From the Desk of Dave Danner:

The global recession continues to impact the California economy. Employment in all crafts remains tight. Over 5000 state projects have been on hold waiting for the State budget impasse to be resolved. The deal Sacramento struck borrows funds from county and city governments leaving many of these projects in question. Local 3 is focusing on all projects that are bidding to secure as many as possible for our members. Our Brick and Tile LMCC’s are working hard to ensure that any jobs being performed with BAC’s scope of work are in compliance with prevailing wage and state labor laws. One benefit to this downturn is that many non-union contractors are dropping out of the market. This will put our signatory contractors in a dominant position as the economy improves. Housing prices have begun to stabilize and the last several months have shown positive numbers in construction starts. 

Refractory has ongoing projects in several refineries and more planned for the Fall. At the Shell Martinez Flexi-coker Turnaround we again encountered an issue with refractory welders. The Union has a longstanding policy of reimbursing members for welding classes. To take advantage of this training a member needs to find a local community college or adult training program in their area. Submit a cost estimate to the Brick JATC for prior approval. Upon completion of the class the member will be certified by one of several refractory contractors. At that time the cost of the welding classes will be reimbursed. Trained welders will not only allow Local 3 to fully man refractory jobs but present other opportunities. There are projects that are being manned by other trades that BAC 3 could be performing. As a certified welder you not only increase your job skills and employability but will increase market share for Local 3 and strengthen our Union overall.  

Check out the calendar at the top of the page for meeting information, we have 6 chapter meetings every month, if you have not attended one in a while, please make an effort to show up at least once this year. It’s a great place to meet your representatives, and network with other members. Please note the change of day and time for the San Francisco meeting. And New location for Sacramento Chapter Meeting!