JAN - JUNE 2008 Newsletter Articles

Business Manager/ Financial Secretary-Treasurer

Nico Ferraro

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

So much of what Organized Labor accomplishes is based on our ability to support and defend the interests of working families through the political process. All building trades unions must focus on three areas: political action, organizing, and training. We must concentrate on each of these areas to increase our market share and grow our industry. When our politics are in order, it increases our ability to organize, which subsequently increases our ability to train new workers. We continue to support legislation and legislators who protect working families. Please consider voting for the COPE endorsed candidates and issues enclosed in this newsletter.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Local 230’s officers and member activists, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council has been rated as one of six highest performing councils in the state.

This years Building and Construction Trades Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. marked the 100th anniversary of the Building Trades Council. The conference was a memorable one; it included presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Both candidates rocked the full capacity auditorium. Either candidate will be great for Organized Labor. An array of legislators addressed the 3000 plus delegation, pledging their support of prevailing wages, worker protection laws, project labor agreements, worker compliance programs, apprenticeship programs, a balanced National Labor Relations Board, and Yes, a Secretary of Labor from the ranks of Labor.

While in Washington, D.C., I was asked to set up a meeting between Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of Veterans Affairs and retired three-star General, Matthew Caulfield. I called Congressman Filner’s office requesting fifteen minutes of his time. Forty-five minutes later, I received a return call to meet at his office with General Caulfield at 2:15 pm. District Council #16 Business Manager, Sid Stolper, and UA Director of Training, Mike Arndt also joined us.

We are all familiar with the phrase "tell your story walking." Well Congressman Filner had to be at the Capitol building to vote on several matters, so he hustles all five of us down the hallway, into the elevator, on to the tram and into the Capitol Building. Along the way General Caulfield and Congressman Filner discussed a program to transition departing military service personnel into the trades.

Not only did we achieve our goal of meeting with Congressman Filner, he was gracious enough to introduce us to several of his congressional colleges like Patrick Kennedy and Dennis Kucenich. He also took some time to pose with us for photos in front of the Capitol.

On March 31, 2008, the Labor Council successfully organized a march with over 1,000 union activists honoring the great Labor Leader Cesar Chavez. The 5-hour march from the San Diego Convention Center to the San Diego County Administration building was a huge success.

The San Diego Building Trades Council continues to negotiate with Gaylord Entertainment for the construction of their proposed $1 billion hotel – convention center project in Chula Vista. Negotiations during the past 16 months continue to vacillate.

The economy has been rocked by the mortgage/housing crises. Local 230 has seen the affects on work opportunities for the membership. Now, for the first time in five years we have substantial unemployment. We know this downturn is temporary as there are numerous projects about to break ground.

During these times of unemployment, it is your best opportunity to upgrade your skills and certifications. With all the hospital and industrial work planned, medical gas and welding certifications are a must.

“Eternal Vigilance is the price of Freedom.”

Fraternally yours, 

Nico Ferraro

Business Manager

Financial Secretary-Treasurer

 Plumber Representative    

Warren Ates   

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  

We are looking forward to a year of healthy employment. From all indications the work outlook is very good. Until you have the privilege of holding an office representing the members of Local 230 you really do not see the advantages and inroads we have made politically in San Diego. This has been a never-ending political year and I would personally like to thank all the members who have given up time with their families to walk precincts to help with this truly important cause. I trust that you have noticed the attacks pointed at unions during the political season. It is obvious that working people from all walks of life are in the crosshairs and we must protect ourselves. It is extremely important for you, the member, to step up and help us in the fight to keep the values and the benefits we have accrued over the years.

Make sure that you are registered to vote and be sure to let your voice to be heard through that vote. The labor movement has been one of the most successful economic, political and social movements in history. When 1 in 3 American workers belong to a union, that union contract brought opportunity, dignity, and a decent standard of living to generations of American workers.

New training for service members will be integrated with the Los Angeles Local 250 Cold-side program. Local 230 has grown our service hours and increased the number of our service technicians making service training a top priority on our local’s agenda. Local 230 and our area service contractors recently held an open house on April 1st to highlight the local’s HVACR training program. The open house included demonstrations on distance learning, CAD, chiller teardown, electronic controls, mechanical systems, and the Five Star Certifications.

Don’t get left behind. Have your certifications updated and keep them current. Keep absenteeism to a minimum, work safely, and have a good workplace attitude. All these things and more will keep you successful.

Fraternally yours,

Warren Ates

Plumber & HVACR

Business Representative

Pipefitter Representative

    

Kirk Crosswhite

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I believe most of you know that Dave Otterstein has moved on to serve the membership by going to work for the P.I.P.E. Trust. Dave will be learning a new job and we wish him well. He is a pleasure to work with and I’m sure it won’t take them long to figure that out. Dave will be missed at Local 230, but as we all know, he will never forget his Local 230’s brothers and sisters.

Warren Ates has been appointed by Local 230’s President, Pete Vargas, to fill the vacancy. I can honestly say Warren is learning how to become a Business Agent, what it takes to represent the membership and working with our employers. Understanding and working with the many different Collect Bargaining Agreements is no easy task. Warren is doing a fine job.

Work got off to a slow start this year. Projects that were to start early this year either went away or have been pushed back. Getting our apprentices started to work has been a difficult ongoing task. Most Journeymen that have been out of work have traveled to areas where there is employment. Local 342, Oakland, CA. has been able to help out many Local 230 hands. Locals in Northern California and the state of Washington have plenty of work opportunities for those who need to get to work.

We are fortunate that work at the Otay Mesa Power Plant Project continues and even though they have had their delays in construction, they have kept a great number of Fitters and Welders working.

There is still an acute need for welders all across the country in all crafts and the need is growing. Most big projects are struggling with the shortage of welders. With the up-coming re-fuel outage at San Onofre there is a concern of supplying welders.

The Niland Peaker Project is almost completed. The report from the contractor, ARB, is a positive one for Local 230. Our members did well on this job. I want to thank all the members at Niland that brought this project in, on time and on budget.

University Mechanical will be starting a 25 mega-watt renewable biomass power plant located in Otay Mesa. This project is called Bull Moose Energy. University is still pushing forward on the Orange Grove Peaker Units located in Fallbrook. They are scheduled to start this fall, pending permit approval.

Poseidon got a key permit from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board this month (the permit is for discharge of the concentrated seawater byproduct of the desalination process). Poseidon has a date scheduled this summer to get final approval from the State Lands Commission. It is Poseidon's intention to begin construction of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant before the end of this year.

A huge thanks goes out to Brothers Thom Higgins and Charlie Oakes for all the years of instructing the apprenticeship and journeyman programs for Local 230 and the employers. They have both retired as instructors and we wish them well. Thanks again from all the membership of Local 230.

In closing I want to remind everyone of the hot summer days and months that are coming. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and you members, that are in charge of running work make sure your team has plenty of water to drink on your job sites. Have a safe and fun summer.

Fraternally yours,

Kirk Crosswhite

Business Representative

Business Representative at Large

Jim Cunningham,

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

The June State Primary Elections are almost upon us and once again we need to do our part: VOTE!!!

Over the next few weeks you will be getting mail, receiving phone calls & recorded messages, and having precinct walkers at your door, all reminding you to support Labor friendly candidates. Please remember that these volunteers are fellow union members and are looking after our best interest.

It is vital that we are educated and focused on electing officials who will represent the rights and conditions that working people have fought so hard to get and keep; such as pensions, health benefits, overtime, safe working conditions and a livable wage. Included in this newsletter is a list of labor friendly candidates. Please keep and use this list as a guide to help elect these candidates.

The San Diego & Imperial Counties COPE Committee (Committee On Political Education) has spent many hours interviewing these candidates to ensure that we are supporting officials who will look after our best interests when elected. Please make sure that you are REGISTERED TO VOTE and to turn out on Election Day!

Vote to protect your paycheck!

I will continue to inform the membership on issues to be especially aware of when going to a doctor or dentist.

Be sure to inquire if a medical provider is an AHF contracted provider. Even if they are listed in our AHF book, make certain that they are still part of our plan. Make sure that you submit a completed Medical Claim form with ALL medical bills. The Trust Fund requires these for payment of services. The Trust Fund will only pay for services if they are submitted within a year of the date that the service was performed. Be sure that your provider bills the Trust Fund directly.

If your doctor recommends that you have a certain test or procedure done, make sure that you get pre-approved for that procedure. The Trust Fund will ONLY pay for services that are deemed medically necessary.

If your doctor orders lab work, be sure to use an agency listed in the AHF book. Quest Diagnostics has 26 locations in the county and accepts the Trust Fund’s payment as payment in full for covered services.

Should your doctor prescribe radiological tests, you need to utilize a provider found in the front of the AHF book, this includes MRI’s, MRA’s, and CAT scans, and any other similar services. Call the number in the AHF book and they will schedule you with a provider in your area for these services. Make sure you get these procedures pre-approved through the Trust Find or you could be liable for hundreds of dollars in out of pocket expense.

Dental care covers most "normal procedures" such as cleanings, fillings, x-rays, crowns, etc. but DOES NOT cover implants. Also debreedment is not covered, but regular cleaning is a covered benefit. The Trust Fund will cover normal cleanings three times a year (once every four months). Don’t forget that the dental deductible is $50.00 per year and goes toward the $250.00 yearly deductible for medical care.

There is a $1,800.00 yearly cap on dental care. If you need any major work done try to get part of it done at the end of the year and the remainder done in the early part of the following year to stretch your benefits. Make sure that you submit a completed Dental Claim form with ALL dental bills.

The Vision Care benefit is $200.00 every two years, (each two years from the date you first use the benefit, not calendar years) with NO deductible. This benefit covers exams, glasses, frames, contacts, and other "normal" vision expenses. Lasik surgery is NOT a covered expense. You may go anywhere for your exam and glasses, but be aware that charges for eye exams and glasses can vary greatly depending on where you go, so shop around to get the most bang for your buck. Don’t forget to send a completed Medical Claim form with your receipt for reimbursement.

Be sure to keep a copy of ALL bills, receipts, or information that you send the Trust Fund until your claim is paid so you can duplicate it, should it get lost in the system. Lastly, always get the persons name if you call the Trust Fund with any questions or concerns’ regarding any services the Trust Fund offers

Fraternally yours,

James Cunningham

Business Representative

"ORGANIZING CORNER"

Local 230 Organizer

Gary Sallis 

In 2007 the United Association Organizer team was made up of 331 organizers in the U.S. and Canada. The report is out on what was achieved for 2007; there were 145 new contractors signed and over 3,200 new U.A. members signed. Well let’s talk about where the team at Local 230 stands in these numbers. In 2007 we signed 14 new contractors and we organize 152 new members. That means Local 230’s team signed almost 10% of the new contractors and 5% of the new members. This is truly a reflection of how well the team of Local 230 works together. Lead by Business Manager Nico Ferraro, with the Business Agents, Kirk Crosswhite, Jim Cunningham and our new Agent, Warren Ates, who by the way is doing a very good job, plus your organizers Mike Hartley and Gary Sallis; this year so far we have signed 5 new agreements and 4 new contractors.

So what is prevailing wage all about? On prevailing wage projects, the major idea behind setting a rate is to make sure that all contractors bidding on a job are "playing on a level-playing field." The public has an interest in seeing that wages are in line with those that ‘prevail" in the area. Prevailing wage scales are done at the federal level, by wage surveys. Unfortunately, this is not done as often as you might expect. A determination is made from submitted data whether or not more than 50 percent of the workers in a trade are paid the union wage rate or the same wage rate. If so, according to the Department of Labor (DOL) then the union or the same rate "prevails."

It’s not a given that a survey will go our way, so we will have areas where the wages may decline because they have not been kept current. Back in the early 90’s the prevailing wage in Imperial Valley fell to $18.00 an hour on the check. Consequently, we had to wait until the next survey.

PIPE, now takes care of all wages that are to be posted on the DOL website for District Council #16. On the positive side, assuming the local’s rate prevails, the key then is to continually update the wage rates through our PIPE office in Los Angeles. When you work with PIPE like we do every day you will learn that they are a great help to all District Council #16 locals. Thank you PIPE for all of your help over the years. Mike Massey is Executive director of PIPE who is also a member and Past Business Agent for Local 230. Thanks guys.

Fraternally yours,

Gary Sallis

Organizer

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

People ask me what are organizers and what do they do. Basically an organizer is a person that represents and promotes the union to unrepresented workers and non- signatory contractors.

Unions need organizers in order to grow. Organizers are needed in order to meet the increased demand for manpower to the existing contractors and to future union contractors and solicit new non-union contractors. It is the cause within a cause. Union organizing is a way to ensure the future of our organization.

The organizer builds the Union by conducting individual outreach to non-union workers as well as non-union contractors. He is dedicated to the membership, the local, and true to his social and political justice movements. He takes responsibility for building those movements. He makes it clear what the advantages and benefits are of being a union contractor or worker. Some other activities include job sweeps, picketing non-union contractors, participating in marches, and supporting the candidates that support the union’s interests, educating students at career days, and working closely with the business manager and agents of our local.

He identifies and leverages the workers’ issues by listening and following through by making positive changes in the working conditions. He educates them about their rights by using effective leadership skills. He has the ability and competence to win trust and confidence of the non-union contractors and workers. He has a clear understanding of the federal and state laws that affect union organizing and uses them to the union’s advantage. Organizers are strong, determined individuals driven by the mission and a vision of a better world. They are constantly up against confrontation and must be willing to take risks and to risk repeated failure. Organizers make every effort to keep the Union strong and growing stronger every day.

I have been talking to Pacific Production Plumbing of El Cajon. They were formally known as Sun Plumbing and prior to that they were Ted Whitt Plumbing, which was signatory to Local 230. I have signed them to two apprentice subscription agreements. Both projects are residential prevailing wage jobs. Very few of our signatory contractors bid this type of work.

They have hired three apprentices under our Master Labor Agreement apprentice rates and have indicated that they will soon hire more. We are talking with them about hiring journeymen. I will keep your abreast of the negotiations.

If you have any leads on workers or contractors who need my assistance, please let me know by calling me at 858/554-0586 ext. #108.

Yours in Brotherhood,

Mike Hartley

Organizer

The Prez Says

Local 230 President     

Pete Vargas

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Election Day is just around the corner and volunteers are needed to walk precincts and help with phone banking.

Precinct Walking is being held every Saturday through June 3, 2008. We meet at the San Diego – Imperial Counties Labor Council office located at 3717 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108 at 9:00 am.

Phone Banking is being conducted in the evenings Monday through Thursday at the San Diego – Imperial Counties Labor Council office located at 3717 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please contact Jim Cunningham at 858/554-0586 ext. #5 to volunteer.

I would personally like to thank all the members that are taking time out of their personal lives to volunteer. Your help is essential in spreading the word to encourage support of our Labor Friendly Candidates. I know we all have very busy schedules but if you can volunteer please do so. REMEMBER: Organized Labor lives and dies through the political process.

Fraternally yours,

Melvin "Pete" Vargas

President

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