Washington Training Center Update

Effective July 1^st, the Spangle and Ellensburg, WA training centers have been merged and will be managed and run by the Ellensburg Training Director, Ole Fjellstad.  As many of you know, this effort has been in the works for some time and we are pleased that it has now all come together.  

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this effort to expand our training capacity throughout the state, which is critical for the training needs of our apprentices and journeyman,” said Ole Fjellstad, Training Director.  “Expanding our capacity to train our members only ensures for our ability to produce and deploy the most qualified operators in the field.”   

“Ole is a longstanding Local 302 member and has done an outstanding job running the Ellensburg Training Center for the past 9 years,” said Daren Konopaski, Business Manager and Training Trust Member.   “This was a logical adjustment to our training operations and we are enthusiastic about the expanded training opportunities that we will be able to offer to our members.” 

A few logistical changes and updates to the services offered for Spangle, include: 

1. We will now operate on a 4-10 training schedule consistent with Ellensburg (Monday through Thursday). 
2. The office will remain open 5 days a week.
3. The students who live far enough away will now stay at a hotel paid for by the training department. 
4. We are acquiring 9 new pieces of equipment as well (3 loaders, 3 dozers, and 3 Excavators).

We should have our training schedule posted the week after Labor Day and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ole at 509-899-0200.

Important Meeting Notice

Attention all Members: The Executive Board met today and decided to suspend all July Union District Meetings. The Executive Board will be meeting again before the August meeting dates to reassess the situation for August meetings. We are hopeful that we will be able to hold our meetings in August. We will update the website in real time to alert you to any changes.

We are continuing to do our best to be responsible to our members and the general public in combating this virus. If you have any concerns with our course of action you can certainly contact me. Be safe out there.

In solidarity,

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager

June 1st, 2020 Rates & Wages Schedule

If you are a contractor looking for our schedule for the updated rates and wages as of 6/1/2020, you can find it on the left hand side titled "NEW: Recent 302 Contracts" where the contracts and their schedules are located (schedules can also be found within the contracts themselves). The link for that page is here.

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Brothers & Sisters:

I just wanted to provide a brief update on the status of the three states and our Union's operations. First, by decision of the Executive Board, all May Union meetings have been cancelled. Second, our offices are still up and running but will remain closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. Third, all members in good standing will soon be receiving a letter informing them that we intend to continue with June meetings and the election process. However, if by May 22nd we haven't been given the go ahead by the governments of all three states we may be required to further delay the June meeting schedule and election of officers.

The status of the three states varies but for the most part we are seeing positive movement toward returning to work and normal operations:

WA Update: Governor Inslee issued the "Stay Safe Stay Home" Order which is to remain in effect until May 4th. Depending on the data the Governor may extend his further, but in a sign of positive momentum in returning to work the Governor just approved recommendations provided by his Construction Roundtable (of which we hold one of the three labor seats) to allow contractors to return to "low-risk/Phase1" construction work provided the work is on an existing project and social distancing requirements can be met. The release and the specifics can be found on the attached link. We are continut to work with the Roundtable, the Governor's office, and the enforcement agencies on "moderate risk/Phase 2" and "high risk/Phase 3" construction activities. We don't expect any other updates on other work activities or social gatherings until May 4th.

AK Update: Alaska has faired much better on the active Covid cases and reports to have the necessary medical capacity to provide all necessary care. AK considered much of our work to be essential services but they are moving toward phasing in many other activities to normal operations. The attached link is the recent return to work plan issued by Governor Dunleavy.

ID Update: Idaho Governor Brad Little recently announced his plan to "re-open" Idaho. His earlier stay at home order was extended to April 30th. Construction was exempted as an essential service, but you can see from the attached link the timetables for certain businesses and activities to resume. Little's plan comes in four phases in two-week intervals. Starting May 1, many businesses and church can re-open if they can follow distancing and sanitation guidelines. This doesn't inlcude gyms, bars, or dine-in restuarants. The growth of new cases of coronavirus in Idaho has slowed and if the number of coronavirus cases continues to drop and hospitals aren't overwhelmed, further restrictions will be lifted. If there are no setbacks, all businesses could re-open by the end of June, though some, like bars and movie theaters, might have capacity limits.

We are continuing to do our best to be responsible to our members and the general public in combating this virus. If you have any concerns with our course of action or if you have any questions you can certainly contact me. Be safe out there.

In Solidarity,

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager

Important Meeting Notice

Attention all Members: The Executive Board met yesterday and decided to suspend all May Union Meetings. The Executive Board will be meeting again in May to reassess the situation for June meetings. We are hopeful that we will be able to hold our meetings in June, but may need to do so under adjusted meeting size parameters and protocols to comply with the State's Covid requirements for gatherings. However, we may need to delay these meetings depending on the gathering size limitations and mandates from the Governors. We will update the website in real time to alert you to any changes.

We are continuing to do our best to be responsible to our members and the general public in combating this virus. If you have any concerns with our course of action you can certainly contact me. Be safe out there.

In solidarity,

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager

You can find the closest location to you by looking here at Sunrise Dental's office location list.

Update from the U.S. Department of Labor on new Covid Unemployment Benefits

Brothers and Sisters:  I hope this message finds you well.  First, I ask that we all take a moment of reflection and prayer for those that have been harmed or devastated by this terrible virus.  Second, I want to recognize and thank our members that are currently working in harm’s way to ensure that others are able to be safe, fed, and secure.  Finally, I want to send a message of gratitude and prayer for those medical personnel and first responders that are on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic.  Many of these workers are family members and union sisters and brothers of ours and they are putting their lives on the line to ensure for the health, care, and wellness of those in need of care.  Be safe out there.

I wanted to provide you a brief update on the status and impact of Covid-19 on Local 302: 

• AK: Is currently under a 14-day self-quarantine when you travel into the state.
  More Info Here
   
• ID: Stay At Home Order is currently in place.
  More Info Here
   
• WA: Stay At Home Order is currently in place.
  More Info Here

Our primary concern is for your safety so if there are any issues or concerns I ask that you please reach out to your Field Rep for assistance.  Also, as many have heard in the news there are a number of stimulus related benefits that are coming from the Federal government and more information to come.  As I have said in prior posts there are numerous folks that are currently being laid off because of shutdowns.  This qualifies as “lack of work” conditions under unemployment and we advise members to be sure to get on the out-of-work list regardless of whether you were told that you were on Standby status.  Given the potential high volume of folks checking in, we’d ask that you email your Out-of-Work List requests to your dispatcher and be patient with us as we do our best to getting everybody signed in on the list.  We would also like to say thank you to those employers that are keeping their workers and our members on the payroll during this crisis, which is a truly appreciated gesture from our employer partners. 

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 

WA Construction Update: 
 

Brothers and Sisters:  We were recently informed that Governor Inslee intended for a narrower interpretation of his Executive Order as it relates to construction activities.  Under the new, more restrictive interpretation: “In general, commercial and residential construction is not covered under the proclamation because construction is not considered an essential activity.”  The interpretation goes on to allow for some limited exceptions relating to “essential activities” like transportation and discretion for local public entities to authorize continued construction work.  This could include: schools, necessary transportation projects, transit, and other projects deemed essential to public infrastructure.  The Governor’s office also established an exception/waiver process that project owners and contractors can submit for approval.  However, several of our contractors already made the decision today to shutdown their jobs in anticipation of this announcement.  While the Governor’s Order requires a 2-week shutdown beginning today at 5 pm, we fully expect many of the jobs affected will likely not restart on Wednesday, April 8^th but will remain down until at least Monday, April 13^th.  Communications with your general foreman, contractor, and field rep will be necessary to determine if your job is still an allowed project and/or its status if a waiver was requested.   
 

If you are laid off, this qualifies as “lack of work” conditions under unemployment and we advise members to be sure to get on the out-of-work list regardless if your employer says they are putting you on Standby status.  Given the potential high volume of folks checking in, we’d ask that you email your Out-of-Work List requests to your dispatcher and be patient with us as we do our best to getting everybody taken care of.  We have also heard that some employers are keeping their workers on the payroll during this shutdown, which is a truly appreciated gesture from our contractor partners.  Depending on the length of this shutdown, you may also be eligible for the new Federal Families First Corona Response Act benefits which are currently being implemented.  These benefits include up to 2 weeks of paid leave for covered situations, which many of the details of this new Federal law are being worked out and we don’t expect clearer guidance until early April.  You also may be eligible for Paid Time Off or Sick Leave Benefits depending on if they have been accrued and as allowed under your employer’s policies.
 

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  In the meantime, I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 
 

Daren Konopaski, 
Business Manager

Posted at 8:44 pm, 3/25/2020

Brothers and Sisters:  The fight continues with the Covid-19 pandemic.  In WA, Governor Inslee announced a two week “Stay at Home” order for all “nonessential services” as well as further limitations on group gatherings and state park closures.  The order takes effect Wednesday, March 25th.  A general list was provided outlining activities considered to be “essential critical infrastructure workers”, which provided clarity for many of our Stationary operations but was less clear on the impact to general Construction activities.

There are a number of references to infrastructure-based support for transportation, healthcare, energy, pipeline, housing, refineries, etc., so we assume that construction operations are intended to be designated essential.  It specifically states: “Construction workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction) for all essential facilities, services and projects included in this document, and for residential construction related to emergency repairs and projects that ensure structural integrity.”  This interpretation is consistent with federal guidelines.  That said, we are in the process of getting additional clarity from the Governor’s Office.  We expect that some projects may be shutdown temporarily and that all projects will have additional safety protocols implemented in order to continue operations.  So unless you hear otherwise from your contractor, employer, or field representative you are able to continue working. 

I want to reinforce that our primary focus is for your safety and if you have any concerns about exposure or your worksite safety conditions we ask that you alert your employer and your field representative immediately.  If you are facing or considering job separation, whether initiated by your employer or you, make certain the reason for the separation is clear to both parties and mutually understood. This will aid in sorting out the variety of economic protections and assistance available in your circumstance.

We continue to recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we will continue to provide any and all information at our disposal.  In the meantime, I ask that you remain vigilant in exercising social distancing, handwashing, and limiting your errands within the community.  Be safe out there. 

Daren Konopaski, 
Business Manager

Brothers and Sisters:  The fight continues with the Covid-19 pandemic.  We met with the AGC of Western WA today about the ground zero concerns in WA.  They shared the guidance they are providing contractors and we discussed the efforts and safety protocols that WSDOT and Sound Transit are implementing. 

We recognize that there is a lot of concern and uncertainty during this time and we are doing are best to provide the members with any and all information at our disposal.  It is important that we all remain as calm as we can under the circumstances, do not report or share any information that you are not sure is fact, and be safe and cautious about exposure.  There are a lot of rumors out there that only adds to the stress and anxiety of everyone about the state of affairs.  We will get through this and it is important that members get as prepared as they can, limit exposure, and follow the guidance we’ve posted and are being shared by various sources.   

Our primary focus is for your safety and if you have any concerns about exposure or your worksite safety conditions we ask that you alert your employer and your field representative immediately.  If you are facing or considering job separation, whether initiated by your employer or you, make certain the reason for the separation is clear to both parties and mutually understood. This will aid in sorting out the variety of economic protections and assistance available in your circumstance. 

Daren Konopaski
Business Manager

OSA COVID-19 Communications – 010

N.S. Health Screening

North Slope Health Screening & Travel Update

As previously announced, all workers travelling to Prudhoe Bay from Anchorage or Fairbanks will undergo a pre-travel health screening at the airport. You will be issued proof of screening (wristband or pocket card), which you will be required to present when you transit between North Slope operation areas. The screening will require additional time at the airport, so please plan accordingly.

Additionally, effective immediately, all workers who are currently on the North Slope, including truck drivers and other service providers who travel between Oil Search North Slope operation area and other operation areas, will need to be screened as well. Anyone currently in Deadhorse, or just arriving into Deadhorse, should be screened at the Deadhorse Aviation Center (DAC):

·         Located on the west end of the Deadhorse Airport, 500 First Street

·         Park on the gravel pad on the west side of the building; do not park in the main thoroughfare (First Street)

·         Enter through the main entrance and take an immediate right into the Fairweather Clinic

·         Call the clinic directly if you have questions - 907-685-1777

If you are currently within an OSA operations area, but your role takes you to other parts of the North Slope, you will need to be screened at any of the following locations:

There will be medical screening staff at the clinics to confirm your eligibility to proceed between Oil Search and other operation areas. You will be asked a few basic questions concerning your health and have your temperature taken. Please note, you will NOT be allowed access under the following circumstances:

• You have traveled in the last 14 days to any Center of Disease Control (CDC) high risk location
• You have had contact with a person known to have COVID-19
• You are experiencing fever along withcough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or nasal congestion

Upon passing the screening, personnel will be given proof of screening that may be requested at any of the field guard shacks, including Milne Point, 1B, CPF1, ENI and Prudhoe Bay. If personnel arrive at a guard shack without proof of screening, access may be denied.

Experiencing Symptoms?

Any worker currently on the North Slope who is experiencing symptoms of illness (including fever combined cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or nasal congestion) should self-quarantine in their room immediately. Notify your supervisor and contact the clinic closest to you. The clinic will make arrangements to conduct a safe assessment and determine the best path forward to help ensure your health and comfort, as well as the health and wellness of your colleagues.

Key Links - COVID-19 Updates

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

World Health Organization (WHO)

State of Alaska

Municipality of Anchorage