BUSINESS AGENT

Gary is a third-generation Steamfitter, following in the footsteps of his father, Gary Andress, and grandfather, Joe Andress, and he is proud of his son, Zach, who is a fourth-generation Steamfitter. 

Gary spent 25 years in the field as an Apprentice, Fitter, Welder, Steward and Foreman.  In 1998, he was elected as the Inside Guard and dutifully served until his election to the Examining Board in 2004. Gary was the chairman of the Examining Board for six years.

In January 2006, Gary was approached by then-Director of Training Steve Sweeney and asked to become a full-time apprentice instructor for the BTJ apprenticeship. This was a job that Gary thoroughly enjoyed. He looked forward to going to work each day so that he could be part of a team tasked with training the future of our Local Union. Unfortunately, he had to leave the training center in May 2014 because of a family situation and returned to work in the field until he ran for and was elected to serve as Business Agent in March 2016. Gary was then assigned to the Lehigh Valley territory and served as the Agent working with the other building trades to bring RCO language to both Lehigh and Northampton counties, and a PLA for the new hotel expansion at Windcreek Casino. In 2022, Gary was tasked by Business Manager Jim Snell to fill the role of Assistant Business Manager. As the Assistant Business Manager, Gary is responsible for any contractual or jurisdictional issues that arise within Local 420’s jurisdiction, as well as covering agent duties for all of Delaware County and Chester County south of business Route 30.  

Gary has spent the last nine years working for the local each day in all the capacities of a Business Agent and as the Assistant Business Manager for the past three years. He has been cultivating relationships with our signatory contractors and our end users, working towards RCO language in areas of Delaware and Chester counties, and a PLA that was signed for the upcoming work at the Delaware County Prison. He is part of the contract negotiating committee, and he sits on the Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC), the JATC Finance Committee and the Realty Trust Committee.

Gary is once again asking for your continuing support and trust in him and the 420 United team in the upcoming June 7 election. He will use your continued support to fight for the members and continue to grow and protect the Local’s market share and jurisdiction for generations to come.