Fall 2021 Council Newsletter |
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Hello Brothers and Sisters!
I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I urge you to take a moment and read through our latest newsletter, as it will give you a comprehensive view of the news and happenings of our Council.
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From my desk...
I am happy to announce that our membership continues to increase. About a year ago, we hovered around 6,800 members. As of the end of October, our membership is at 7,559!
Likewise, our man-hours are also increasing. From January through August of 2020, our hours were at 2.80 million. Jump forward a year, and our January-August 2021 numbers are at 2.83 million.
Creating a Strong Lineup of Industrial Locals
On the Industrial side, we recently dissolved some locals and merged that membership with others. Specifically, we dissolved/merged Locals: 3094 to 3101, 2019 to 2345, 2153 and 2445 to 2086, and 1751 to 724. Click here to see the new Locals and their areas.
This action was done only after careful and deliberate consideration of the needs of the membership and the ability of the Local Union to provide consistently quality representation to those members affected by the change. Transferred members are now part of a larger, stronger, more diverse, and more financially secure Local Union with more resources. These Locals are in a better position for bargaining and addressing local, regional, and state issues important to members and their families.
However, change is tough and we understand if this action promotes questions among our industrial brothers and sisters. I encourage you to contact your Industrial Representatives, Shanta Prude ([email protected] or 504-273-9604) or Marcus McCalurin ([email protected] or 870-504-2559), and talk with them about your questions. Remember, we are stronger together!
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Council Goals Set Our Path
Here are the five goals that we as a Council are striving to accomplish by the close of 2022 in order to increase market share. You will see reminders of these goals in Union Halls and Training Centers. Please ask your Council Representative if you have any questions.
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Finally, we're also working with industry partners and signatory contractors to win work and fight our #1 threat: Tax Fraud and Worker Misclassification, in part by working with District Attorneys and other law officials to bust labor brokers. We are also hosting multiple training center visits for contractors to showcase our abilities, such as The Lemoine Company, Bernhard, and Brown & Root.
Every action that I've already outlined, and the multiple examples that are illustrated below, are all done with one goal: Protect our members and get them safe, secure, well-paying work. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and I think you for your continued dedication and hard work in representing the CSCRC.
Yours in solidarity,
Jason B. Engels, CEO/EST
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Growing Our Marketshare Puts Members to Work |
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Operation Bat Fury Gives Wings to Growth in Austin |
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A key strategy to grow our Council’s market share is increasing membership, manhours, and signatory contractors in the interior systems (IS) sector in Austin, Texas. The overall goal is to achieve IS market share of 25%. Since 2019, a sustained effort, branded as Operation Bat Fury, has guided our work and this focus has produced positive results.
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Four years ago, we held about 5-8% of marketshare in Austin. Today that number has grown to 12.6-15%. Our membership back then hovered around 400. Today, we are nearing the 700-member mark. Our interior systems manhours in 2018 was 94,315. In 2020, despite the pandemic, we hit 241,309 hours, and in the first eight months of 2021, we are already at 206,855.
And, for the first time in the Austin market, our interior systems employers collectively bargained a uniform 3-year agreement with the CSCRC.
Terms of the deal include a 10.5% increase in base wage for journeymen for the first year and a $1 pay hike per year for the next two years. Member/dependent healthcare and vacation funds were also established.
For foremen, we negotiated 10% above the journeyman base wage; General foremen get 20% above the rate. Foremen also get family healthcare, vacation fund and $1 per hour contributed into a retirement fund.
Apprentices also gain, earning hikes of $1.45, $1.80, and $2.15 per hour under the agreement.
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Four years ago…
We held about 5-8% of marketshare in Austin. Today that number stands at 12.6-15%.
Our membership back then hovered around 400. Today, we are nearing the 700-member mark.
Our interior systems manhours in 2018 was 94,315. In 2020, despite the pandemic, we hit 241,309 hours, and in the just first eight months of 2021, we are already at 206,855.
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Our success is the result of organizing and communications, recruitment, education initiatives, training, and outcomes. We also engaged in rapid-response jobsite training, productivity training, and signing incentives. |
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The outlook for Austin in 2021 and beyond is excellent:
Midwest Drywall Company and Standard Drywall Inc. were both awarded work in the new 12-story Travis County Family and Civil Courthouse.
Standard Drywall Inc. and Performance Contracting Inc. were both awarded work in the end zone addition at the DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium expansion.
The Berg Group is currently working at the Tesla Giga Factory with two shifts of 60 hours per week @ 32 carpenters per shift. They also get per diem and a shift differential.
The agitation of Operation Bat Fury is taking hold. Workers are realizing that they are losing by not being represented. We aren't taking our foot off of the gas - expect a lot more win from Operation Bat Fury! Learn more at SiSePuedeATX.com or YesWeCanATX.com.
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New Video Spotlights Austin Foreman Leadership
Over the last several months, a large amount of interior systems foremen from Austin Local 1266 have taken advantage of a unique opportunity to hone their leadership skills. Topics focus on leadership styles, communication skills, how to set up a job for success through organization and planning, how to motivate workers, and many other topics. Check out our new video that highlights this Program. Click here!
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Solar Growth Shines
We are on our sixth solar farm in Texas, called the Old 300 Site, with Blattner Energy, and the seventh is set to start soon. We also secured two more farms with Blattner that are slated to start at the end of the year.
We have worked more than 350,000 manhours for Blattner Energy and have signed 360 solar members in 2 years!
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Training: The Driving Force Behind ALL Growth |
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Our Austin Training Program, Which Gets At-Risk Residents into the Workforce ASAP, Gets 105,001 Reasons to Keep Rolling |
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On any given day around Austin, 20 union carpenters work and bring home high wages and fringe benefits for themselves and their families. They are soon to be joined by 30 more co-workers. What makes these 50 men and women unique is that they are graduates of a union carpenter training program that gets at-risk Austinites back into the workforce, ASAP.
The program is funded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and delivered by our Austin Training Center. Recently, the Training Fund received a check for $105,001 to keep this innovative program rolling. Read the whole story by clicking here.
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New Russellville Training Center Reaches 55% Completion!
The latest photos...
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TVC CARDS NOW HOST PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION
In order to meet the demands of our partering contractors, the UBC has launched an online portal to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination through Training Verification Cards. Here's the information that you should know...
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Austin Training Center Hosts Construction Camp for Girls
A full week's worth of activities helped a group of lucky Austin young ladies discover a career in union construction.
Camp NAWIC, a construction camp for girls created by the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), asked if they could have their 2021 Camp at the Austin Training Center!
The girls put their new skills to work and made dog houses for a local animal shelter. It was a great success and got a lot of media attention.
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Stay Trained. Stay Employable.
There is no shortcut to being the best carpenter you can be. It all begins with training.
We have the classes, facilities, staff and resources - all supported by the UBC's $250 million annual training program - to help you be the best you can be. And when you're at the top of your game, you are in-demand on the job site.
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Forum on Public Safety via Economic Justice Features CSCRC Leaders
José Garza, District Attorney for Travis County, Texas, has launched an Economic Justice Enforcement Initiative to promote public safety by addressing the root causes of crime and instability in Travis County. The Initiative in part will focus on wage theft and unsafe working conditions that rise to the level of criminal conduct.
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D.A. Garza recently held a virtual forum to discuss the link between public safety and economic justice: Promoting Public Safety through Economic Justice.
The Central South Carpenters operate an aggressive program that fights wage theft and unsafe working conditions throughout Texas, and especially in Travis County, home to our Austin brothers and sisters.
D.A. Garza asked CEO/EST Jason Engels and Enrique Garza, Business Representative for Austin Local Union 1266 as Forum panelists. Joining Mr. Engels and Mr. Garza were officials from the Texas Organizing Project, Harvard, and the Texas Workers Defense Project. The event was broadcasted live on facebook. Click here to watch it.
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We've all heard about the federal Infrastructure Bill for a long while now. What you probably heard is that it's the most significant, long-term investment in the United States’ infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century and that it addresses issues central to American workers, including childcare, health care, and opportunities to work in good-paying union jobs.
A logical question for every CSCRC member is "What's in it for ME?"
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You Decide
The UBC and the CSCRC believe this Bill will literally create good-paying union jobs and multiple market share growth opportunities for our members, but, we want you to make up your own mind. We've compiled some factual talking points for you to review. Take a look:
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Members: The Heartbeat of our Union |
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Whether it's securing work, protecting members from a deadly virus, or supporting them as they progress along their career path, the Central South Carpenters is and will always be focused on serving the members as our top priority.
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Due to the devastation of Hurricane Ida, CEO/EST Jason Engels activated the CSCRC Relief Fund in early September. Since then, the CSCRC Relief Fund has approved 175 applications totaling over $150,000. These relief funds were given directly to members who were severely impacted by Hurricane Ida to aid in their recovery.
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Local 429 Members Protected by NLRB Victory
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Local 1266 Protects All Workers During Labor Rights Week
Every year, the Department of Labor hosts a Labor Rights Week to increase awareness and inform workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities under U.S. labor laws. The DOL partners with foreign embassies, their consulates, and DOL field offices at events in the community to get the message into the hands of the local workforce. Local 1266 is an active participant in Austin's Labor Rights Week, and this year teamed up with the Mexican consulate to inform construction workers at various job sites about wage theft, their rights, and opportunities to be better protected as a Union carpenter.
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Local 329 Helps Preserve History
A project three decades in the making was completed recently, and Oklahoma City's Local 329 played a key role in making it happen. The First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City opened recently in Oklahoma City. The 175,000 square foot facility features elements that are meaningful to the 39 tribes represented in the state of Oklahoma. Their stories are told in several galleries beginning with the history of how the tribes arrived in Oklahoma. Also on display is 140 pieces from the Smithsonian Museum.
Local 329 journeyman Jim Pugh assisted in completing several areas of the museum with partner contractor, Aces. Jim described the detail, care, and technology that went into preserving so many priceless artifacts. Thank you, Brother, for representing our organization in such an important historical project. Check out a local TV story that includes a tour of the museum. Click here.
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Also from Local 329...
Early morning concrete foundation construction at Metro Tech - South Bryant Campus for an expansion to the Automotive Technology Center. This photo (below) was taken by Local 329 Vice President and Project Superintendent Nick Abbott.
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Local 665 Steps Up to Help Kids Get Back to School
A big congratulations to Amarillo's Local 665 for helping a local food shelter solve a logistics problem, as the Shelter strives to meet an increased need for food for children.
They supported Snack Pak 4 Kids by modifying the shelter's 20 work tables and installing casters. Snack Pak 4 Kids' mission is to end weekend hunger for children in the Amarillo area. This year they are setting a record pace and have delivered over 11,000 bags to the Amarillo Independent School District in the first 4 weeks of school!
Many thanks to the teamwork delivered by (pictured, left to right) Local 665 members Mike Endrizzi and Kevin Rodgers, Snack Pak Founder Dyron Howell, and Local 665 members Dave Wetmore and John Roberts. Well done!
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Sisters-in-the-Brotherhood Program Continues its Commitment to Community Service
Our SIB program, under the leadership of Coordinator Shanta Prude ([email protected]), continues to help member retention, recruitment, member services, and community service. If you're a female Central South carpenter or industrial worker, you are urged to join the program. Contact Shanta ASAP!
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Austin Comes to the Aide of the Plumbers & Pipefitters
Big shout-out to Austin Local 1266 apprentices for helping UA Local 286 Plumbers and Pipefitters. Our carpenters took a field trip to their training center to frame up some walls that they needed in their space.
Trainers simulated real jobsite conditions to create on-the-job training. As a thank you for a job well done, our Local 286 brother, Chap (pictured on the right), delivered this beautiful smoker to Local 1266 VP and instructor Justin Adair (pictured on the left) on behalf of the Plumbers & Pipefitters.
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Austin Carpenters & CSCRC Team for Scholarship Help
Ten high school graduates in Austin will be the recipients of scholarships thanks to a $5,000 donation by the Central South Carpenters Regional Council and Austin Local 1266.
The money will go toward the Mexican Consulate’s MexAustin Scholarship Fund. Shown here is Austin Local 1266 Representatives Francisco Marquez (left) and Enrique Garza (right), with Cónsul José Manuel Muñoz.
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Congratulations on Your Retirement, Mr. Fontenot! |
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It is with bittersweet sentiments that we bid farewell and congratulations to Local 551's Kenneth Fontenot, who retired recently as a long-time Council Representative. Ken served the UBC for 27 years and was a well-known and well-respected member of the Houston construction community. His steady leadership both in the Union Hall and on the jobsites will be missed.
Ken was honored at the last Council Meeting and was later presented with a plaque commemorating his service. We all wish Ken well in his retirement!
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We are proud to announce the addition of two new Council Representatives: Jose Gonzalez (left or above for mobile viewers) and Troy Jupiter (right or below for mobile viewers). Both men are part of, and now represent, Houston Local 551.
Congratulations!
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Did you know that several staff members also give of their time to the industry and the community? Take a look...
CEO/EST Jason Engels is a member of the Louisiana Workforce Investment Board, a post appointed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards
Council President and Local 71 Representative Dwayne Young is a board member on the Western Arkansas Workforce Development Board
Locals 14 and 1266 Representative Sean Forkner is a member of the City of Austin’s Construction Advisory Committee
Council Trustee and Local 1836 Representative Jeremy Hughes is a member of the West Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board and its Planning Committee
Local 665 Representative John Roberts is a member of the Workforce Development Board for the Texas Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.
Thank you, gentlemen, for your service!
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Members Recruiting Members |
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Carpenters Wanted for Trade Shows!
We have lots of openings for trade show workers in Texas and Louisiana. Here's a sample recruitment flyer staff and members are using to recruit new members. Know of someone? Get them in touch with your Council Representative or send them to BeAProCarpenter.com
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Please keep the families in your prayers for those members whom we've lost from April 1, 2021, to August 1, 2021... |
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Did you know there is a FOR MEMBERS section on our website dedicated to help brothers and sisters, or their families, get the resources he or she needs quickly? Know where to go - use the For Members section often for info on...
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Did you know you can pay your dues online? It's fast and secure! You can access the online dues system by clicking here, or through the Council's mobile app. Don't have the app? Simply go to your mobile device's app store and search "CS Carpenters".
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Sometimes life’s circumstances seem extremely overwhelming. There is help for you. Don’t try to “fix it” on your own.
We tell our contractors to turn to the professionals for their carpentry needs, right? Likewise, turn to a professional to help you through this. Your life is worth it.
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Know Where to Get Answers |
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Ask the Council
We now operate a virtual "Ask-the-Council" program, where you can simply text your question and we will get an answer to you as soon as possible. Text the word QUESTION to 844-682-7272 (844-68-CSCRC) to get started. Don't want to text? You can always reply to this newsletter with your question. But if you do, include your Name and Local Number so we can route you to the proper person to help you. Or, simply ask your Representative:
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Ask Your Council Representative
Local 724 - TBD
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Know Your Council Leadership |
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Executive Officers
Jason Engels, LU 1098 CEO & Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Dwayne Young, LU 71 President
Kavin Griffin, LU 1846
Vice President
Alex Ornelas, LU 429
Warden
Valerie Hosey, LU 2086
Conductor
Executive Committee
Ray Calamari, LU 1846
John West, LU 329
Doug Wilkinson, LU 943
Trustees
Gary Warren, LU 1098
Jeremy Hughes, LU 1836
Craig Braud, LU 1098
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Know How to Stay in the Loop |
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Join Our Texting Program
Type 844-68-CSCRC in the “to” line at the top of your phone. In the message area, type CSCRC. Press send. While Central South Carpenters will never charge you for text messaging, your carrier’s message and data rates may apply.
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