A Message from Executive Director Tom Gunning on Recovery Week

I thank everyone for joining us to combat substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues in the industry. The construction industry has one of the highest rates of overdoses and suicides - nearly twice the rate of any other occupation.
 
But there is hope. Recovery Week has undoubtedly spread more awareness of the SUD and mental health issues impacting our industry and the entire nation, and I’ve spoken to several workers who have already sought help after attending. BTEA Northeast will continue to combat the substance use disorder and mental health crisis for our members and the industry. 
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 102
May 11, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Alison Caton, Acting Director of Training, MCAD
CATEGORY: DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE 102
Next Gen Connect
May 12, 2022 |5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Urban Axes, 2 Union Square, Somerville, MA
CATEGORY: FUTURE LEADERS
Spacing is limited, to reserve your spot email Warren Creamer at wcreamer@btea.com
Highlights and a Recap of Our Building Trades National Recovery Week

Last week, our Recovery Week featured in-person and virtual educational sessions and concluded with a National Jobsite Stand Down at 75 World Trade Center Avenue, with over 500 construction workers in attendance alongside industry leaders.
 
Several workers who attended the in-person opening ceremony on April 25th are already seeking help for their substance use and/or mental health after hearing the speakers’ advice and experiences. 
OSHA Says It Aims to Boost Injury Reporting Rule Compliance

OSHA is hoping to tighten its enforcement of injury and illness reporting requirements, the agency said
in a directive issued April 4th. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be running a
computer program to identify employers who may not be complying.
Giving Back

The Painting & Finishing Employers Association of New England, the Glass Employers Association of New England and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades DC 35 recently donated Bruins tickets to members of the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester to enjoy a night out on the town.
BTEA NORTHEAST SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
The Thomas S. Gunning Foundation has established a scholarship program to assist employees, immediate family members of employees and immediate family of BTEA Northeast members who plan to pursue post-secondary education through college or vocational programs.
 
Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at the accredited post-secondary undergraduate institution of the student’s choice.
Biden to Require US-made Steel, Iron for Infrastructure

The Biden administration is taking a key step toward ensuring that federal dollars will support U.S. manufacturing — issuing requirements for how projects funded by the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package source their construction material.
 
Amazon Workers' Union Victory is Turbocharging a New Labor Movement

Amazon workers' historic win in April to unionize in New York may wind up spurring union growth around the country after decades of decline, at a time when a tight labor market is empowering workers in ways that once seemed impossible.
New Worker's Comp Rates for 2022

New workers’ compensation insurance rates are set to take effect July 1, and are part of a settlement reached between the attorney general's office, the State Rating Bureau, and the Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (WCRIB).

Click here to see the new rates for the trades in our membership.
Boston Ranks in Top 3 Cities for Planned Global Investment

Austin, Atlanta, and Boston emerged as the top three cities for planned global real estate investment in 2022, according to an annual report by the Association for International Real Estate Investors. 
Diesel Price Surge Fuels Construction Inflation Alert
 
Economist Ken Simonson issued yet another construction inflation alert last week, spotlighting the inexorable climb of diesel, aluminum mill shapes, copper and plastic construction products.
Arthur Jemison Named Boston’s New Planning Chief

Mayor Michelle Wu has named James Arthur Jemison II as the city’s inaugural chief of planning, where he’s expected to advance Wu’s vision for a more equitable, resilient, transit-oriented and affordable city.
 
Jemison will coordinate and direct all city plans, land-use directives and related development policies and processes.
Logan Airport Improvements Take Center Stage in $1.3 billion Massport Spending Plan

The Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved a three-year $1.3 billion spending plan on April 12th that invests about $300 million into new projects like roadway optimizations, runway rehabilitation, and net-zero carbon emission initiatives.

ABOUT BTEA NORTHEAST
The Building Trades Employers’ Association Northeast is the leading voice for the union building trades contractor throughout the New England region. The BTEA encompasses seven different area trade associations that employ tradespeople from several different local building trades unions. 
WWW.BTEA.COM Building Trades Employers’ Association - BTEA