Graphic Communicator photo by Herald Grandstaff

Alberto Camacho writes programs in the GCIU's Computer Department.

International headquarters staff know that when they see someone moving through the halls very fast, it's probably one of the three employees of the Computer Department.

That's because they are in constant demand – by the headquarters staff, field staff, local unions, and the Graphic Arts Industry Joint Pension Trust.

With department Director Bonnie Lindsley and colleague Dinese Askew, Alberto Camacho provides computer technical assistance with patience and good humor.

"I enjoy the work," Camacho explained. "It's very creative and challenging because I get to use my own ideas when I'm working on programs. Plus I like knowing that my work ultimately helps the locals and the members."

"I used to work for non-union companies," Camacho added. "Now that I work at GCIU, I can see that there is a big difference in what unions do for people. I like working here because I believe in what unions do."

Camacho, 34, is a programmer with a solid background: a degree in computer science and classes and experience in computer system architecture, assembly language, Basic, Pascal, Fortran, C, C++, Cobol, Oracle, Java, Visual Basic, PL/SQL, and CGI scripting.

For the uninitiated, Camacho explains that each of the programming languages has its own use. For example, C and C++ are object-oriented like Windows applications; Fortran is a scientific language; Cobol is for business applications; and Java and CGI are for World Wide Web applications. Camacho does the applications on the GCIU's Website that require more technical expertise, like interactive forms, e-mail, and the "Shop GCIU" section.

Camacho, who has worked for the International for about six years, assisted with the major project of installing and programming the GCIU's new computer system. The new system was required to make the union's systems Y2K-compliant.

"That was a lot of work," he said. "First we had to analyze everyone at headquarters and in the field to understand their job processes and where we needed to get to make the new system work for everyone. Then we had to learn a new operating system – Windows NT – and wire and set up the network for everyone. We worked with consultants to migrate data from the old system into the new, then tested it extensively in parallel mode, which means we ran programs on both systems until we began to get the same results on both."

Now that the new computer system and network are up and running, complete with a new GCIU e-mail system, Camacho has turned his attention to the electronic per capita reporting project. "It's a major project that's taking most of my time," he said.

"I'm basically writing a program to act as an interface between the locals' software systems and the International's system," he said. "Once it is in place, instead of locals mailing us a per cap report and then receiving from us a printed-out 'green bar' report, we can electronically exchange information on dues, new members, dropped and retired members, and changes in members' wage rates. Some locals are doing this now using floppy disks but the new program will allow everything to be computer to computer."

Camacho said he also is continuing to refine the "local membership system software" that was handed out at the convention last year. Locals can use this program to interface with the International's computers.

Meanwhile, the department already is looking toward future projects. Camacho said he would like to have a password-protected membership database on the Web so locals can post changes in their members and members' addresses and other information. He said he also would like to participate in the International's plan to make long-distance learning available to members via the web.

For Camacho, computers have held a long-time fascination, whether used in the air or on the ground. "I always liked technology," he explained. "It was either computers or flight school – I wanted to be a pilot, but that was more expensive."

After working his way through high school, Camacho began a landscaping business with his brother. He later worked his way through college, too.

When he isn't spending time with his wife, helping his nine and eight-year-old sons with their homework, or playing with his two-year old daughter, Camacho likes to play soccer and work on major projects on his house, including refinishing the basement and adding a deck.

Camacho said he also enjoys spending time with his parents, five brothers, and two sisters. "All of them live locally, so it's great," he said.