As president of the International Union of Operating Engineers from 2005 until his recent retirement, Vincent Giblin strengthened the union’s membership, raised its political clout and set a new standard for what a vibrant and progressive union can accomplish.
Giblin established the union as a major political player by dramatically increasing members’ voluntary PAC contributions.
In organizing, Giblin committed the union to rebuilding its membership in the South. He added strategic research and organizing staff and significantly increased subsidies for local union organizing.
In the legislative arena, Giblin fought for good jobs for his members by supporting such legislation as the highway bill reauthorization to create jobs and for Davis-Bacon protections in federal jobs bills. He pushed for health care reform and other national legislation to improve the lives of all working people.
Giblin established the Operating Engineers Charity Fund for disaster relief, helping members in distress, and gave generously to Doctors Without Borders for its work after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Giblin, whose first job was as a stationary engineer in IUOE Local 68 in New Jersey in 1964, and who then served for 29 years as the local’s business manager, led the creation of IUOE’s first National Training Fund and transformed the technological infrastructure of his union. Prior to his position as president of IUOE, Giblin served as secretary-treasurer.
We wish Vince Giblin well in his retirement.