Major Win For Port Community

A Project Labor Agreement covering the Middle Harbor in the Port of Long Beach has been ratified after opposition by the Associated Builders and Contractors imploded. City leaders hailed the new agreement as a model for neighboring communities concerned about cost overruns, project delays and missing out on local hiring opportunities. Retired Organizer Larry Henderson whose efforts lead to the adoption of the land mark agreement was congratulated by the Board Members. His efforts to bring good paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities to the residents of Long Beach finally materialized. Over 60 members of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11 attended the meeting.

Project Labor Agreement Adopted

A project labor agreement covering construction work through the Community Redevelopment Agency has been unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council. They know that PLA’s promote quality construction, cost savings and labor harmony on job sites. Congratulations to union members from the Building Trades for taking a leading role to see this through.

LA Mayor Shows Support for Habitat Project

Though the media seemed more interested in getting the mayor to comment on the strike by the writers union, Antonio Villaraigosa put on the tools and helped build a home in South Los Angeles. Working together former President Carter cut the siding to size and Antonio installed it using a nail gun. The Mayor’s staff looked nervous as he climbed the scaffolding but he looked like he had done it before. At one point the mayor teased Carter about working too slowly. It seemed like the former President wasn’t listening but then he smiled and laughed which reminded me of an apprentice messing with a journeyman. Afterwards Antonio thanked the union electrical workers for their continued support of the project.

Habitat Habit

There were far more volunteers today then previous days. Over 20 union electricians at the South LA project alone including 2 retirees. Work continued but at a much faster pace. The solar panels are nearly completed. Some of the families who will eventually be owners were there to help as well.

Where The Hell Is OSHA?

"In my opinion the Broadstone project at 1st Street and Beaudry in downtown Los Angeles is the most dangerous construction project in town." Safety seems to be ignored for the purpose of completing the project before the fall 2007 deadline.

Be careful if you find yourself working on this construction site. Workers regularly throw heavy objects from up high and materials have been seen stacked in the street blocking easy exit. Trucks pull out of the driveway at a high rate of speed without flag persons and temporary cords are strewn throughout the job at shin level. Some balconies do not have handrails at this stage of the job. Also watch for improper use of barricade tape warning of hazards as they may be using "caution tape" where "danger tape" would be more appropriate. If this job gets completed without a major accident it will be close to a miracle in my opinion.

Just because OSHA has been rendered impotent by the Bush Administration doesn't mean you shouldn't register a complaint. It's still a good idea to document safety violations by filling out an OSHA Complaint Form. At some point even OSHA will have to pay the contractor a visit. Let's hope OSHA visits this jobsite before a major accident occurs. Please take a moment to watch this short video.