W.N.Stuckey
Business Manager
With the work situation what it is in San Diego at this time, I took the time to look back at some old issues of our local’s newsletter from other times. There were many articles that spoke of the “roller coaster” type of market that we are employed in. It is a fact that construction in general is an up and down market. Our objective is to complete projects as quickly as we can. It is the nature of the business. But we must also be prepared for the lean times. We have all heard the saying “we must make hay while the sun shines” but we must also save for the rainy days. The weather does affect our work outlook along with the market conditions (i.e. interest rates, things of that nature). I started in this trade in 1973 and believe I have seen lean times before. Some have been much leaner than what we’re experiencing now. I have seen the out of work list with over 200 Journeymen and this was when the local was a lot smaller. One cannot be afraid to boom out if that is what it takes to keep your finances in order. The work will return as this is merely temporary, but you cannot take too long to make that decision. At this time we have many members working in Las Vegas earning the same wages and more importantly still building up their pensions, vacation pay and ensuring their families have health coverage.
At the February Trust Meetings we were able to finally get an increase to retirees. Effective July 1, 2008, they will all receive a $35 increase per month. After ten years without a raise it was due. We were also able to increase the pension benefit from $105 for the last 3 years back $118 per credit. These were not easy as the stock market has been in a volatile position recently. By now we have all received notices from the trust on the condition of the pension fund. These notices are mandatory notification that must be sent out regardless of the condition of your fund. Our pension fund has over 1.5 billion in assets and is well diversified. It has done very well over the last couple of years. This year may be different, but with our wide range of investments, we should weather the storm well. We also were able to make changes to our dental plan by reducing the deductible from $100 to $50, with a new maximum of 3 deductibles per family and adding dental implants as a benefit. There are also improvements to the vision plan. The Trust Office will be sending out complete details very soon.
Our local’s picnic will be this May 24th at Santee Lakes again. We had a great turn out in 2006 and are planning for another great day this year. There will be a pin ceremony again at the event for the members that have achieved 20 plus years of service. They are given at 5 year increments so if you received one at the last picnic, you may not be eligible to get the next one yet. In this newsletter is a flyer for the picnic, it is very important that you return it so we can get an accurate count for food and events. Please be sure to return it to the hall. The picnic is open to all members and their spouses or significant other and minor children. Please help us keep it to that. This time there will be a dunk tank for officers to be dunked. There will be a small fee with all proceeds going toward the family that the local adopts at Christmas time. There will also be a fishing derby and horseshoe tournament. Again please make sure the local gets your RSVP form so you and your families can be included in the festivities.
Jose Naranjo
President
With the Presidential election upon us, it is more important than ever to get out and vote. Elections can be considered as the gear that makes America turn, but that doesn’t mean everyone takes advantage of our right to vote. According to the latest count, 53 percent of registered voters cast their ballots on February 5th. That means under half of the registered voters in California went out to vote. All of which means that “Election Day” has been reduced to little more than a figure of speech. At one time Election Day was the most significant communal occasion in American life. Election Day still appears on the calendar, but now it’s merely a day when voting ends .
It is also important to vote in our state and local elections. Ask yourself, do I even know the members of our school board? If you don’t then its time to start familiarizing yourself with who is in power. Its time to make a change, but how can we make that change? Change starts at the grassroots level and change starts by electing people to implement change, whether it’s a city council member or President. If you are unhappy with the condition of your town’s roads or state tax rate, being involved, voting for and knowing your elected officials will enable you to voice your complaints to the appropriate representatives. Call the candidates; all the candidates will be happy to provide you with information on them. Ask about the issues that concern you the most:
· Good Jobs
· Health Care
· Retirement
· Education
· Housing
· Economic Stimulus
In order to be eligible to vote in the statewide election registration must be postmarked no later than:
Deadline Registration
3, 2008 - Direct Primary May 19
4, 2008 - General Election 20
Cesar Cabrera
Business Agent
Brothers and Sisters the good times we experienced in the last few years have died for now. Are we going to have good time again? Yes, but not soon. Permanent positions are not part of our industry as some of newer generations are just learning. To be successful as a career ironworker you want to be one of the ones that are willing to upgrade your skills by getting welding certificates, taking the rigging class or a sub part R class. That includes the rodmen that have not worked structural, now is the time to up grade a new skill. Understanding our trade and becoming a professional at this trade also requires some planning on your part.
The IMPACT Drug Testing Program is in full swing and Local 229 held two drug testing events at the hall. If you still have not taken the test, it is of the utmost importance that you do so as soon as possible. Please come by the hall and pick up the packet. Once you take the test, all the results are recorded and contractors can access the results via the internet. Don’t risk losing the opportunity to take a job.
It has been a bad month as Local 229 lost many members. It is probably not something we like to think about but I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the need to plan ahead in case of death or injury. Moreover, I cannot stress enough the importance of being current with your dues payments. It is your duty as a member of Local 229 to pay your dues on time. There are death benefits payable to the surviving families but some are contingent on your dues being current. It is very unfortunate when a member passes away or is unable to work due to disability, and is ineligible due to the fact that they were in arrears when the unforeseen happened. Also, please remember to update the “Active Employee Enrollment Form and Designation of Beneficiary” information.
Schuff Steel Rancho Bernardo one 10 story.
Asbury Steel has future work at the gas & electric, a church in Rancho Santa Fe, a 3 story in San Diego and small projects around town.
JK/Artimex is at Children’s Parking Structure and Escondido Police Station.
ARB is still going at the Otay Mesa Energy Center, Ethanol project in Calipatria.
Diversified Metal ongoing Res med doing stairs, La Jolla 5 story and Eastlake 5 story.
Washington Iron is at Sharp Hospital and Abbott Vascular.
JD2, Inc. NBC Facility, Point Loma Nazarene.
McMahon Westfield Plaza Bonita, Rady Children’s Hospital, Palomar College High Tech Library/Classroom, UCSD Price Center expansion and San Diego County Medical Examiner.
Sierra Steel Erectors, Inc. Father Joe’s Village Appartments, Sapphire Towers, Quechan Casino in Winterhaven, Vantage Pointe Condominiums, La Jolla Village Towers and Breeza Condominiums.
RPS bridge on I-15.
Metro Iron Works is upcoming at Arena Pharmaceuticals, Marriott downtown, Golden Acorn, Parking Structure at Copley. Working on La Jolla Commons, UCSD Music Building, Copley Building 1 and 2 and Palomar Transfer Station.
Aero Steel in Coronado at a training support facility.
AC Dellovade Abbott Vascular panel job in Temecula.
Quality Reinforcing, Inc. is currently at Mesa College Police, Alterra Apartments, Gooseneck Pump Station, Pechanga Clubhouse, Del Norte High School, and numerous miscellaneous jobs.
CMC Fontana Steel is ongoing at Lake Hodges Pump Station, All American Canal 150 Ton, Winterhaven Casing 400 ton, 16th and Market 14 story 1500 ton, Quechan Casino and Hotel 400 ton, Sony Building a 12 story slab on metal deck. Starting 805 and 905 intersection late June, 78 and 111 in El Centro in September, Scripps Mercy Parking Garage in August and El Centro Water Treatment Plant in April.
United Steel Placers is at the Lake Hodges/I-15 widening and San Clemente bridge deck.
Kaylake is at the Vantage Point and Sapphire Towers in downtown.
International Iron is at Pacific Beacon, Del Norte High School, Sea Life at Legoland.
RCI is ongoing at Pacific Beacon A & B, Innovation Parking, Palomar Pomerado Hospital, Hourglass, La Entrada, Grossmont Parking Central flood control and San Vicente. Upcoming projects include Paradise Village, Strada a 20 story, Paseo Mission Hills at the end of May, Noland in April, Miramar Water Treatment Plant 2nd Phase in June, Pala North Parking Structure and USD University Center in April.
Corkey’s is at San Ysidro Health Center, Britannia 5 tilt ups, Albee Residence, Young Project 1 story, DPSS Project 2 story tilt up, Horizon Tech 2 &3 story tilt up, Premier Crossing block buildings, Ford Mance Hospital and Tri-City Medical Center.
Pacific Coast Steel is at the Bayside a 37story, Marriott 14 story in the Gaslamp, Indigo Hotel 12 story, UCSD North Campus Housing a 14 story, San Diego County Medical Examiner and Forensic Center, Route 5 San Dieguito Bridge, Radys Children’s Hospital a 6 story and numerous small jobs all over San DiegoCounty. Completing work at Brezza, Toyota of Carlsbad, Golden Gourmet Mushroom, Studio 15, San Diego Hilton Convention Center and Pacific Beacon Building
Anning and Johnson Rancho Bernardo 10 story, Legoland, Arena Pharmaceutical, National University and the Beacon in National City.
5155 Mercury Point, San Diego, CA 92111
TEL (858)571-5238 FAX (858) 571-6203
Info@local229.org
Ironworkers Local 229
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