Building Trades News

Feature Story

Craftsmanship, Pride, and Camaraderie on Display at the UA’s Statewide Apprenticeship Contest

UA 250 HVAC Tech Advances to Regional Finals, UA 78 Plumber is Second Runner-Up

By Roy San Filippo
Staff Writer

‘This right here is the future of our industry,” said Sid Stolper, Business Manager for the Southern California Pipe Trades. Stolper was gesturing to several UA apprentices who were competing in a statewide competition being hosted by the Southern California Pipe Trades at the UA’s Gardena and Hill Street training facilities.

Members Speak Out

On the Job with Plasterers Local 200

The Montage Beverly Hills

Photos by Slobodan Dimitrov
Story by Roy San Filippo

When the construction of the $211 million Montage Beverly Hills is completed this November, Southern California will be home to the only six star hotel in the United States. The eight-story project being constructed at Canon and Wilshire Blvd will feature 201 guestrooms including 55 suites and two 2,000 square-foot Presidential Suites. The project also includes 25 condominiums.

The project was approved by Beverly Hills officials in 2004 and the project then passed a citywide vote in 2005. The project's approval was tied to the creation of a set of public amenities including a 30,000-square-foot public park and a 27,000-square-foot commercial building on adjoining land owned by the city.

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From Executive Secretary

'Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink'

A recent newspaper editorial noted that it would take the United States $1.8 trillion annually to renew our infrastructure, including water facilities of all kinds.

River reclamation, levees, roads, bridges, government buildings, schools, hospitals, public safety facilities, sewage systems, dam, reservoirs, coast line barriers and beaches, harbors and water systems are either in disrepair because of lack of investment or in need of new facilities because of population expansion. The problem is so widespread that the Bush Administration's National Commission on Transport Policy recommended that the government should invest at least $224 billion each year on transportation systems for the next 50 years. Currently the country is spending less than 40 percent of that amount annually. That is not keeping pace with the need.

MagnoGrip

click to enlarge

For those who are frustrated by misplaced nuts, bolts, screws, nails or other small parts or tools when working on a project, help has finally arrived. The MagnoGrip is a magnetic wristband that securely hold those items so you can finish jobs in less time and with less frustration.. Its fabric construct consists of durable heavy duty canvas, industrial grade velcro and high-powered magnets that are strong enough to hold a hammer, according MagnoGrip inventor Andre Woolery. “Although that’s not the wristband’s true purpose, he said. “We designed it to hold the bolts, the fasteners you might need,” Woolery said. “We believe it’s an item that should be in everyone’s toolbox.” Available online at www.mdgtools.com; or call (888) 751-5975.

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Trades Headlines

Workers with Employer-Covered Health Care Declined by 6.4 Million

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.