wants to gather all the facts as possible and work through the issue.

VOTE FOR JASON GIBBS ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Heath Jacobs
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: AP049161, LL 1450

Heath began his railroad career and accepted an Apprenticeship as a Machinist with Norfolk Southern Railway in 2007.  He finished his apprenticeship in half of the time allowed to complete it. Shortly afterward, while working third shift as a Journeyman Machinist Heath ran in an election to become Local Chairman of Local 1450 and won in 2011. The level of discipline and rule violations diminished during Heaths tenure, while the Members moral increased.

In November of 2014, Heath was appointed as a General Chairman by District 19. His first assignment covered the Southern Territory of BNSF, this extended from Birmingham, AL to Los Angeles, CA.  In addition, in 2017, Brother Jacobs was assigned to represent all of Union Pacific Roadway Mechanics.  Heath was re-elected by the membership in 2018. While serving as General Chairman Heath has sharpened his skills by attending all staff leadership training courses at the W3 Center. Brother Jacobs now enforces contracts, negotiates contracts and builds solidarity within all of his assigned Locals while representing over 1,000 IAM Members. He currently represents all of Chicago, IL, the largest railroad city in the entire nation. He represents LL 478, LL 498, LL 2600 all in Chicago IL, and LL 1450 in Chattanooga, TN. The Carriers include Union Pacific, BNSF, Canadian National, CSX, Norfolk Southern, SOO Line (CP), METRA, Belt Railway of Chicago, Indiana Harbor Belt, Union Pacific Roadway Mechanics, Gary Railway and Lake Superior and Ishpeming. His territory is one of the most complex territories within District 19.   

A highlight of Heath’s work as a Union Representative came when he won the largest amount ever in arbitration throughout the railroad industry. He represented a Union Pacific

Roadway Mechanic through the arbitration process and won his job back with all back pay which totaled $167,346.58. This amount is the largest amount that has ever been won for a single member of District 19. As Heath said in a quote “A perfect example of the Union at Work for You”.

Heath embraces the IAM motto “Justice on The Job and Service to The Community” every day while performing his duties and obligation to our Membership. Heath has been the chairperson for our District Guide Dogs of America committee since 2015. He coordinates and oversees the Annual Guide Dogs of America Golf Tournament for District 19.  This event raises approximately $40,000 each year which amounts to training one dog and the recipient.  Since becoming the chairperson for District 19 Guide Dogs of America he has raised more than $280,000.

VOTE FOR HEATH JACOBS JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Kenny Krause
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW
Book No: BY05519, LL 356

Kenny Krause is a long-time resident of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a 23-year Railroader. BNSF Argentine is where he started his railroad career and found the passion for representing Union brothers and sisters.

Kenny held several positions at his Local Lodge. He found his calling when he overwhelmingly defeated Mike Wright and became the Local Chairman in 2011, for two consecutive terms. From there he strived to be the best Union Rep he could be. He was on the District 19 Executive Board. He handled hundreds of investigations and helped countless members fight The Carrier.

In 2019, he was appointed as General Chairman, where he continues to put members first and fight The Carrier at every turn. Kenny said his goal is, “To do all I can to improve Railroaders quality of life.” As General Chairman, he has proven to do just that! He has negotiated a number of 100% ratified agreements.  He has also gone on to win a number of claims, members jobs back and fights subcontracting issues with success. When asked, Kenny stated, “I have only just begun.”

Kenny strives to be the best General Chairman he can be. He has attended all but one of the leaderships classes the union officers. He has attended the local chairman classes, the General Chairman Classes. Kenny has also looked outside the W3 for more education to help him represent the members better. He has taken Crucial Conversations training, along with Behavioral science training, all to better serve the membership.

Kenny’s wife, family and friends are also Railroaders, thus making his work more than just a job, it’s a lifelong passion for success. This is truly his calling, and his work for the members is far from over. Please support Kenny Krause and the District 19 team.  

VOTE FOR KENNY KRAUSE ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN

DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Juan Estrada
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: 0T019534, LL 620

Juan Estrada started his career in 2001, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps as a Diesel Mechanic. Serving in Camp Lejeune, NC; Okinawa, Japan, 29 Palms, CA and completed a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom; honorably discharged as a Sergeant of Marines in 2005 and hired on the Union Pacific Railroad in Los Angeles, CA, as a Locomotive Machinist. In 2009, promoted to Locomotive Machinist Maintenance Technician and served as the second shift committeeman. In 2013, elected as Local Lodge 620, Local Chairman, representing members from Commerce, Carson, West Colton, and City of Industry, CA, Union Pacific Railroad. Also, represented members of Amtrak in Los Angeles, and BNSF Railway, in Commerce, CA.

In 2019, elected as General Chairman for District 19, representing members from LL 620, Los Angeles, CA, LL 706, Barstow, CA, LL 1209, Roseville, CA, LL 1333, Portland OR, and LL 1497, Salt Lake City, UT. Carriers include Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, Amtrak, San Joaquin Valley Railroad, and TransportAmerica Services.

Successes during the previous term include:

·   40th Grand Lodge Convention Veterans Committee member.

·   District 19 Arbitration Review Board member and Human Rights Committee member.

·   Negotiated the San Joaquin Valley Railroad Collective Bargaining Agreement.

·       Established and repaired relationships between members and the District.

·   Represented members through transparent and factual means.

·   Attended local lodge meetings and work locations to develop/maintain continuous support.

·   Successfully returned members to work via the investigation and arbitration process.

·   Successfully filed subcontracting claims producing financial compensation for members.

·   Received Associates Degree from Eastern Gateway Community College through the IAMAW Free College Program.

·   Currently enrolled at SUNY Empire for Labor Studies, Bachelor's degree through the IAMAW, Winpisinger Training Center.

·   New assignments include Local Lodge 331, NM, AZ, and TX, and Local Lodge 2198, Houston, TX.

VOTE FOR JUAN ESTRADA ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Danny Tavares
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW
Book No: AW027988, LL 318

Danny Tavares started his railroad career with Amtrak in 1989. Joined the IAMAW in January of 1990.

Machinist Apprentice 1990-1993, Amtrak. Completed three-year apprenticeship that started in Beach Grove Indiana on January 1990 – April 1990. He returned to Boston to learn and work in the various shops and locations with in the Boston Commuter Rail system.

He then became Shop Committeeman from 1995-2003, he was responsible for day-to-day issues that took place on the floor.

He was elected Local Chairman & President of Local Lodge 318 from 2003-2008, and was elected again in 2012.  He served as Local Chairman and President of Local Lodge 318 from 2012-2022.  As a Local Chairman, his duties included enforcing work agreements, processing claims/grievances and conducting hearings.  Danny successfully took part of all negotiations between the IAMAW and the Carriers who bid on and was awarded the Commuter Rail Contract.

He started his career in 1989 with Amtrak worked for Amtrak 1989 – 2003. (MBCR) Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad was awarded the contract in July of 2003 at which time he was part of the negotiations and continued to work for MBCR until July, 2014. In July of 2014 Keolis was awarded the Commuter Rail Contract and again Danny was right there for all of the negotiations between the IAMAW and Keolis.  

Danny served as a member on District Lodge 19’s Executive Board from 2013-2022.  During this time he served two District Lodge conventions. 

Appointed EAP Director for District Lodge 19 from 2017-2022.  He had the honor to help many of our brothers and sisters in their time of need when they needed the Union to be there for them the most.

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) member 2017- present

General Chairman, May 2022.  Upon taking the role of General Chairman he assumed responsibility for Amtrak, PanAm, Keolis, CSX, MARC as well as Alstom in Hornell, NY.

VOTE FOR DANNY TAVARES ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW
                                                               

Josh Cox
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW

Book No: BI054929, LL 180

Josh began his IAM career in 2005, with Local Lodge 180 in North Platte, NE, hiring on with Union Pacific as a Machinist Helper.  He then began an apprenticeship in 2006, earning his journeyman’s card in 2009.  After becoming a journeyman Machinist, he got involved with his local, becoming a member of the Legislative Committee. 

In 2013, he was appointed as a Trustee, serving until the conclusion of his term, at which time he was elected Assistant Local Chairman.  He served in this position until his appointment as Local Chairman in the summer of 2017, after the retirement of predecessor, Jerry Mullen.  He was then elected Local Chairman in December of 2017, and again in 2019.  He served in this role until his appointment as General Chairman by the staff, and with the approval of the Executive Board of District 19, effective October 1, 2022. 

As a Local Chairman Josh was proactive in the protection of the membership of Local Lodge 180, winning claims, settlements, and job protection actions totaling over a quarter of a million dollars for the membership.  He has represented members in several disciplinary hearings, most of which involved termination cases, with all but one being reinstated to service, either after the hearing, or following the completion of the arbitration process. 

While Brother Cox is new to the position of General Chairman, he is not new to the duties and responsibilities, and the heavy weight they carry.  He was mentored, throughout his career, by newly appointed Grand Lodge Special Representative to the Rail Division, and former District 19 General Chairman, Derrick Battle.  He sought new challenges from Brother Battle in order to grow his skillset, not only as a Local Chairman, but in preparation for future challenges, such as the position he now holds as a General Chairman.

Support Josh Cox, as he wishes to continue to protect, and grow, the membership of District 19, and is willing to fight and get his hands dirty to provide the dignity and respect the members of District 19 deserve.

Thank you to the membership for your continued support!

VOTE FOR DANNY TAVARES ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW

Shaun O’Connor
General Chairman – District Lodge 19, IAMAW
Book No: AW005102, LL 498

Shaun has been a member of the IAM L.L.498 since 2008, working for Metra Railroad in Chicago, IL., he has been President of L.L. 498 since 2014. Listed below are some of his accomplishments.

President L.L. 498 2014-Present.

·   Elected President to 4 consecutive terms.

·   Negotiated scope of work used on new engine rebuild project.

·   Negotiated new work, now rebuilding the Caterpillar C18 engines in house, which created 4 additional machinist positions.

·   Presently rebuilding an additional 25 EMD F40 PH locomotives successfully bringing work back in house

·   Oversee Local Chairmen enforcing Collective Bargaining agreements for the members.

·   Work directly with all 12 Local Chairmen representing 6 different carriers responsible for 325 active members.

·   Started L.L. EAP program in 2017 working with members and their families in many different areas of need.

·   Expanded the EAP program to members of other organizations on multiple properties.

·   Conducted the Locals first organizing campaign.

·   Lobbied at the Illinois State House for political support, providing funding for the membership raises.

·   Worked directly with Congressman Chuy Garcia to leverage the carrier during negotiations.

·   Assembled a delegation of local, State and Federal representatives to work on current and future needs of the membership.

·   Formed the first effective coalition negotiating against Metra for the 2019 round of bargaining with 10 of 13 organizations joining.

1. Conducted meetings inviting members of all the other organizations to participate.

2. These meetings educated and empowered the members to have a real voice in the negotiating process.

3. The building of this coalition with the members from the shop floors eventually led to participation from representatives of many of the other organizations at the international levels.

4. This all culminated in a rally against the carrier in front of the corporate headquarters with nearly 300 members and political allies that we lobbied from both State and Federal offices.

The result, 2 days after the rally there was a new Tentative agreement that was ratified by all unions!!

District 19 EAP Director 2022-Present. 

·   Handling all EAP needs for our members across the country.

·   Member of Air Transport / Rail Division Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) 2019-Present.

District 19 Executive board member 2017-Present.

·   Vote to approve or disapprove appointments requested by President of District 19.

·   Work as directed by President of District 19.

Vice President L.L. 498 2012-2013

·   Member of bargaining committee negotiating contracts at Metra in 2012 and 2019.

·   Experienced in mediation, both times securing better agreements than what other groups accepted.

Shop committeeman 2010-2012

·   Brought subcontracting claim against the carrier for locomotive overhaul.

·   Which resulted in the rebuilding and retrofit of 27 MPI locomotives in house rather than being sent out.

Local Lodge Educator 2014-Present

·   Brought in United Healthcare to help lodge members better understand their benefits.

·   Attend RRB conferences to help retirees and active members both when they need to collect earned benefits.

·   Support the membership by making the education of our representatives a priority.

Delegate to 2018 and 2022 District Lodge 19 conventions.

·   Secretary of the Bylaws Committee 2018

Nearly 100 amendments and resolutions presented

 to the Delegates of the convention.

·   Bylaws Committee 2022 convention.

Delegate to 2016 and 2020 Grand Lodge conventions.

·   Member of Rules Committee at 2020 convention.

VOTE FOR SHAUN O’CONNOR ON JUNE 9th, 2023,
FOR GENERAL CHAIRMAN
DISTRICT LODGE 19, IAMAW