The Al Thomas Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of the former Local 1 Business Manager. Al served as Business Manager from 1970 until 1973 when his service was suddenly cut short by a heart attack. 

 

The leadership and forethought Al brought to Local 1 still lives on as part of his legacy. Mr. Thomas was very instrumental in changing the culture of the pension plan to be a benefit for the member, instead of a benefit for insurance companies. (Insurance companies once managed the pension plan assets.) He not only served as Business Manager, but also served as Collections Coordinator and Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Local. During this time he increased the amounts contributed to the pension plan, increased apprenticeship involvement, and enhanced the promotion fund. In short he was directly responsible for transforming many of the benefits members receive for the Union today. Retired Business Manager Jim McNannay and close friend of Al, describes him as “A True Labor Leader”.

 

Along with Union membership that provides for training, benefits and family wages, there is also a sense of working together to provide for opportunities. The Al Thomas Memorial Scholarship is provided by BAC Local 1 and its members. It gives opportunities to the children and grandchildren of Local 1 members through aid for schooling or training beyond high school.

 

Who is Eligible: High School seniors who will receive a diploma in Spring of their senior year. The senior must be a son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter of an active or retired member of Local 1 Oregon who is in good standing. Stepchildren are also eligible. This scholarship is offered to eligible children to attend college, and also can be used for trade schools and related tuition, books and tools.

 

 

In selecting a winner, consideration will be given to grades.  However, this is not an academic award. Considerable weighting will be given for extra-curricular activities such as job, scouts, community service, and school activities such as club, sports, general citizenship and character. As part of the application, we will also request a short (300-500 word) essay on how Union affiliation has positively impacted the applicant and the applicant’s family life.

 

Scholarship recipients are selected by an independent Scholarship Committee unaffiliated with Local 1.

 

Look for information to be mailed each Spring to the membership regarding the application process.