A strong union needs skills, benefits and ACTION!
February 28, 2022
Workers rights require defending, especially when it comes to unrepresented workers being exploited by employers. Wage theft, misclassification and many more enforcement areas fall within the jurisdiction of the attorney general.
This week, members will have the opportunity to hear all three declared candidates for Massachusetts Attorney General–Andrea Campbell, Shannon Liss-Riordan and Quentin Palfrey–speak directly to our union’s interests and concerns.
Read MoreFebruary 22, 2022
The Chapman Middle School which is scheduled to open in September, awed school officials and visitors during a tour last week.
Read MoreFebruary 16, 2022
The Construction Industries of Massachusetts-Labor Relations Division (CIM-LRD) will be awarding up to ten $5,000 academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year. Among the eligible candidates are employees of contractors that are members of the CIM-LRD–including union carpenters who work for heavy-highway contractors, their children and grandchildren.
Read MoreFebruary 8, 2022
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that requires project labor agreements (PLAs) for federally funded construction projects valued at $35 million or more. Biden made the announcement to a union audience and said it was a step in fulfilling his commitment to being a President who supports unions and workers’ rights.
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2022
A report just released by the University of California Berkeley Labor Center reveals that 39 percent of construction worker families nationwide are forced to enroll in one or more safety net programs to make ends meet. That is higher than the 31 percent of all workers enrolled in such programs. The yearly cost to state and federal governments is a staggering $28 billion. Additionally, 31 percent of construction workers lack health insurance coverage, compared to 10 percent of all workers. Researchers attribute their findings to low pay, wage theft and illegal employment practices in the construction industry.
The $28 billion price tag stems from construction families’ reliance on a variety of safety net programs, including adult and children’s Medicaid, the earned income tax credit, temporary assistance for needy families and the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
Read MoreJanuary 5, 2022
Sister Carolyn Riccardi was featured in a Spectrum News story this week, sharing her story about finding the carpentry trade and our apprenticeship program through the Sisters in the Brotherhood. Sister Nicole Grodner and Brother Jim Hayes, Assistant Training Director, were also featured.
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