Jan 2009 Vol. 12 No. 1

Executive Officer's Forum

Three prescriptions for a tough year

Bob Alvarado, Executive Officer

en Espanol >


"This will be a challenging year. But if we work together to make the most of every opportunity, our future will continue to be bright."

We need to focus on three fronts in this effort. First of all, we need to support the stimulus plan, and ensure that as much as possible is directed toward construction in California. Secondly, we need to make sure that our union contractors get as much of the work as possible, if not all of it. And last but by no means least, we have to be sure that we as carpenters have all the skills required for the work that is coming up.

The stimulus bill could be over $750 billion. I will be meeting with Rep. Ellen Tauscher, the senior California Representative on the House Transportation Committee, working to ensure that we get a significant infusion of cash for transportation projects in Northern California.

At the state level, things look very tough. As I write this, there seems to be little hope of a solution to California’s budget crisis, and some existing projects are grinding to a halt for a lack of funding. This is going to be a tough, difficult year, but we will keep lobbying for a solution, and urging our elected officials in Sacramento to find a way forward that keeps these projects funded, and puts people to work.

I am expecting that we will see a slight drop in membership this year, as some brothers and sisters find it to hard to hang on in these tough times. There will be a drop in hours worked, which will reverse the trend we have seen for the last several years. We all need to remember that our economy moves in cycles, and, although this is a deep trough, we will climb back out.

One key to our future success is helping our union contractors weather these challenges with us. With the coming increase in public projects, the Council is planning to track every upcoming project, and make sure that there are union bidders. We will have union representatives attending bid openings, and we will file bid protests when unscrupulous ‘rat’ contractors try to win the jobs by cheating.

We will also continue to secure a level playing field for union members and employers by negotiating Project Labor Agreements, and ‘community benefit agreements.’ The Bush Administration banned use of these agreements on projects with federal funding, and the lifting of that ban may well be one of the first things done by President Obama.

That brings us to the third step — making sure that we continue to be the most skilled, most productive workers in the industry. I strongly encourage you to check out the wide range of training opportunities, and take advantage of these free offerings. Sharpening your skills is the key to keeping busy in trying times.

The year 2009 will be challenging. But if we work together to make the most of every opportunity, our future will continue to be bright.

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