$ 1 7 2,1 0 3 part 1

Total reported compensation package for a Wisconsin union boss for a year. That's for 1 year. For 2008.

Alright I think you get the picture, well part of the picture. The rest of the picture - $1 7 2, 1 0 3 is the total compensation package that Terry "Gooch" McGowan, Union Boss of Local 139 Operating Engineers received for 2008. More correctly, that's what Gooch McGowan and Local 139 President Luciani reported to the Department of Labor, that Gooch received in 2008 in his compensation package from the International Union of Operating Engineers.

A Milwaukee, WI area newspaper in February 2008 pointed out, that while "A typical member of Operating Engineers Local 139 pulls in about $50,000 a year. The man elected to run the union -- which represents those working cranes, bulldozers and other heavy machinery -- is paid what any three rank-and-file members might collectively take home: $160,000+ a year." Authors Robert Herguth and Rich Rovito went on to say "Drawing from Local 139's coffers, business manager Terry McGowan's pay seems more in line with what business executives get. In other words, the people who union officials often rail against."

Well, the Business Journal is a lot off on the money - like $1 2, 1 0 3 off. And Gooch's compensation package is 3 . 4 times more than the median Wisconsin operator earns. But the authors, make their point that the money Gooch McGowan is paid came from Local 139 members who eat dirt sandwiches during their lunch break if they even get a break.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

What are you getting for that money? Representation? Coverage? Nothing?You be the judge.

mq said...

outrageous wages are no surprise for union leaders, once they get appointed or anointed they ingratiate themselves and let the members fall by the wayside. you should check out the dough Local 150 leaders are making (http://www.150membersvoice.org/Resources/BA'sPayStructure.pdf) while unemployment is near 50% and getting worse. the best thing to do is un-elect all of them. http://www.150membersvoice.org/pigs.html

Anonymous said...

They are no better than the people we bailed out who have given themselves a raise or a bonus while the union members who pay for it have had some pretty ugly years. I believe it's time to make this bunch go back to work like the rest of us.It could be that god will forgive them but i'm afraid I cannot!

Anonymous said...

Michael hit the nail on the head, vote them out! Local 139 needs a change.

Bob Larson said...

un_elect???? Now that you say that, I heard that people are comming foward to help build a stronger union. God bless them for stepping up!!!

Anonymous said...

Are the figures including international and local benefits? How about what the school might be paying them. I am sure the figure is alot higher. Somewhere in the 200,000 plus range!!

Anonymous said...

Gentalmen lets remember something hear their also taking the food from your childrens plates p.s. i'm only staying anonomous in fear of future retrabution

Anonymous said...

do not forget the fact that your local 139 union credit cards pay for gas for the majority of the staff members spouses vehicles. the big party weekends for all general membership meetings families included .must be nice, terry M has been on staff since 1992 with don shaw when was the last time he even drove vehicle that did not belong to you the members of local 139 during these tough economic time the entire local 139 staff would LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Anonymous said...

Brothers and Sisters are we even aware of the maintenance on these cars and trucks or the liability involved when a non member operates one of them?? has anyone checked www.wcca.wicourts.gov??? seems maybe you might find something there about a non member accident with a 139 vehicle, now I ask, aren't we all human, do we make mistakes, yes but some choose to own up to them and some don't ask yourself which am I. Just so some can't accuse me of not owning up to wrighting this I will when I feel the ones in charge won't try to get even for a member who chooses to speek openly!

tellfred said...

It would be helpful to the readers if as a commentor, named or anonymous, you provide enough information in your comments to allow the readers to research and make better sense of your statements.

Anonymous said...

I agree with tellfred. Keep your stories comming!! Give lots of detailed facts. The good, the bad, the ugly. It wouldn't surprise me if it is mostly bad and ugly.

tellfred said...

Some comments may be researched before being posted. Keep your comments coming.

Anonymous said...

These amounts are only what is on paper. Lets not forget the friendly hand shake with a few bills to look the other way.

tellfred said...

If you have actual knowledge of the friendly hand shake with palmed money, I encourage you to contact law enforcement ASAP. If instead, your comment is your way of expressing your opinion or your frustration, I encourage you to document and or witness what you suspect might be illegal activities.

Bob Larson said...

Fred you have a quote posted from Bob Larson on February 15, 2010 that starts with the words "Bob Larson Said". I would like this posting removed immediately as it is 100% false. I am Bob Larson and I have never said the words in this quote nor would I ever say these words. Please remove this garbage from your site. Thank you, Bob larson

tellfred said...

A Google search for the name Bob Larson produced 765,000 results. The Bob larson (lower case l)of the March 12, 2010 comment wants it understood that he is not the Bob Larson (Upper case L) of February 15, 2010 comment. 764,999 to go. I would also like remind tellfred readers that tellfred.com provides news, views, entertainment, opinions and social commentary.

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