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Placing Stones - The Reflections of Charles Pillard
Over the course of a crisp afternoon, President Pillard spoke about the pieces in his life. He said he never thought of his job as work. He said he always enjoyed what he did, whether it was as Local 41, Buffalo, New York, Business Manager, as IEC member or International President. He said he always enjoyed trying to help people. When he began talking, he spoke first about the new International Office the IBEW built in the early 70s, one block south of the old I.O. The Brotherhood explored the idea of expanding the old building. It couldnt be done. Where to go from that point was not an easy question, he said. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Washington, D.C., was the scene of vicious and terribly destructive riots. Rioters came as close as a block from the old I.O. Many organizations, stores and Families made the decision to leave Washington and move to the rapidly expanding suburbs. The IBEW saw an opportunity. Land was available near the old I.O., two blocks from the AFL-CIO headquarters, four blocks from the White House, a mile from the Capitol, and the Brotherhood bought it. President Pillard said it was a wise decision, a great investment. He said they didnt spare anything building the new I.O. Its one of the best built in the city. He said, built for the future. It was constructed 100 percent union. The mayor of Washington, D.C., Walter Washington, came to the I.O.s dedication in 1973. After the ceremony, President Pillard asked the mayor why he had taken the time to come. The mayor responded, I came because I wanted to personally thank the IBEW for showing faith in the city, for not leaving when so many others had. Then-AFL-CIO President George Meany was at the I.O. dedication. President Pillard said he and Brother Meany got along very well, even though he thought they were very different people. Pillard said Meany was hard to get to know. He was gruff and outspoken. But, he said, he was a great man, a great leader, the watchdog of the working person. Then-International Treasurer Harry Van Arsdale Jr. was also at the dedication. President Pillard said Brother Van Arsdale was far ahead of his time. He said he was interested in improving benefits long before it was popular to negotiate health and welfare, and pension packages. He said Van Arsdale had vision, he was fair and most of all he was a man of his word. President Pillard spoke most passionately when it came to truth and fairness. He said, your word is your bond, its the most important thing you have. President Pillard was a modest man. He speaks softly, giving each word thought and emphasis. He spoke of his considerable accomplishment in phrases which begin with we. He thought of himself as a member of a team. When pressed to say what things he was most proud of, he talked about improving members security, the NEBF agreement, the local union reciprocity agreement. He talked about the IBEW reaching the one-million-member mark. President Pillard said he saw a bright future for the IBEW. He said the Brotherhood is at the forefront of an ever-expanding industry. He said he hoped members would spread that optimism to their children, teach their children the advantages and gains unions bring. Each stone carefully added to a wall makes the wall stronger. President Pillards quiet strength became clear as the afternoon became early evening. A man whose word was his bond, whose satisfaction came in helping others, a leader whose victories came in organizing teams, whose achievements came in brief momentspiece places on piece.
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When asked to reflect on his days as President of the IBEW, International President Emeritus Charles Pillard said, Looking back on it is like looking at stones in a wall. Now I can see all the parts, and I see how they all fit together. He showed what he meant with both hands, his eyes bright.