Andy Schalk

What does being a member of 513 means to Andy?

To me, being a member of this great organization means having a big extended family. It means a chance to retire with dignity. It means a chance to carry on the fight of those that came before us. It means following in the footsteps of my family from four generations ago and it means seeing that our local is intact, united, and continues long after I’m dead and gone. It’s been my family’s lifeblood and I will guard this union for all my rank-and-file brothers and sisters with my own.

What does an Executive Board member do for 513?

The Executive Board is the policy-making and administrative tribunal of the Local Union. It shall have such power as may from time to time be delegated to it by the action of the Local Union, or conferred by the constitution.

Local unions are authorized, upon affirmative vote by the executive board, to pay all expenses for investigation services, employment of counsel, and other necessary expenditures in any cause, matter, case, or cases where a local union officer, representative, employee, agent or one alleged to have acted on behalf of the local union is charged with any violation of any law or is used in any civil action with respect to any matter arising out of his official duties.

The duties of a rank-and-file Eboard member are to provide oversight of the above-mentioned expenditures and to question any abnormalities or potential abuse of funds. In addition, to hear charges filed against a member, by a member, and after a hearing of both sides by the board, exonerate said member or render fines as deemed necessary by agreement of the Board.

How did Andy get started with 513?

When I was 21 I started attending the apprenticeship school and it’s been challenging and rewarding to this day. I was blessed as an apprentice to have worked with some of the most skilled Operating Engineers in the country, right here in our local, including my father, Denny Schalk. They taught me not only the skills I needed to make a living, but how a skilled operator should carry himself and represent our craft in the field for the betterment of ALL operating engineers on the job and how to stand together as one. I’ve tried to extend this to every apprentice I come in contact with.

Some of Andy’s Accomplishments at 513:

During the time I was a Trustee I saw the records, as did the other Auditors and Trustees at the time, of the previous administration. The current executive board members and I have viewed the expenditures of the current administration on a monthly basis since my time on the Executive Board as a rank-and-file member. Everything I’ve questioned has been explained with the utmost transparency. Everyone on the board works as a team and has a voice. I haven’t found anything to be awry.

Other Labor Positions Andy Holds:

• Tri-County Labor club member
• St. Louis Labor Council IUOE 513 Delegate
• St Louis Labor Day Parade Marshal

Andy grew up in O’Fallon, MO, and currently resides in Wentzville, MO.