From Dave’s Desk:



The Holidays are upon us again and it’s a good time to review the year 2009 and to plan for the New Year 2010. The entire staff and membership share the frustration of fewer jobs and the decline of work hours throughout 2009. Your Field Representatives are working hard to cover our large jurisdiction and secure any work that is being performed. The economy plays a large part in the number of work hours produced and employment historically lags in a recovering economy. The credit crisis continues to slow construction as banks withhold financing to Developers for some projects. The stock markets have made gains since early 2009 to help pensions recover some earlier losses.



In 2009, we have added a Masonry Labor-Management Cooperation Committee to help level the playing field for our signatory contractors and provide private and public works compliance. The Tile Labor-Management Cooperation Committee continues to function well and has gained large victories for workers in the non-public works arena. Both LMCC’s and the Union are tracking public works bidding to expose any bidders whose prices are so low that the only way to complete the job is to cheat workers and the tax paying public. A unionized workforce provides a competitive work force and quality work that allows our signatory contractors to aggressively bid projects and still bring them in on time and on budget. The law states that Awarding Agencies need to sign contracts with the lowest responsible bidders, doing that provides more work for our members. BAC 3 continues to promote masonry materials and the benefits of building with BAC Members and Contractors.



These tough economic times have presented some opportunities for the local, including “Top down” organizing. We meet with non-union contractors and let them know the advantages of being a BAC signatory. We look forward to continue signing legitimate companies who want to operate in the traditional Union market and have access to our well trained workforce.Labor backed politicians have taken actions to help construction that should show results during the year 2010. Public Works Projects and Project Labor Agreements will play large parts in leveling and increasing BAC 3 work hours in 2010. 



The 11^th Annual BAC 3 Crab Feed will be held on January 30, 2010 in Vallejo. The Annual Crab Feed is the only fund raiser for the Sullivan-Kraw Scholarship Fund. The proceeds from this event directly impact the number and amount of scholarships awarded to families of BAC 3 members. Please mark your calendar and watch your mail for more information.