Podcasts about project labor agreements

Robert Camarillo, Executive Secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent executive order from Gov. Tina Kotek mandating Project Labor Agreements on certain state-funded construction projects. Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on the evolving landscape of labor rights and the challenges posed by the new Trump administration.

This Day in Legal History: Non-aligned MovementOn September 6, 1961, the first official Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference concluded in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Leaders from 25 countries, including India's Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Yugoslavia's Josip Broz Tito, gathered to affirm their commitment to remaining independent of the two major Cold War blocs—the United States and the Soviet Union. The conference marked a significant moment in international diplomacy, as it provided a platform for newly independent nations to advocate for peaceful coexistence, self-determination, and resistance to colonialism.The Non-Aligned Movement had its origins in the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia, where Asian and African leaders first came together to discuss mutual interests. By 1961, the movement solidified its principles, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. At the Belgrade conference, these ideals were codified in what became known as the "Ten Principles of Bandung," which called for disarmament and the end of imperialism.The closing of this inaugural summit was a milestone in the broader process of decolonization and the emergence of a new voice in global geopolitics. It established NAM as a key player in advocating for a multipolar world order, allowing smaller nations to navigate the pressures of Cold War rivalries without being drawn into the conflict. The legacy of the 1961 conference endures, with NAM continuing to influence international relations today, with a membership that has since grown to over 100 countries.Donald Trump's legal team plans to appeal a $5 million jury verdict that found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The appeal will be heard by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, with a panel of three judges appointed by Democratic presidents. This appeal challenges a civil verdict from May 2023, which stems from Carroll's accusation that Trump assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s. Trump also contested his 2022 post on Truth Social, where he called Carroll's claim a hoax. The original jury awarded Carroll $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation. A separate January verdict ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million for further defaming Carroll in 2019. Trump disputes the trial's fairness, claiming that evidence of two additional women's testimonies and a controversial “Access Hollywood” video were wrongly admitted. Trump also argues that the court ignored political motives behind Carroll's lawsuit. This appeal runs alongside various other legal challenges Trump is currently facing.Donald Trump to appeal first court loss to E. Jean Carroll | ReuterPartners at Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord have approved a merger, forming a new firm called Troutman Pepper Locke, set to launch on January 1, 2025. The combined firm will have over 1,600 lawyers across 35 offices in the U.S. and Europe, with a reported $1.5 billion in combined revenue. This merger strengthens Troutman's presence in Texas and boosts Locke Lord's attorney headcount, which had been declining. Key leaders from both firms will continue in leadership roles. The merger enhances their complementary practice areas in energy, financial services, and pharmaceuticals, though some partner departures have raised concerns about potential client conflicts.Troutman Pepper, Locke Lord Partners Approve Big Law Merger (2)President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize companies that collaborate with unions and provide strong wages and benefits when distributing funds from key infrastructure and green energy laws. The move applies to laws like the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act and sets job quality standards for federal spending. The order builds on previous policies requiring federal contractors to pay at least $15 per hour and use Project Labor Agreements, now making such labor standards mandatory for private employers seeking federal grants. Companies with union-friendly practices, apprenticeship programs, and benefits like child care and paid leave will be favored in federal funding decisions. Additionally, the directive pushes agencies to incentivize higher wages for manufacturing grants, expanding beyond traditional Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements for construction jobs. A task force will be created to oversee policy implementation.Biden Looks to Tie Infrastructure Cash to Pro-Union PoliciesXockets Inc. has filed a lawsuit accusing Nvidia and Microsoft of stealing its patented semiconductor technology, which offloads AI computing tasks to a data processing unit (DPU). Xockets claims this technology significantly contributed to Nvidia's rise as a leading AI chipmaker. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, also accuses Nvidia and Microsoft of violating antitrust laws by avoiding direct patent licensing talks through a third-party intermediary, RPX Corp. Xockets alleges this formed a "buyers' cartel" to avoid paying fair value for its intellectual property. Nvidia's market value surged to $3 trillion, and Xockets is seeking damages potentially in the billions. The company also seeks an injunction against Nvidia's AI products and Microsoft's use of them. Nvidia and Microsoft have declined to comment.Nvidia, Microsoft Accused of AI Patent Theft, Buyers' Cartel (2)Nvidia, Microsoft hit with patent lawsuit over AI computing technology | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Tchaikovsky.This week's closing theme is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic 1812 Overture, which premiered on this day, September 6, in 1882, in Moscow. Tchaikovsky, one of Russia's most beloved composers, is known for his deeply emotional and powerful compositions, and the 1812 Overture is no exception. Written to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading army in 1812, the piece tells a dramatic story through music, blending themes of struggle, victory, and national pride.Famous for its booming cannon fire and triumphant melodies, the 1812 Overture incorporates elements of Russian folk tunes and even the French national anthem, symbolizing the clash between the two nations. The work culminates in a grand, celebratory finale, where the Russian national anthem resounds, signaling ultimate victory.Though Tchaikovsky himself expressed mixed feelings about the piece, considering it more of a celebratory commission than a personal masterpiece, the 1812 Overture has become a symbol of musical grandeur. Often performed during patriotic events, it remains one of the most widely recognized pieces in classical music. Its thrilling combination of orchestral power and theatricality makes it the perfect conclusion to this week.Without further ado, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Op. 49. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Wednesday, August 7th 2024Today, Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate; Republican Representative Andy Ogles has been hit with an FBI search warrant; the en banc Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Maryland's assault weapons ban; now the North Carolina election board is investigating Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC after a voter data complaint; Donald hikes his Mar-a-Lago membership to $1m, raising concerns of selling access; union workers at Crooked Media stage a walkout to protest ‘anti-union negotiating tactics'; plus Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Promo Code:For a limited time, HomeChef is offering you 18 Free Meals, plus Free Shipping on your first box, and Free Dessert for Life. At https://www.HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.Our GuestsRick Smiththericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show (freespeech.org)twitter.com/RickSmithShowThe Rick Smith Show Podcast (Apple Podcasts)Dave Aronberghttps://twitter.com/aronberghttps://www.youtube.com/@TrueCrimeMTNhttps://linktr.ee/davearonbergStoriesFBI agents execute search warrant on Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles, NewsChannel 5 confirms (NewsChannel5 Nashville)North Carolina election board investigates Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC after voter data complaint (CNBC)Trump hikes Mar-a-Lago membership to $1m, raising concerns of selling access (The Guardian)Workers at ‘Pod Save America' Producer Crooked Media Stage Walkout to Protest Alleged ‘Anti-Union Negotiating Tactics' (Variety)Give to the Kamala Harris Presidential CampaignKamala Harris (MSW Media Donation Link) — Donate via ActBlueCheck out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe to Lawyers, Guns, And MoneyAd-free premium feed: https://lawyersgunsandmoney.supercast.comSubscribe for free everywhere else:https://lawyersgunsandmoney.simplecast.com/episodes/1-miami-1985Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Follow Mueller, She Wrote on Posthttps://post.news/@/MuellerSheWrote?utm_source=TwitterAG&utm_medium=creator_organic&utm_campaign=muellershewrote&utm_content=FollowMehttps://muellershewrote.substack.comhttps://twitter.com/MuellerSheWrotehttps://www.threads.net/@muellershewrotehttps://www.tiktok.com/@muellershewrotehttps://instagram.com/muellershewroteDana Goldberghttps://twitter.com/DGComedyhttps://www.instagram.com/dgcomedyhttps://www.facebook.com/dgcomedyhttps://danagoldberg.comHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/From The Good NewsKamala Harris (MSW Media Donation Link) — Donate via ActBlueAntiretroviral Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Heterosexual Men and Women (the New England Journal of Medicine)www.nanustudio.coinstagram.com/nanustudiocoCheck Your Voter Registration!! (Vote.org) Live Show Ticket Links:https://allisongill.com (for all tickets and show dates)Friday August 16th Washington, DC - with Andy McCabe, Pete Strzok, Glenn Kirschner https://tinyurl.com/Beans-in-DCSaturday August 24 San Francisco, CA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-SF Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/OrPatreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

April 5, 2024 - Brian Sampson, president of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors, explains why he is against an effort to mandate project labor agreements on SUNY construction projects worth at least $3 million.

Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, Jacqueline Simon, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the latest deadline for spending resolutions that need to be passed by Congress to avoid a government shut down and what that means for AFGE members. She also discussed the Federal Fiscal Commission and why implementing the commission would be a mistake. Executive Secretary and Business Manager for the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Dave Wondolowski joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Cleveland Port Authority's decision to overturn Prevailing Wage requirements and the impact that will have on workers in the community. Wondolowski also talked about Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su's recent visit to Cleveland to announce the final rule to President Joe Biden's Executive Order requiring Project Labor Agreements.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workers unionizing at Wells Fargo. Mathews also talked about how employers could improve their work environments instead of wasting money on anti-union campaigns and proposed bills in Michigan and Indiana to eliminate tax breaks for outsourcing call center jobs. President of the International Association of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, Tim Driscoll, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the Union plans to take advantage of last year's organizing momentum. Driscoll also talked about the final rule for the President's Executive Order ensuring Project Labor Agreements on certain federally funded projects and modernizing Davis-Bacon.

“Get into politics or get out of business.” — ABC's Ben BrubeckBen Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors, returns to Labor Relations Radio to share the latest information on President Biden's rule to mandate Project Labor Agreements on federal projects, the new proposed rules on Davis Bacon as well as apprenticeship programs.Related:* ABC: President Biden's Final Rule Forcing Corrupt Project Labor Agreements Will Face Legal Challenges* WSJ: Biden to Apprentices: You're Fired* To learn more about Project Labor Agreements, visit BuildAmericaLocal.comPrior Labor Relations Radio episodes with Ben Brubeck:* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 33—ABC's Ben Brubeck on the PRO Act Senate Vote and More* Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 1 –Guest: Associated Builders & Contractors' Ben Brubeck Discusses President Biden's Recent Executive Order on PLAs and more* Go here for all prior episodes of Labor Relations RadioLaborUnionNews.com and Labor Relations Radio are subscriber-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest at laborunionnews.substack.com/subscribe

Ben Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors, returns to Labor Relations Radio to share the latest information on President Biden's rule to mandate Project Labor Agreements on federal projects, the new proposed rules on Davis Bacon as well as apprenticeship programs.Related:ABC: President Biden's Final Rule Forcing Corrupt Project Labor Agreements Will Face Legal ChallengesWSJ: Biden to Apprentices: You're FiredTo learn more about Project Labor Agreements, visit BuildAmericaLocal.comPrior Labor Relations Radio episodes with Ben Brubeck:Labor Relations Radio, Ep. 33—ABC's Ben Brubeck on the PRO Act Senate Vote and MoreLabor Relations Radio, Ep. 1 –Guest: Associated Builders & Contractors' Ben Brubeck Discusses President Biden's Recent Executive Order on PLAs and moreGo here for all prior episodes of Labor Relations Radio__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America's Work Force Podcast to discuss the important support and growth unions have received from the beginning of Central Ohio's tech construction boom. Hager also discussed the Project Labor Agreements and Community Bargaining Agreements that ensure the majority of the work is done by well-trained, local union members, and what the current labor resurgence means to him. Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the current resurgence of the labor movement. Redmond also discussed the SAG-AFTRA strike and newly proposed budget cuts in Congress.

Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Ohio special election and some changes voters need to know before heading to the polls. Mathews also discussed the union's efforts to save a call center in Michigan. Jason Shedlock, President of the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new bill introducing Project Labor Agreements for offshore wind farm development in Maine. Shedlock also talked about a new training center opened by LIUNA and the importance of organizing the new offshore wind industry now.

Desiree Hoffman, Assistant Legislative Director for the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), returned to the AWF Union Podcast and gave her thoughts on President Joe Biden's State of Union Address. The President touchded on several issues important to organized labor including the PRO Act, Social Security, Medicare and union busting.   International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 302 Business Manager Tom Hansen joined the AWF Union Podcast and explained how legislation enacted by the State of California and local governments has created an environment he called a “Disneyland for union work.” He also talked about Project Labor Agreements and the need to double the number of participants in the Local's registered apprenticeship program.

Grady Mullins, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed what will be a busy 2023 for affiliated members thanks to large projects being performed under Project Labor Agreements at Royal Canin, Honda/LG and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He also spoke about the need to recruit more apprentices and explained how the Dayton Building Futures Program works.    Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast, and discussed the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation debacle in late December 2022. He also touched on the quality of life issues railroad workers still face after Congress passed legislation to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the railroads and their unions.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the Brent Spence Bridge corridor project. He also touched on some of the items included in the ominbus spending bill and how it will impact Americans.      Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the AWF Union Podcast and provided an update on the Intel project in Central Ohio and the amount of work in his jurisdiction that will be performed under Project Labor Agreements. He also discussed how his affiliated unions donated their time to help their communities over the holidays.     Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, called into the AWF Union Podcast while at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. He discussed concerns union members have about technology and the need to organize in the high-tech sector. Redmond also talked about the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Conference and how Dr. King's message remains a central point of organized labor.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the “What Kids and Communities Need” campaign – a new effort to invest in public schools and promote politicians who support public education.     David Bini, Executive Director of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed his belief that Google could serve as a model example to the tech industry proving the benefits of Project Labor Agreements. He also talked about a ballot measure that if passed, could potentially hurt the region's construction industry.   United Labor Agency (ULA) Executive Director David Megenhardt was a guest on the AWF Union Podcast and explained his belief that the job market will remain ripe with career opportunities, despite talk of a looming recession. He also spoke about Cleveland Builds, a pre-apprenticeship program that encourages women and minorities to enter a career in the building trades.

This episode, we're talking about how the SMART Army is growing in Canada. Started in 2017, the SMART Army is a key vehicle for getting involved in our communities, raising our visibility and highlighting the important work SMART members do, as well as the essential services we provide. It is also a great way to improve our image among the voters, community leaders, and politicians whose support we count on to back new union-built projects, Project Labor Agreements, and the high workplace and training standards that are the foundations of good jobs that support our families and entire communities.   Jeff Lind Our featured guest is Jeff Lind, a business representative with SMART Local 280 out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Jeff spoke with us about the pride he and other members feel when they look at the skyline of Vancouver and see all the completed projects they have worked on, including many union-built residential high towers.  As a SMART Army coordinator, Brother Lind is leading Local 280's efforts to raise funds for cancer research by participating in the 2022 Terry Fox run on September 18. He also discussed the story of Terry Fox – the Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after having one leg amputated due to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy in Canada, and around the world. Click here to support the Local 280 SMART Army in support of the Terry Fox Run for cancer research. At the end of this episode, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers. With students returning to school this fall, he responds to a question about new indoor air quality work opportunities in schools, supported by funding in the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other recent federal legislation backed by SMART, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.

Tom Revnew joins Mike Miller to discuss recent developments concerning the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in federal projects and their impacts on merit-shop contractors.

On May 13, 2022, we released Part One related to President Biden's Executive Order 14063 mandating Project Labor Agreements (“PLA”). Our Labor Law Insiders, Tom Godar, Rufino Gaytán and Michael Schrier, began to explore the requirement that contractors and sub-contractors on large federal construction contracts “negotiate or become party to a project labor agreement with one or more appropriate labor organizations.”In Part Two of this discussion regarding the impact of the Executive Order, we explore how this requirement of PLAs for construction agreements greater than $35 million may indeed be another avenue that unions might use to organize construction employees. Our Insiders tackle the potential use of publicly available information mandated under the new PLA regulations, and how, in combination with wages dictated by the Davis-Bacon Act, unions might identify and target union-free employers for organizational activity. This disclosed information may be one more helpful piece of information for unions, courtesy of the Biden administration and its effort to be the most union-friendly administration ever.The guests also explore when we might expect publication of the regulations, and how they might resemble or differ from those already in place under the current Obama-era PLA Executive Order. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council may issue such new regulations as soon as June 4th of this year.Importantly, attorneys Gaytán and Schrier will discuss possible legal challenges to these regulations, as well as cautions for those non-union entities who might seek the benefit of large government contracts and in so doing, become entangled in the PLA's with various unions. For contractors inexperienced in such matters, engaging in PLA work may have hidden trap doors wholly apart from potential union entanglement for union-free companies.We invite you to listen to this interesting presentation, not only for the specifics of the PLA impact, but to assess the breadth of impact that a seemingly simple expansion of regulations can have on both union and non-union federal contractors alike.

In part I of this series, Husch Blackwell's Labor Law Insider host Thomas Godar is joined by two experienced counsel regarding labor and employment law and federal contractor issues. Husch Blackwell Attorney Michael Schrier is co-Chair of the ABA Public Contract Law Section's Employment Safety and Labor Committee, which is engaged in monitoring and potentially influencing regulations regarding federal government use of PLAs. Husch Blackwell Attorney Rufino Gaytán is often asked by clients to assist in assessing whether engagement in what are often high-ticket federal construction contracts and PLAs may have hidden trap doors, especially for those who are not frequent federal contractors. This episode of the Labor Law Insider Podcast explores the federal government's expanded mandate for use of PLAs, and its potential for further encouraging unions to organize union-free companies which choose to participate in such projects.Be sure to join us for for this and Part II for and interesting look into Project Labor Agreements and how they fit in to the overall pro-union strategy of the Biden administration.

A conversation with 25-year sheet metal worker and Connecticut State Rep. Joe de la Cruz Over the next two episodes, we sit down with SMART members who have successfully run for local or statewide public office. We discuss their sheet metal and transportation careers, what motivated them to run for elected office, specific steps they took to build and run successful campaigns and key issues they focused on once in office.   Joe de la Cruz Our featured guest this episode is Joe de la Cruz, a 25-year sheet metal worker with SMART and vice president of Hillery Company, a signatory metal fabricator located in Groton, Conn. Brother de la Cruz is also a state representative, proudly serving the communities of Groton and New London. He was elected in 2016 to his first term in the General Assembly, after serving on Groton's Town Council and Representative Town Meeting. In 2020, Joe also kickstarted a national campaign to bring metal nose strips to thousands of volunteer mask makers across the United States and Canada, at a time when masks were in critically short supply. Starting at Local 40, the effort quickly spread to SMART locals across North America, eventually resulting in over 17 million nose strips being produced and shipped to more than 27,000 people who requested them. For his leadership on this effort, Joe was honored in 2021 with the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Service Award. Throughout our discussion, Brother de la Cruz underscored the importance of being engaged and involved with your local community if you want to have a say in what happens, whether it's with local sports leagues, or on multi-million dollar decisions about Project Labor Agreements. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about what steps SMART members should take if they decide to run for office. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

The DOL's Wage & Hour Division has been re-making itself to reflect Pres. Biden's “pro-worker” agenda.  Join Burt, and W&H specialists Liz Bradley and John Clifford in their discussion of new initiatives to impose Project Labor Agreements, expand and enforce the Davis-Bacon Act, re-write regulations defining independent contractors, AND make sense of the leadership vacuum at the Division.

With so much coming out of Washington these days—from the stalled PRO Act to President Biden's Executive Order on Project Labor Agreements and the America COMPETES Act (which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives), it is difficult to keep up with it all.On this episode of Labor Relations Radio, F. Vincent Vernuccio of the Institute for American Workers joins Labor Relations Radio host and LaborUnionNews.com editor Peter List for a wide-ranging discussion on union related issues from a pro-free market perspective.After listening to this episode of Labor Relations Radio, be sure to check out the Institute for American Workers and their various projects and policy briefings:Institute for American Workers' ReportsInstitute for American Workers' Labor News TodayThe America COMPETES ActREPORT: PRO Act Would Reduce Workers' Incomes and Job OpportunitiesSectoral Bargaining: One-Size-Fits-All Collective Bargaining for Entire Industries

With so much coming out of Washington these days—from the stalled PRO Act to President Biden’s Executive Order on Project Labor Agreements and the America COMPETES Act (which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives), it is difficult to keep up with it all.On this episode of Labor Relations Radio, F. Vincent Vernuccio of the Institute for American Workers joins Labor Relations Radio host and LaborUnionNews.com editor Peter List for a wide-ranging discussion on union related issues from a pro-free market perspective.After listening to this episode of Labor Relations Radio, be sure to check out the Institute for American Workers and their various projects and policy briefings:Institute for American Workers’ ReportsInstitute for American Workers’ Labor News TodayThe America COMPETES ActREPORT: PRO Act Would Reduce Workers’ Incomes and Job Opportunities Sectoral Bargaining: One-Size-Fits-All Collective Bargaining for Entire IndustriesLaborUnionNews.com's News Digest is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to LaborUnionNews.com's News Digest at laborunionnews.substack.com/subscribe

A wide-ranging discussion with Ben Brubeck of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), one of the largest trade associations for merit-shop construction contractors and their employees. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members, mostly small union-free contractors and their employees, with 69 chapters nationwide. In this hour-long, wide-ranging discussion, Ben Brubeck, ABC's Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State affairs, discusses ABC's position on a host of topics, such as vaccine mandates, infrastructure, Build Back Better, the Davis-Bacon Act, Project Labor Agreements, apprenticeship programs and more. Click here for prior episodes of Union Free Radio. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unionfreeradio/support

Workers in Seattle are organizing independently from their own union claiming that the Carpenters Union local 30 and The Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC) are not representing their best interests. They want a stronger contract that keeps up with inflation and equity with other trades. And, a democratic Union, leadership accountability and less cronyism. Recorded 2021-08-05  Duration: 00:28:57  Send listener feedback to: democracycast@earthlink.net     I'm Art Esparsa. I have been a union carpenter for about 15 years now. I've worked all over Seattle, Bellevue, and much of the State of Washington. I've done concrete, framing, drywall, and high end finish work. I have a deep love and respect for our craft.   Three years ago I began a Facebook group called Western Washington Carpenters Walkout. It was in response to being shut out of the comments on Union Facebook groups as members were banned who opposed the proposal for our contract that failed to provide strong wages and fund our benefits. I started it, and went to work the next day. At work, I began getting notifications of members joining, and it rapidly grew. It went viral with the membership, growing to 1800 members. Our page was instrumental in shutting down two Tentative agreements (contract proposals) three years ago. The Union leadership sent cronies to oppose me on Facebook and to disrupt our page. The Vice President herself joined. It was very stressful knowing that I was on their minds. Because the page had “walk-out” in it, different union cronies and leaders attempted to say I was calling for a walkout. I did not. Explicitly calling for a walkout could lead to expulsion from the union for dissention. There was already retaliation against a rank and file group in Portland for using the membership lists to phone bank and get elected into local officer positions. That ended up in Federal Court after a freedom of speech lawsuit.   So on the third tentative agreement the union leadership called about 13,000 members up on a “telephone town hall.” They threatened the carpenters who were on Project Labor Agreements that they would remain on the old contract if the third Tentative Agreement was voted down. They would essentially be stuck without a wage increase. Based on a survey I took on my group, it seemed the PLA carpenters got scared and caved. The contract administrator also lied in the call and said that the Operating Engineers had already agreed to their contract and so they would not strike with us. The contract 3 years ago passed.   This year we rejected two tentative agreements already. The first by 76%, the second, by  52%. The wage increase was nearly the same. The third Tentative Agreement, what we're voting on today, has almost zero change from the second. The entire time, the Business Agents, who work for the EST, Evelyn Shapiro, have been stumping for yes votes on jobsites. Many members feel this is voter intimidation and an abuse of power. It goes far beyond educating or making an argument. This belief was cemented while we were voting for TA2. Evelyn had a member wide Zoom call where she was on stage with several from the bargaining committee. During the call she admitted to ordering BA's to job sites to stump for yes-votes and rolled her eyes at the idea that it was voter intimidation. When someone declared that he didn't think they were representing the members, he was dismissed by one of her supporters. The highlight of the evening was during the call when she said “You're nothing special.” The words were a slap in the face to every working carpenter. Joining the No Vote were dozens and dozens of union carpenters from the Microsoft Project, one of the largest projects on the West Coast. When Tentative Agreement 3 was announced I called for a rally in front of the AGC office (Association of General Contractors) in South Lake Union and have called for two other rallies this past week.   1) Much of the Carpenters' membership is deeply dissatisfied with the contract being offered.   We want a strong contract that keeps up with the rate of inflation and the other building trades. We are seeking out a $21 wage increase over 3 years or $7/year for the next 3 years to make up for years of falling behind as well as to catch our wages up to the other skilled trades.   2) Those of us in Seattle want full parking reimbursement or provided parking.   We are struggling to build an independent organization that is democratic to make democratic changes to our union. We want a democratic union.   We want leadership accountability and an end to cronyism in the union.   We want a union that fights for our interests and not the interests of the contractors. We want leaders who will do the same. Leaders should make a carpenter's wage.   #Union,#SeattleCarpenters,#Cronyism,#WageDemands,#WageEquity,#UnionWorkers,#AssociatedGeneralContractors   See our blog: https://democracycast.libsyn.com/ Our website:  www.democracywatchnews.org  Our production team and theme music https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rnPeRDB3JTrr80N_NlLmUM7nEzrRejw8-5qFYd45W5M/edit?usp=sharing 

Ben Brubeck is a VP of Regulatory, Labor, and State Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors. Infrastructure Negotiations and Project Labor Agreements

Jimmy Greene is the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of MI. Federal Project Labor Agreements

This week on Hubwonk, host Joe Selvaggi talks with Suffolk University Economics Prof. Jonathan Haughton about his research into the effects and costs attending the adoption of Project Labor Agreements in large construction projects. The discussion focuses on Prof. Haughton's two research pieces, The Effects of Project Labor Agreements in Massachusetts, and Do Project Labor Agreements Raise Construction Costs?, and the implications of PLAs on future projects in Massachusetts.

This week on Hubwonk, host Joe Selvaggi talks with Suffolk University Economics Prof. Jonathan Haughton about his research into the effects and costs attending the adoption of Project Labor Agreements in large construction projects. The discussion focuses on Prof. Haughton’s two research pieces, The Effects of Project Labor Agreements in Massachusetts, and Do Project Labor Agreements […]

On this week's podcast discussion Paul and Wally give the latest update on COVID 19 including information on the Gov.'s latest press conference.  Youth sports can practice, but not play games, overnight camping is available at most state parks in groups of no more than 10, pick-your-own pumpkin patches will be permitted to operate, ice skating rinks may operate for athletic training and practice by reservation only, and swimming pools may open with no more than 10 individuals in a pool at any one time; previously swimming pools were permitted only to provide lane swimming.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies. What does that mean? Paul discusses a ruling that included the Justice: Kelo v. New London. A recent ruling by a Trump-appointed judge smacks down Pennsylvania's COVID lockdown. The conclusion of his decision is amazing. Movie theaters remain closed; Same with bowling alleys.  New Mexico’s August unemployment rate remains in double digits. Gun rights ordinances on the agenda at City Council; Project Labor Agreements on the County’s agenda Tuesday night.  According to a new report, electricity prices jumped 10.1% last year (a prelude to further rate hikes?):  Beleaguered San Juan County raises taxes in order to overcome economic woes. NM set up a $300 permanent fund for pre-K in the 2020 Legislative session. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican it isn’t growing. Rather than using that money or opening the economy MLG still wants a federal bailout.  Oil production bounced a bit in June, but it is still way down. 

Don McIntosh, Senior Journalist with NWLaborPress gives a wide-ranging interview, going into nuts&bolts labor issues of Project Labor Agreements and other matters to labor politics

There are many ways Democrats rig elections, none as destructive as their devotion to special interests known as unions. Chris Fryxell, President of Associated Builders and Contractors of CT, talks about Project Labor Agreements, and how they force taxpayers to overpay for infrastructure in return for big money for construction unions. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Join DJ Kuttin Kandi, one of Hip Hop Bruha’s Podcast Hosts for a special episode on the film, “Always Be My Maybe” featuring community organizer, Trinh Le, Asian American and Hip Hop writer/blogger, Joy Ng and disabled activist and media maker, Alice Wong. This special episode intends to celebrate the poignant parts of the film and the impact it has on Asian Americans and across other communities of color. Together, we work through the tensions of calling-in one another to deepen and expand the work of inclusivity, visibility and representation, with not just pop culture and entertainment but how we can dig in and examine ourselves, our organizing and our cultural organizing work. Joy Ng aka Joyskii (on social media) is a San Francisco born-and-raised Asian American community service worker, events organizer, and writer. Joy majored in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, where she developed her research on Hip Hop and Asian American resistance, identity, and impact. Drawing from the roots of radical 1960s Bay Area social movements, her research examines Hip Hop as a vehicle for social justice, in carved out spaces— from classrooms to rap shows. Joy’s goal is to contribute to the body of research and literature on the topic of Asian American Hip Hop, and shares her work online in the format of short essays and blogs. Joy also authors a series of non-fiction short stories called High Tides. Her work was recently published in a San Francisco anthology of writers of color, titled Endangered Species, Enduring Values: An Anthology of San Francisco Area Writers of Color (2018). Pro-nouns are she/hers. Alice Wong is an Asian American disabled activist, media maker, and consultant based in San Francisco. She is the Founder and Director of the Disability Visibility Project® (DVP), an online community dedicated to creating, sharing and amplifying disability media and culture. You can find her on Twitter @SFdirewolf . Pro-nouns are she/hers. Trinh Le is one of five children from a Vietnamese refugee family and grew up in a low-income, immigrant, single-parent household. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Sociology and Asian American Studies. She has organized in many diverse communities in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast before coming back to San Diego. Trinh worked at the Center on Policy Initiatives as an organizer in 2011 and has worked on numerous campaigns including the Property Value Protection Ordinance, Project Labor Agreements, and the Community Budget Alliance. While at CPI she was the Director of Leadership Development, and oversaw CPI’s leadership development initiatives such as the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) and the Students for Economic Justice (SEJ) program. Trinh has over 10 years of organizing experience and has been on the board of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) San Diego chapter, Mid-City CAN in City Heights, and the San Diego Leadership Alliance. She received “Most Valuable Organizer of the Year,” award in 2013 by the New Organizing Institute, a commendation by the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission in 2015, and was one of the eight recognized “Present Day San Diego Women Civil Rights Leaders” by Rise San Diego in 2017. She recently earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. Pro-nouns are she/hers. Transcripts are available on our website! https://www.hiphopbruha.com/ Hip Hop Bruha is an online think platform and podcast show that seeks to provide a critical analysis on everything from Hip Hop, Pop Culture to all things political through an intersectional feminism lens. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

Like stubborn children who don't want to clean their room, members of the liberal Madison Common Council don't like recent laws reforming the use of Project Labor Agreements - and they don't want to follow them. A Madison city attorney had to remind them that giving union shops exclusive access to public projects is illegal now. Rules are rules, and the law's the law, even for liberals who would prefer otherwise.

Project Labor Agreements represent added requirements for any non-union business looking to do work on government contracts... here's what you need to know. #DoneDeal

Peter Tateishi, CEO of Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) joins Eric for a fascinating exploration of the mission of his organization. Founded in 1920, the Associated General Contractors of California is the premier organization of choice for both experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals.  Peter has been the CEO of the AGC of California since January 2018. In that time, he has been instrumental in helping the membership shape a Mission Statement that expresses the conviction that the Construction Industry is foundational to the success of California.   Join Peter and Eric as they discuss: The state of the Construction Industry in California How AGC of California members are actively creating opportunities to build and strengthen California How, by shaping policy, improving industry relationships, and developing the workforce, the AGC of California members are making a significant positive contribution to the world’s 6th largest economy.   Highlights include: [00:02:21] The Mission of AGC of California [00:03:19] The Construction industry is vital to California [00:05:03] How the Construction industry impacts California’s future [00:07:43] Planting the flag in 2018 for the “No on Prop. 6” [00:08:53] How AGC member companies strengthen California [00:09:46] The unique and varied career opportunities that Construction provides [00:12:34] How Peter’s experience in politics influences his approach to shaping policy [00:16:13] Project Labor Agreements, and how AGC is getting involved with Municipalities and Labor. [00:22:36] The difference between “Workforce Development” and “Developing our Workforce” [00:23:39] Build California: A new AGC program (launching Summer 2019) aimed at changing the perception of the Construction Industry in the eyes of those who influence future generations. [00:27:41] How the Construction Industry gives people an opportunity to experience challenge, teamwork and camaraderie. [00:29:19] What Construction leaders can do to lend their voice to the promotion of the industry.   Links: AGC of California Website AGC of California Mission Statement: We believe the construction industry is vital to the success of California.Together, our members actively create opportunities to build and strengthen our state.We are passionate about shaping policy, improving industry relationships, and developing our workforce.Peter Tateishi  

Chris is in Boston for the Financial Planning Association National Conference this week, so State Rep. and CPA Randy Hunt guest hosts the show. Chris checks in live from Boston with news of the conference and some market commentary before Randy explores topics such as corporate ethics, Project Labor Agreements and the Pacheco Law, and the controversy over dredging the canal and depositing the much needed sand on Town Neck Beach in Sandwich. All of that, plus your calls and the Slade Mortgage Minute on this week's "Something More."

March 14 2012 This edition of Powering Michigan39s Future examines the value of Project Labor Agreements or PLA39s and the recent ruling that struck down a 2011 state law that effectively prohibited governments entities from using PLA39s on public construction projects. This month39s guests are Pat Devlin Chief Elected Officer of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and John Canzano Southfield based Labor lawyer. Also on the show are Joe Abdoo Business Manager of IBEW Local 58 and Dan Tripp Executive Vice President of the National Electrical Contractors Association of Southeastern Michigan.