Brad Schafer has successfully eased into the business agent role for Local 2, succeeding the revered Dan Cassidy.
“I would like to thank everybody for putting me in the office. It’s a real privilege and an honor,” Schafer said.
After working in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system for eight years, Schafer decided he wanted a change and began an insulator apprenticeship with Local 2.
Schafer expressed his gratitude to the veteran workers who trained him and said the best piece of advice he received was, “If you learn everything, you’ll never be without a job.”
So, Schafer made it his mission to learn every aspect of the trade and has worked in everything from asbestos removal to nuclear power plants. He liked to bounce from job to job and rarely took a day off work.
He will carry that determination over to his role as business agent, although he is still adjusting to not working directly in the field.
“I am going to make mistakes, but I will learn from them each time, and hopefully not make them again,” he said.
Schafers’ mission is not only to help Local 2 members with healthcare, pensions and job safety, but also to be available for non-work-related issues.
“You can call me any time,” he concluded. “Hopefully I’ll be able to help you.”