Nov
2012 19
2012 19
California Passed Over 100 Revenue Increases for Construction this Election, Will Create Over $12B of School Upgrades
According to a press release from the California State Building and Construction Trades Council (SBCTC), “the passage of over one hundred badly needed revenue increases is simply spectacular for the California construction industry,” and was accomplished largely through union activism. Per the release… 85 School Bond Measures and...
Nov
2012 16
2012 16
When DOL’s Wind Turbine Training Grant Ran Out, Iron Workers Locals Picked Up the Tab to Keep the Program Alive
Staying ahead of the game is essential to the longevity of any business. Union construction work is no different. As green energy continues to flourish, many local Iron Workers unions are stepping up their efforts to prepare their members for the construction jobs of the future. Among this lot are the Iron Workers Local 22 ...
Nov
2012 16
2012 16
“In order to capitalize on today’s energy dividend, we need to meet a second essential precondition: repairing, expanding, and modernizing our overstrained electrical grid.”
Our nation’s energy prospects are a bit in the balance. The “energy boom” that has resulted from refined techniques in drilling for natural gas comes with a caveat. In one hand lies a surplus of energy we are about to enjoy in the upcoming decades that will allow us to break free from more environmentally-damaging ...
Nov
2012 15
2012 15
Under PLA, Workforce on Georgia’s Vogtle Nuclear Plant Expansion Is 40% Military Veterans
In Georgia, two new units at the Vogtle nuclear plant (built under the guidelines of a Project Labor Agreement) currently employ 2,300 workers, 40 percent of whom are military veterans: “Veterans continue to be strong candidates for jobs on the Vogtle 3 and 4 project, as the cultures of the military and the utility industry ...
Nov
2012 12
2012 12
San Diego Convention Center Expansion Set to Move Forward Following Inclusion of Local Hire, Veteran Subcontracting Stipulations
Labor unions have agreed to drop their legal opposition to the planned expansion of the San Diego Convention Center after prime contractor Clark/Hunt agreed to a labor agreement that will “ensure consistent benefits for both union and non-union subcontractors.” Unions were concerned that local workers would not be able to work on the...
Nov
2012 12
2012 12
AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust Breaks Ground on $45M, 280-Unit Complex in St. Louis
A creative approach to creating union construction jobs is paying off for the construction trades in Missouri. The AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust is using pension funds to build its “crown jewel project,” Cortona at Forest Park Apartments. This $45 million project will be a five-story, 280-unit, multi-family complex that includes...
Nov
2012 7
2012 7
LOSE-WIN: In Michigan, Collective Bargaining Enshrinement, Public Approval of International Bridge Construction Both Voted Down
Michigan voters headed to the polls on Tuesday with the direction of their state’s foreseeable future in the balance and they chose to reject Proposal 2 which would have enshrined in the state’s constitution a worker’s right to collectively bargain. Nearly $48 million was spent on the proposal. As of late last night, with 70 ...
Nov
2012 6
2012 6
In String of Letters to the Editor, Citizens Stand Up for Important Construction Measures on CA’s Ballot
Voters in California are taking to the pages of their local newspapers to tell editors about the non-stop misinformation campaign against ballot measures aimed at jump-starting the economy and protecting workers’ rights. Most opposition to Measure Q (which supports a $348 bond for Solano Community College) and Measure J (which supports...
Oct
2012 25
2012 25
VIDEO: IBEW Local 569 Out in Front on Green Technology Training
In San Diego, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 has been collaborating with the environmental community to help train its workers in clean energy technology. The jobs of tomorrow take training today, so kudos to the IBEW for getting out in front on meeting the challenge that will come with environmentally...
Oct
2012 18
2012 18
Rumors of UAW Pres. Bob King Swapping Ballot Measure Support with an Anti-Union Bridge Owner Have Michiganders Confused
A complicated labor matter is playing out in Michigan where residents are preparing to cast their votes on a set of ballot initiatives that will determine the state’s political future. UAW President Bob King’s reluctance to state a position on Proposition 6 — which would require voter approval for any bridge that connects...
Oct
2012 17
2012 17
Debate Assertions Aside, Romney’s Wind Energy Reluctance Would be Disastrous
Prior to last night’s debate — which focused heavily on energy policy in the early moments — Presidential candidate Mitt Romney touted his energy plan to Iowans when he recently visited there. Unfortunately, that plan, as President Obama highlighted last night, does not support the energy resource, wind, that is currently booming...
Oct
2012 15
2012 15
Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Facility, Under PLA, Earns Award
In a regional competition sponsored by leading construction publication Engineering News-Record, King County’s Brightwater Project was selected as one of the Northwest’s best achievements in design and structure and will compete with other regional winners in a national competition this fall. The Washington state wastewater treatment...
