From the Desk of Colin Johnson,
Brothers and Sisters, the summer and early fall in the Bay Area and North Bay has remained steady with our signatory contractors landing a significant amount of work on new projects. Winter and early spring looks promising for work in San Francisco as the Transbay Block 4 building, a 45-story, 450-foot-tall residential tower with mid-rise and townhouse residential buildings is underway, a restoration project starting at Alcatraz Island, and a large housing project at Treasure Island. In the North Bay, the next phase of the Gratton Casino expansion has begun with PTS Masonry starting in the coming weeks.
Local 3 continued our organizing efforts with the help from our members through banners against Blue Bay Waterproofing in San Francisco, and Precision Tile and Granite in Burlingame. These actions shed light on how non-union contractors take advantage of their workers, and help our signatories secure more work and bring more members into Local 3.
In October, I had the privilege of attending the International Union’s Executive Council meeting in Washington, DC with President Troy Garland. This bi-annual meeting brings together the Presidents and Delegates from every Local across the United States and Canada. The conference began with reports from International Union President, Tim Driscoll, Secretary-Treasurer Jerimiah Sullivan, other executives of the I.U., and a legal report from Lead Council, Joyce Goldstein. Ms. Goldstein went over the details of the PRO Act which is the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. After the recent election, these rights are going to be threatened by the Republican Party, nevertheless Local 3 will always advocate and stand up for our members rights. The conference continued with reports from the Regional Directors and Presidents of the Locals on the status of membership and work outlook.
Attending these conferences provides networking opportunities with other unions and professional’s assists us in our organizing efforts and other actions to grow our Union, and our importance in the construction industry. I am proud to say that Local 3’s membership continues to grow through the hard work of our Organizers, and through the hard work of our members in the field.
It brings me much sorrow to announce the passing of Steve Kantoniemi. Steve was a 40-year member of BAC Local 3, the San Francisco Field Rep for 14 years, and was an officer of the San Francisco Building Trades for many years. Steve was a champion of Labor and will be greatly missed.
I hope everyone enjoys a safe holiday season, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year from everyone at BAC Local 3.
Respectfully,
Colin Johnson