We continue to receive numerous reports about issues with the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) processing of Local 302 construction unemployment insurance claims.

Read these tips to ensure your unemployment benefits are approved and you are responsive to issues that may arise:

• Always ensure you’re on the Local 302 Out of Work List as soon as you leave employment, and your membership dues are in good standing.
• Choose to receive correspondence via mail AND email to make sure you don’t miss any updates.
• Choose “regular layoff” as opposed to the “stand-by” option. Stand-by claims are often rejected when there is not a specific return to work date.
• If you are at the training center do not check you are in “school”. ESD interprets this as you are going to college and are not ready, willing, and able to return to work. You should always check the “union shop” training option and that you are available for work. 
• If you encounter situations where you are over 6 weeks of pending claims, contact your Field Representative for assistance. 
• If you receive an overpayment statement (you owe money) do not let the appeal timeframe lapse and be sure, if you believe they are incorrect in their findings, to be timely in filing the appeal. 
• After you’re re-employed you still need to frequently log onto e-services and respond to claims questions right away: Employment Security - Login (wa.gov) 

For more information: Unemployed Worker Handbook 2018 (windows.net)

WELCOME to our newest Local 302 signatory contractors:

• PACIFIC FOUNDATION serving Southern Idaho
• MICHELS TRENCHLESS serving Southern Idaho
• ACCESS LIMITED CONSTRUCTION serving Eastern Washington / Northern Idaho
• VECTOR SERVICES serving Western Washington

The Winter 2024 edition of the Loadline is hitting member mailboxes now.

Get an update on the following and more:

• Managing waste at King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill
• Improving fish passage in Skagit County and across Western Washington
• Olympic Peninsula dike repairs protect 800-year-old fishing village
• Washington state is going solar
• Local 302 operators build US 395 North Spokane Corridor to reduce travel time and improve safety
• Operators rebuild access road to world class fishing on Alaska’s Kenai and Russian Rivers
• Community crafted road in rural Alaska brings access, recreation, and newly trained workforce
• Getting to know District 8 in Alaska’s southeast region
• Local 302 members make critical parts for Boeing airplanes
• Register or Re-Register for the Out of Work List
• Training center updates
• Especially during the darker winter months high visibility gear is critical in work zones

Read the electronic version here.

Local 302 is hosting 3 different events for construction and stationary members. Attend one that applies to you!

• Stationary Steward Training: March 9, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon, Seattle Labor Temple 5030 1st Ave S Seattle, WA 98134
  • RSVP by March 1 to Tony Frascone at tfrascone@iuoe302.org or 206-669-1834
• Construction Membership and Steward Training: March 15, 2024, 9 a.m., IUOE Local 302 Hall 2637 W Albany Ave Kennewick, WA 99336
• Construction Steward Training: March 16, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon, IUOE Local 302 Hall 18701 120th Ave NE Bothell, WA 98011
  • RSVP by March 8 to Bothell Dispatch at bothelldispatch@iuoe302.org or 425-806-0302 option 2

Please read the attached flyers for more information.

Construction Steward Training Invite Flyer March 2024.pdf

Stationary Stewards Training Invite Flyer March 2024.pdf

District 5 Steward Membership Invite Flyer March 2024.pdf

Do you know anyone interested in a career as a heavy equipment mechanic, operator, or service oiler?

Our Alaska apprenticeship programs application period is open March 1 – March 17 (mechanic applications are accepted on an on-going basis).

To learn more visit https://aoeett.org or call 907-746-3117.

Stationary Stewards Training Invite Flyer March 2024.pdf

Congratulations to Local 302 member Esdras Flores for receiving the Engineer of the Year Award from the Washington State Society of Healthcare Engineering – Pacific Northwest region!

This award aims to honor the remarkable front-line staff who are the backbone of hospitals.

Esdras is the lead engineer for the Facilities Maintenance team at Seattle Children's Hospital and was chosen for this award because he is:

• Always willing to do whatever it takes, whether he is on shift or not, to ensure the facility is as safe as it can be for patients and families.
• Relentless in looking for simple solutions in complex systems
• Dedicated to helping those around him grow and learn

Esdras works on all types of maintenance operations including plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, pumps, valves, kitchen equipment, operating rooms, and laboratories. He collaborates with other departments, is a wealth of knowledge, a main source of troubleshooting problems, and provides training for staff members.

“I take great pride in being a member of IUOE Local 302 for over 6 years,” said Esdras. “The networking with fellow members and the exchange of knowledge have been invaluable. I appreciate the collaborative spirit within the union.

“One aspect I find particularly rewarding is applying the skills acquired to contribute to a great cause here at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

"Knowing that our work plays a vital role in keeping the hospital operational for the kids who need the hospital services is truly rewarding.”

Thank you to everyone who attended our 13 holiday parties across Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. Happy Holidays to one and all and here's to a great New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Local 302 members, staff, partners, and their families!

The Fall 2023 edition of the Loadline is hitting member mailboxes now.

Get an update on the following and more:

• Local 302 members revamp downtown Seattle waterfront
• Consider a career as a Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic or Service Oiler
• Local 302 maintains work for Olympic Peninsula operators
• Enhancing travel across Interstate-90
• Junction Connector Rail Bridge Project complete - Sandpoint, ID
• Municipality of Anchorage, AK - Street Maintenance Crew
• What it's like to live and work on Alaska's North Slope
• Where Alaska construction funding comes from
• SEA International Airport operators ensure the best possible experience for travelers
• Tips for managing WA Unemployment Insurance Claims
• Construction companies veer toward new hard hat design to reduce worker injury

Read the electronic version here. 

Happy Veterans Day - Thank you to all who served.

Local 302 Members: Did you know you can register or re-register for the Out of Work List on our website? Click here for next steps.

Here are some tips for success:

• Re-register for the OWL well in advance of your registration expiration date. If registered for 90 days, then re-register every 60 days. You do not want to risk being late registering and getting dropped off the list.
• Make sure Dispatch has your current phone number.
• Answer your phone, or the job might go to the next person.

It's time for the annual Toy Drive! Local 302 is collecting new, unwrapped toys and/or canned food to help bring joy and support to children in need.

Please bring items to your local hall or the holiday party in your district (no later than your holiday party please). 

Here at Local 302 we care deeply about the physical and mental health of our members.

Around the holidays and throughout the rest of the year some people may struggle with mental health, substance abuse, or need support.

Should you or someone you know need help, reach out to your Field Representative or refer to the resources found on our website here.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Local 302 — stay spooky and safe out there!

Photo: Local 302 member operates an excavator at the Newhouse Building Replacement Project in Olympia, WA