Northwest Indiana
Federation of Labor,

Central Bodies, an integral part of the Labor Movement, are set up to unify and coordinate the work of the AFL-CIO. They are chartered by the National AFL-CIO and coordinate local organized labor efforts in the following areas: Education, Community Services, Legislation, & COPE.

Our affiliates are local unions affiliated with International Unions who are themselves affiliated with the National AFL-CIO.

The following is a brief history of Central Bodies in Lake County, Indiana; beginning first with the Lake County Central Labor Union, AFL, chartered in 1918; second, the Lake County Industrial Union Council, CIO, chartered in 1937; and thirdly, the merger of both organizations into the Lake County AFL-CIO Central Labor Union chartered in July 1960. Next came the incorporation of Porter County and the creation of the Lake and Porter Counties AFL-CIO Central Labor Union, chartered on November 20, 1967. By 1974, with the expansion of the steel industry and the growth of unionization efforts in Porter County, it was decided to create a separate Labor Council there. The Lake County Central Labor Union and The Porter County Central body coexisted until 1988 when the National AFL-CIO decided to reduce the number of Central Bodies throughout the country by consolidation in hopes that this would create stronger organizations. In 1988 both organizations merged, forming the current Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

On July 24, 1908, the Lake County Central Trade and Labor Council, made "Application for Certificate of Affiliation" to the American Federation of Labor. (A copy of this application was sent to us by the National AFL-CIO office and is part of our permanent record.)

A charter was issued to the Lake County Central Labor Union, AFL on July 28, 1918, and was signed by the following officers: T. H. Zack, the first President, Thomas Harle, Joseph Kasper, John L. Mears, T. E. Huddleson, Carl Mullen, C. F. Forbek, W. E. Hortstein, R. E. Reister, Fred Gilchrist, and Fred Deitrich.

PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES of the LAKE COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR UNION, AFL,
in order of their terms, their International Unions and the years in which they were in office (when available)
are as follows:

PRESIDENTS
T. H. Zack, 1918; Thomas Harle, General Wagon Drivers; Fred Deitrich, Painters; Fred F. Schutz, Milk Drivers, 1948; Steve
Toth, Teamsters, 1949-50-51-52; Fred F.Schutz, Milk Drivers, 1953-54-55; Gayle Murrin, Teamsters, 1956; James Russell,
Brotherhood Electrical Workers, 1957-58; Leland D. Daugherty, Ironworkers, 1959 to July 1960.

SECRETARIES
Joseph Kasper, 1918-20; W. C. Mueller, 1920-22; Carl Mullin, Painters, 1922-30; William Knoth,1930-33; William Heath, Machinists, 1934-36; William Rohrberg, Painters 1938-42; Fred O.Wilson, Painters, 1942 to July 1960.

On October 26,1937, the LAKE COUNTY CIO INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL was chartered with the following Officers: Cleo Owens, the First President, 10 14 S.W.O.C.--Jesse Rees, Vice President, 1011 S.W.O.C. --E, C. English, Treasurer, 1966 S.W.O.C.; J. J. Wright, Financial Secretary, Oil Workers, and John Sargent, Recording Secretary, 1010 S.W.O.C.

PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES of the LAKE COUNTY CIO INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL,
in order of their terms, their International Unions and the years which they were in office (when available), are as follows:

PRESIDENTS
Cleo Owens, 1014 S.W.O.C., 1937-38-39-40; 0. H. McKenzie, 1010 U.S.W.A., 1941-42-43; R. C. Olson, 210 Oil Workers, 1944-45 -46; L. H. Thornton, 10 11 U.S.W.A., 1947; George Colwell, 1066 U.S.W.A., 1948-49-50; John Truchan, 1066 U.S.W.A., 1951 thru July 1960.

SECRETARIES
J. J. Wright, 1937-38-39; Ralph Hyndman, 1011 U.S.W.A., 1940; Russell S. Graves, 210 Oil Workers, 1941-49; Ralph Tremel, 10 11 U.S.W.A., 1950; John Milasich, 210 Oil Workers, 1951 thru July 1960.

In 1955, the National American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations merged; subsequently on July 1960, the LAKE COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR UNION, AFL and the LAKE COUNTY CIO INDUSTRIAL UNION COUNCIL merged. The first Executive Board was as follows: President John Truchan, 1066 U.S.W.A--First Vice President Leland D. Daugherty, 395 Ironworkers--Second Vice President, Peter Calacci, 1010 U.S.W.A.--Third Vice President, John M. Mayerik, 1014 U.S. W.A. --Financial Secretary, E. B. Lawbaugh, 1399 N.A. L. C. --Recording Secretary, E. A. Chlebowski, 22636 Federal Labor Union--Treasurer, Reno Mussatt, 1011 U.S.W.A.--Trustees Herman Anderson, 2697 U.S.W.A--Joe DeRosa, 1133 U.S.W.A.--Michael Joseph, 32 Hotel, Restaurant & Bartenders--Sgt. at Arms Kenneth 0. Hanes, 7-210 O.C.A.W.

PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARIES of the LAKE COUNTY AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR UNION ARE AS FOLLOWS: John Truchan was elected by acclamation each term from 1960 to 1966. He resigned in 1966 to move to California and First Vice President Peter Calacci assumed the presidency until 1978. E. B. (Bill) Lawbaugh, 1399 N.A.L.C. served as Financial Secretary from 1960-67.

On November 14, 1967, a resolution was passed asking permission to include Porter County, Indiana into our jurisdiction. On November 20, 1967, President George Meany, National AFL-CIO approved this action. November 20, was the date of the new Charter issued to the new organization, the LAKE AND PORTER COUNTIES AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR UNION, with the following Executive Board Members: President Peter Calacci, 1010 U.S.W.A--First Vice President E. A. Chlebowski, U.S.W.A Staff--Second Vice President William Kranz, 1066 U.S.W.A.--Third Vice President Edward J. Kolody, 1014 U.S.W.A. --Financial Secretary E. B. Lawbaugh, 1399 N. A.L.C. --Recording Secretary Michael Joseph, 32 Hotel Restaurant & Bartenders Union--Treasurer Joseph J. Matonovich, 1133 U. S.W. A. --Trustee Kenneth 0. Hanes, 7-210 O.C.A.W.--Trustee George Pole, 2695 U.S.W.A.--Trustee Herman Anderson, 2697 U.S.W.A.--Sgt. at Arms C. G Garrett, 394 Hammond Teachers.

The Charter was presented to the organization by Director F. J. Pat McCartney, Region 10, AFL-CIO at the first regular meeting in January 9, 1968 at the Phillip Murray Building Gary, Indiana, with the following officers for the years of 1968 and 1969 being installed: President Peter Calicci, 10 10 U.S.W. A.--First Vice President William Kranz, 1066 U.S.W.A.--Second Vice President Charles R. Krall, 1026 U.S.W.A.--Third Vice President Edward J. Kolody, 1014 U.S.W.A. --Financial Secretary Kermit Ray, 350 Meatcutters--Recording Secretary Michael Joseph, 32 Hotel Restaurant & Bartenders Union--Treasurer Joe DeRosa, 1133 U.S.W.A.-Trustee Herman Anderson, 2697 U.S. W.A. --Trustee Kenneth 0. Hanes, 7-210 O.C.A.W. --Trustee Frank Taylor, 1273 U.S.W.A.--Sgt. at Arms C. G. Garnett, 394 Hammond Teachers.

On October 22,1974, the PORTER COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR UNION was chartered by the National AFL-CIO. By recommendation of the Executive Board and approval of the representative body, $1,000.00 was donated from the Treasury of the former Lake Porter Counties Central Labor Union to the Porter County Central Body, so that they might more readily begin functioning. The check was presented by President Peter Calacci of the LAKE COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR UNION to Gene Chlebowski, President of the Porter County Central Labor Union during ceremonies of the First Annual Labor Banquet sponsored by the Lake County Central Labor Union, at the East Chicago Knights of Columbus Hall, East Chicago, Indiana, September 13, 1974.

Officers of the newly reorganized LAKE COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR UNION in October of 1974 were: Peter Calacci, 1010 U.S.W.A.--First Vice President Walter Sitnick 8 Painters--Second Vice President Henry Valenzuela, 1460 Retail Clerks--Third Vice President Nathaniel Hall, 1014 U.S.W.A.--Financial Secretary Kermit Ray, 350 Meatcutters--Treasurer Ed Shonk, 16 ChicagoTypographical--Recording Secretary Bennie Darter, 3008 U. S.W.A. --Trustee Kenneth Hanes, District 70. C. A.W. --Trustee C. S. Matusiak, 1026 U.S.W.A. --Trustee Joshua Hamilton, 4 A.F.T--Sgt. at Arms Charles Dallin, 511 A.F.T. In 1975 Ted Kane, 10 Molders, replaced Henry Valenzuela as Second Vice President and Sammy Ampeliotis, 1066 U.S.W.A., replaced Nathaniel Hall as Third Vice President.

In 1976 the following were elected as officers: President Peter Calacci--First Vice President, Walter Sitnick--Second Vice President, Otto Holman, 1005 Carpenters--Third Vice President Alex Czajkowski, 1133 U. S.W.A. --Financial Secretary Kermit Ray--Treasurer George Rogus, 1026 U.S.W.A.--Recording Secretary William Trella, 3443 U.S.W.A. --Trustee Joshua Hamilton--Sgt. at Arms Charles Dalin. In 1977 Jackson Todd, 1005 Carpenters, fulfilled Second Vice President Otto Holmans term.

In 1978, Steelworker politics spilled over and affected the Labor movement throughout Lake County. With Pete Calacci's decision to retire and new leadership emerging throughout U.S.W.A. District 31, a change in direction was inevitable at the CLU. Riding the wave of Rank and File caucus elections, Floyd "Red" Watson, President of 1066 U.S.W.A.was elected the new President of the CLU. Although he suffered a debilitating stroke in his second year, Red helped to bridge the gap separating the warring factions within steel and steered the CLU on a course of neutrality that earned him respect from all sides. Others elected in 1978 included: First Vice President Al White, 4 A.F.T.--Second Vice President Frank Gordon, 1010 U.S.W.A.--Third Vice President Alex Czajkowski--Financial Secretary Lewis Thomas, 1011 U.S.W.A. --Treasurer Ed Shonk--Recording Secretary Gwendolyn Kennedy 266 Postal Workers--Trustee George Bunch. 761 A.F.T.--Trustee Kenneth Hanes--Trustee Arnold Schulte--Sgt. at Arms Charles Dahlin.

In 1980 Lewis Thomas of 1011 U.S.W.A. was elected to lead a unity effort to continue the neutrality course established by Red Watson. The team consisted of representatives of both the new and old guard, including William Trella who had run against Watson just two years before. Those elected were: President Lewis Thomas--First Vice President Bennie Darter--Second Vice President Duke DeFlorio, 599 Carpenters--Third Vice President, Alex Czajkowski--Financial Secretary William Trella, 3443 U.S.W.A. --Treasurer Ed Shonk--Recording Secretary Gwendolyn Kennedy--Trustee Kenneth Hanes--Trustee George Sufana, 203 Musicians--Trustee George Bunce--Sgt. at Arms James Brown, 1066 U.S.W.A.

In 1982 the following persons were elected to office: President Lewis Thomas--First Vice President Lincoln Cohen, 1010 U.S.W.A.--Second Vice President Duke DeFlorio--Third Vice President Bill Willett, 208 S.E.l.U.--Financial Secretary Jewell Harris, District 31 U.S.W.A.--Treasurer Ed Shonk--Recording Secretary Josephine Brooks, 3008 U.S.W.A.--Trustee Kenneth Hanes--Trustee George Sufana--Trustee Al White 4 A.F.T.--Sgt. at Arms Julio Casares, 41 Laborers.

In 1984, the leadership of the CLU fell to a non-steelworker for the first time since the merger of the Lake County Central Labor Union, AFL and the Lake County CIO Industrial Union Council in 1960. Elected to the Executive Board at the CLC that year were: President Bill Willett, 208 S.E.I.U. --First Vice President Duke DeFlorio--Second Vice President Kenneth Hanes--Third Vice President George Knezo, 1011 U.S. W.A. --Financial Secretary Sam Ampeliotis, 1066 U. S.W. A. --Treasurer Josephine B rocks- -Recording Secretary Delores Henderson, 2695 U.S.W.A.--Trustee Steve Bodak, 395 Ironworkers--Trustee Rich Gray, 3443 U.S.W.A. --Trustee Al White--Sgt. at Arms Julio Caesares. In 1985 Jerry Powell, 8 Painters, was chosen to fulfill Kenneth Hanes position as Second Vice President.

In 1986 Bill Willett was reelected President. The following individuals were elected to serve with him: First Vice President Josephine Brooks--Second Vice President George Knezo--Third Vice President Julio Casares--Financial Secretary Sam Ampeliotis- -Treasurer Ed Shonk--Recording Secretary Delores Henderson--Trustee Steve Bodak--Trustee Richard Gray--Trustee J. C. Coates, 1005 Carpenters--Sgt. at Arms Larry Karman, 1014 U.S.W.A.

In 1987 both the Lake and Porter Central Bodies merged per request of the National and State AFL-CIO's and created the NORTHWEST INDIANA FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO. The first officers elected of the new multi county Labor Federation were: President Harry Piasecki, District 31 U.S.W.A.--Financial Secretary Sam Ampeliotis--Treasurer Steve Heideman, 81 Laborers--Recording Secretary Gerry Nannenga, District Council of Carpenters --First Vice President Sandra Irons, 4 AFT--Second Vice President Lake County Ed Shonk--Second Vice President Porter County Bob Pastor, 6103 U.S.W.A.--Sgt. at Arms Ed Johnston, 3146 A.F.S.C.M.E.--Building Trades Vice President Don Hamilton, 41 Laborers--Industrial Sector Vice President Ray Lopez, 1010 U.S.W.A. --Service Sector Vice President Addle Nolan, 1199 Hospital Workers--Retail/Whole sale Trades Vice President Wally Evans, 1550 U.F.C.W--Public Employees Vice President Bill Willett. This slate of officers and those following began serving three year terms.

In 1991, Salvador Aguilar, 1010 U.S.W.A. began his term as the newly elected President of the N.I.F.L. Other office changees included Steve Heideman who moved into the position of Bldg. Trades Vice President, Steve Smith, 8 Painters, was elected to the Treasurer position Steve Heideman had formally held, John Greaves, 6787 U.S.W.A., became the Industrial Sector Vice President, and Lorenzo Crowell, Jr., 1199 Hospital Workers, was elected as the Service Sector Vice President. All other officers remained the same.

In the 1994 Elections, only a few changes were made. Ed Johnston moved from Sgt. at Arms to the Second Vice President for Lake County. The resulting Sgt. at Arms vacancy was filled by James Carr, 12775 U.S.W.A. John Tonello, 1043 Millwrights, was elected Bldg. Trades Vice President, John Greaves and Bob Pastor switched offices with John becoming Second Vice President for Porter County and Bob Second Vice President Industrial Sector. All other officers were reelected to their respective positions.

In 1995, First Vice President Sandra Irons assumed the Presidency following the resignation of Sal Aguilar. In 1996 James Skinner, 142 Teamsters, was chosen to fulfill the term of Financial Secretary caused by the death of Sam Ampeliotis. Frank Wampler, 6103 U.S.W.A.,  was chosen to replace John Greaves as Second Vice President Porter County and Judith Pearce, 9144 U.S.W.A., replaced Bob Pastor as Industrial Sector Vice President.

In 1997, a full election was held with the following results: President Gerry Nannenga--First Vice President John Greaves- -Financial Secretary James Skinner--Treasurer Steve Smith--Recording Secretary Frank Wampler--Second Vice President Lake County Ed Johnston--Second Vice President Porter County Diane Bates-- Bldg. Trades Vice President John Fonello--Industrial Sector Vice President Ed Hiatt-- Service Sector Vice President Lorenzo Crowell, Jr.--Retail/Wholesale Vice President Wally Evans--Public Employees Vice President Bill Willett--Sgt. at Arms Rae Helton.

In 1998 Roy Baldwin, 1010 U.S.W.A.,  was selected to fulfill the unexpired term of Ed Hiatt.  In 1999, with the resignation of Gerry Nannenga, John Greaves ascended to the office of President, John Tonello was appointed First Vice President, and James Strayer was selected to fill the term of Building Trades Vice President.

In February, 2000, Terry Paris, Boilermakers #524, was elected to replace Jim Skinner as Financial Secretary; Victoria Candelaria, AFT#511, was elected Recording Secretary to replace Frank Wampler who was then elected Second Vice President Porter County replacing Diane Bates. 

In March 2002, Alice Bush, SEIU 73, Division 208, was appointed Public Employees VP, replacing Bill Willett.

Several individuals holding AFL-CIO positions and assigned to this geographic area provided invaluable assistance to the various central bodies. Al Melton, an AFL-CIO Human Resource Development Institute, Staff Representative to the area was actually involved in the day to day operations of CLC from 1975 through 1983. AFL-CIO Community Service Liaisons also assisted greatly in the operation of the central bodies.

They are listed according to their years of employment. Those assigned to Lake Area United Way included:

George Hrnjak 1957 - 1986
Ken Kovack 1962 - 1967
Harold Stark 1967 - 1985
Dave Sikes 1985 - present
Jerry Powell 1986 - present

Those assigned to Porter County United Way included:

Ken Rhynard 1979 - 1989
Terry Curl 1990 -1991
Madgie Whickcar 1992 - present