From the desk of Troy Garland

The Construction market continues to lag; our out of work lists are still about the same as they were 6 months ago.  The State continues to take money from Counties and Cities, which delays or cancels projects we desperately need.  There are many good size projects coming or in the planning stages; the problem is these projects will not be ready for our crafts or get going until 2011, 2012 and even 2013. I am seeing a few projects coming back on line in my area; one is the City Walk project located in downtown Oakland. This project was halted and covered up nearly three years ago.  The original General Contractor filed for bankruptcy and Wood Partners has stepped in to resume the development.  The Clay-Bank Detention Center in Solano County that was awarded to one of our Contractors was delayed last year. This project has a good chance of coming back according to a few Solano County Supervisors.

The June primaries went quite well for most labor issues through out the Bay Area. In the East Bay we worked with the Building Trades Councils and most of our endorsed candidates won. We also had a few very large bond measures pass. Measure C for the Mount Diablo School District and Measure D in West Contra Costa School District both passed.  These bonds are over 700 million and both School Districts are covered under Project Labor Agreements. All your Field Representatives continue to work with our Building Trades in different ways to increase our market share.  In Alameda County our next target is a PLA with the City of Oakland; this would be a great victory for our Union and the other Building Trades.  The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a “rat” based association that continues to fight against PLA’s and prevailing wage jobs. They will do everything in their power to discredit Union Labor. Recently in Southern California they put an anti PLA measure on the ballot in June and were successful. In our jurisdiction the ABC has been trying to discredit the PLA on the Brentwood Civic Center project in Contra Costa.  They continue to get more inventive and aggressive in combating PLA’s and Union Labor. If you hear of any anti Union or prevailing wage proposals in the City or County you live in; please contact the Union or your Field Representative

The Local 3 web-site has seen some new improvements, such as frequently asked questions (FAQ’s).  The site contains important information. If you haven’t seen it, give it a look @ bac3-ca.org.  If you have anything for the BAC 3 newsletter please call the Union Hall.  We would like to include members and their families on different outings, reaching certain milestones or at community outings.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL – SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE IN FULL FORCE

Heat rash. Although this is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, it is a sign that the temperature is having an effect, and it can be an undesirable distraction. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is least likely to cause prickly heat, and a cool shower after the work or play period, followed by a sprinkling of talcum or cornstarch, will help relieve the irritation.

Heat stress. This common reaction to high temperatures, especially when accompanied by strenuous activity, can result in thirst, tiredness, dizziness, and even difficulty seeing. Such symptoms suggest it's time to take a break out of the sun and drink some cool water or fruit juice. This should prevent the possibility of fainting that extreme heat may cause.

Heat cramps. These painful muscle spasms in arms, legs, or intestines are caused by losing salt while sweating. Cooling down and drinking some juice is again the remedy. And making sure your summer diet includes foods that will replace lost salt should prevent a recurrence.

Heat exhaustion. A person suffering from this common response to strenuous activity in the heat is likely to feel weak and possibly dizzy and/or nauseous. He or she may have chills, clammy skin, and profuse sweating. Again, resting in a cool spot—preferably with feet slightly elevated—and drinking liquids are called for. Because this is a more serious reaction than heat stress, anyone so affected should try for extra rest and a reduced pace of activity for a few days.

Heatstroke. This most serious type of heat sickness is, in fact, life threatening, so great care should be taken that the effects of heat never reach this stage. The victim's perspiration and its cooling action stop, so skin may be hot to the touch. Poor coordination and confused behavior may be evident, possibly followed by collapse. The proper responses by co-workers or supervisors are immediate removal of the person to a cool place and summoning a doctor or ambulance. While awaiting medical assistance, sponge the person with cold water, apply ice packs or cold drink cans, or immerse him or her in cold water. Continue these efforts until help arrives. Water may be offered if the person is conscious. Hospitalization may be required; extended rest certainly will be.

Field Representative Steve Kantoniemi campaigns for a large School Bond that recently past in June.

Secretary/Treasurer Dave Jackson discusses jobsite issues with bricklayers Steve Espinosa and Larry Kitchuck.