Memorial Service for Former Business Manager Clyde Wilson:

The family has asked us to inform the membership that the services for Clyde Wilson will be held on May 26th beginning at 10am at the Mill Creek Country Club (15500 Country Club Dr, Mill Creek, WA 98012) for anyone wishing to attend.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Wilson and his family. 

Tragic Crane Accident in Seattle:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, were injured, or who were affected by the crane accident in Seattle today. We are grateful for the first responders who answered the call to this terrible accident to bring aid, comfort, and support to a chaotic and horrific situation.

While initial reports stated that two crane operators were killed, we have been informed that the two workers who lost their lives were brothers from another craft.  We offer our sincerest condolences to their families and we share in their grief and sorrow as we mourn for them.  

We do not know the cause nor will we speculate on how or why this tragic accident occurred.  We offer our full support in the investigation to prevent any such future tragedies and to further improve construction safety.

In Solidarity,

Daren Konopaski
BusinessManager

The following link was provided by the Ironworkers, Local 86 for donations to the families of Brothers Andrew and Travis.  

https://ironworkersfcu.org/ironworkerssupportingironworkers/

Bylaw Vote Results

The elections committee tallied the bylaw votes this evening and the results are as follows:
	Option A (Bargaining Unit Choice): 80.65% Option B (Vote in Person): 19.35%

Local 302 Hiring Update:

Two new staff members were recently hired in WA and AK. Please join us in welcoming Eric and Kim to the team. 

  Eric Arntson – Field Representative in District 3 (WA Peninsula)
  Kim Vincelette – Dispatcher in District 7 (Fairbanks)
 

New Member Education Class

We will be having a New Member education class on March 2nd from 8:00 am to noon. We will also be having a steward training class on February 16th from 8:00 am to Noon. 

Please call dispatch and get on the list if you are interested.

Unemployment and Out-of-Work List Member Update and Reminder:

Full referral union hall status is what affords our members the ability to be eligible for unemployment benefits without the weekly job search requirements.  In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you need to be a member in good standing and appropriately registered on the OWL. So don’t forget to register and/or re-register as the hiring hall rules require even if you have been given a return-to-work date.   Failure to do so could result in you being required to pay back any benefits received. 

Also, when you check in on the OWL it is a good time to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.  

2018 Women Build Nations - Seattle, WA

Celebration of Life for Richard Elliott:

Local 302 member, Richard Elliott recently passed away after suffering from a debilitating health event.

A celebration of life & potluck will be held on November 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at 15116 180th SE, Monroe, WA 98272.  Please feel free to bring a dish to share.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Elliott and his family.  A Go Fund Me site has been established for donations to Brother Elliott’s wife and family:

https://www.gofundme.com/66f1ue0?member=830620
 

Please login and view our endorsements for the upcoming General elections.

Alaska Idaho Washington

Member Support Needed:

Local 302 member, Richard Elliot recently suffered a debilitating health event and is in critical care. Brother Elliott is a 22-year member who was working for McDowell. Brother Elliott and his family are in need of member support. Please consider contributing to his gofundme account.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Elliott and his family.

https://www.gofundme.com/66f1ue0?member=830620

WESTERN WA AGC MASTER LABOR AGREEMENT:  RATIFIED

YES: 75%
NO:  25%

Contract Vote Update:

Now that the ballots are out for the Third Tentative Agreement (TA) of the Western WA AGC Master Labor Agreement and you will soon be reviewing the offer and casting your vote I wanted to relay some thoughts and perspective on the offer.  First, I want to refer you to the compensation packages for both this TA and the new Master Labor Agreement of Western WA (MLAWW).  Both of these agreements reflect some of the most significant compensation increases we have had in as far back as I can remember.  In addition to our significant monetary increases, we also negotiated for the inclusion of some critical language changes relating to double-time after 12 hours of work and special shift premium. 

I realize that there is some confusion about the impact on the two rates and how that will affect the members working under these two agreements.  Simply put, public work will be prevailed at the higher of the two rates and private work will be paid at the contract rate that your contractor is signatory to.  The new Prevailing Wage law that we were successful in passing last year, provides: “For trades and occupations with more than one collective bargaining agreement in the county, the higher rate will prevail.” At this time, the new MLAWW includes a rate that is higher than the TA.   

With respect to the TA before you, I believe this TA reflects the highest financial offer the contractors are willing to make without further concessions on the language and retro pay.  I am proud of this organization and the membership for taking a stand!  The way we came together was phenomenal and, with the support of the other crafts, we were able to come back with a final counter offer that is worthy of your thoughtful consideration.  

Thank you for seriously considering this TA and casting your vote. 

In Solidarity,

Daren Konopaksi
International VP & Business Manager