Dedicated to His Fellow Worker

Like one of the many bridges he helped build, Jim Boemer’s time as a member of the Local 49 spans time and is the connection between the unions past and future. Boemer, a Minneapolis native and current resident of Maple Grove will formally receive his 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55-year membership pins at the Local 49 general membership meeting on July 14.

Boemer joined Local 49 in October of 1953, after he was hired to work in the City of Minneapolis’ public works department as a heavy equipment operator. During the next 17 years Boemer help build most of the major streets and bridges that connect the major thoroughfares around the city. These projects included the Camden, Hennepin, Lowery and Washington Avenue Bridges.

In 1970 Boemer was asked to trade his hard hat for an advocacy hat and go represent his fellow union members at the State Capitol. “I wanted a better life for my brothers and sisters in the union,” said Boemer. “I helped to write today’s existing labor relations laws for public employees that went on the books about 1973. That was a major breakthrough for us. I’m very proud of that achievement.”

Even after his retirement in 1988, Boemer remained active in Local 49 affairs. During the last election cycle he spent countless hours on the phones encouraging union members to get out the vote.

Glen Johnson, Local 49 business manager says today’s union members should be grateful for the work of Boemer and other union forefathers. “Jim spent a majority of his career making sure the future of unions was strong,” he said. “Fifty-five years of service is an awesome accomplishment. We are forever thankful for all of his work.”

Boemer and his wife Norma recently celebrated their 56^th wedding anniversary. They have six children and nine great-grandchildren. “My hard work and loyalty to Local 49 has paid off big time,” he said. “My health benefits and pension are my reward. I reap the benefits of my career everyday – and that makes me smile.”