Building Trades News

As reported from the Economic Policy Institute, 6.4 million fewer workers had employer-provided health insurance in 2006 than in 2000.

Building Trades Union Leaders Gather for 100th Anniversary Celebration

The Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO (BCTD) commenced its 2008 Legislative Conference, and 100th Anniversary Celebration on April 14 outlining the challenges facing the union construction industry.

Poizner urges one regulator over managed health care industry

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner says authority over the state's sprawling health care insurance industry should be put under the authority of one regulator, instead of having dual chiefs with responsibility over separate turf.

Healthcare system unprepared for aging boomers

The federal report predicts shortages in medical workers, with California's situation being even more dire.

Sacramento Backs Blue Diamond Workers

The Sacramento City Council on April 1 threw its support in a big way behind workers at Blue Diamond Growers trying to organize and join the ILWU.

California Labor Federation Releases Report On Value Of Paid Sick Days

The California Labor Federation released a study on April 9 that shows that nearly six million California workers – one in six – have no paid sick days.

Nurses reach new contract agreement with UC

The California Nurses Association announced on April 7 that the 10,000 registered nurses at the University of California Medical Centers have ratified a new three-year contract with the university.

Remembering James M. Wood

Remembering the man who has a street named after him, as a devoted union leader and his contributions as head of the LA County Federation of Labor.

Bill to let nonprofits use volunteers for public works projects fails

A bill allowing nonprofits to continue using volunteers for public works projects was voted against on April 9 by the Senate committee as there is another similar bill being considered.

SBCTC Delegates Oppose Redistricting

Last week, the delegates to the 60th Convention of the State Building & Construction Trades Council, approved a resolution that opposes a redistricting initiative that could have been placed on the November ballot.

Machinists Union Blasts Air Force Decision

Machinists across the country are calling for congressional action following the decision by Air Force officials to award a $40 billion aerial refueling tanker contract to a team led by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), parent company of Airbus.

Rich getting richer, poor getting poorer

There is no shared prosperity as middle- and lower-class families struggle with inflation, while the upper-class benefit from the robust increase in investments.

California Department of Transportation Pays Tribute in Memorial Service

In an annual memorial service at the Capitol on Tuesday, the California Department of Transportation paid tribute to its 170 workers who have died in the line of duty since 1924.

Labor leaders want Speaker Nunez to return $4 million to Democratic Party

California's largest labor organization has demanded that Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez return $4 million to the state Democratic Party--money that the labor leaders said should go to help Democratic candidates.

Contra Costa County Health Care Spending

The county faces a growing shortfall in the amount it needs to set aside to cover the cost of health care for current and future retirees.

California 'creeping' along on universal health care

The Senate Bill 840 reform is categorized as either "leaping" or "creeping" in terms of its pace towards passing.

Longshore Worker Killed at Long Beach Port

Cargo operations at the Long Beach port are put on hold following the death of 40 year longshore worker, Carlos Rivera.

Colorado Congressional Candidate Expresses Support for Unionization with Act

Colorado congressional candiate, Joan Fitz-Gerald joined the Colorado Labor 2008 Kick-Off meeting in Denver expressing her support for the Employee Free Choice Act: "We need to start with the Employee Free Choice Act because the right to unionize is a fundamental American right and it has been curtailed..."

Sutter Health Nurses Return to Work After 10-day strike

Thousands of nurses representing the California Nurses Association went back to work on March 31 after staging a 10-day regional strike at Sutter Health hospitals.

Car Wash Employees Taking a Stand

Car wash employees continue their union campaign against the unfair working conditions and labor law violations occuring in car wash stations throughout LA.

Governor Approves New Solar Project

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Southern California Edison announced on March 27 the proposed installation of 65 million square feet of solar panels on commercial building rooftops in Southern California.

Chula Vista Adopting Green Building Standards

Hoping to do its part in reducing global warming, the city of Chula Vista is considering mandatory “green” building standards for new homes and businesses.

AFL-CIO Survey: Most Aren't Fans of Health Care System

A survey of more than 26,400 Americans conducted by the AFL-CIO found that people are fed up with the U.S. health care system, whether they have health insurance or not.

Supreme Court Allows Retiree Benefit Cuts

On March 24, The Supreme Court gave employers a green light to reduce health benefits for millions of retirees who turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare.

Unclogging the Costa Mesa Freeway is Still a Puzzle

Despite $240 million put into improving the Costa Mesa Freeway since 1998, traffic is as bad as ever on Orange County's central corridor.

Rising Health Costs Cut Into Wages

The Labor Department reported that Employers are paying up to 30.2 percent for health care and other benefits, leaving less money for pay increases. That is an increase from 27.4 percent in 2000.

Low Turnout Expected in California's June primary

In consequence of the state's first February presidential primary election, it is expected that the turnout for the June primary election is expected to be significantly low leaving the hyper-partisans to vote. The prospect bodes ill for re-establishing comity and compromise in the Capitol.

California Regions Battle Over Housing Money

Since a year's passing when state voters approved a $2.85-billion bond for affordable housing, a geographical tug of war has developed, with Southern California officials wanting funds to be allocated by population, meaning less for Northern California.

Union Workers Told to Use Urine Bags

Union leaders in Colorado say that a Qwest supervisor told workers to use disposable urinal bags in the field in order to try to cut down bathroom breaks.

Governor vetoes collective bargaining for child-care workers

On March 20, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. vetoed legislation to grant collective bargaining rights to subsidized child-care providers citing the state's massive budget deficit currently at $8 billion.