Quarterly - Laborers` District Council of Western Pennsylvania

LABORERS
Quarterly
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
­L ABORERS’ ­D ISTRICT COUNCIL OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME 7
PITTSBURGH, PA • WWW.LABORPA.ORG • SEPTEMBER 2011
No. 3
ON THE DISPUTE BETWEEN HIGHMARK AND UPMC
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Most of you have heard or read the news reports about
the current disputes between Highmark Blue Cross/Blue
Shield and the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center (UPMC). Highmark is
the health insurance company which provides the plan of hospital and physician
benefits to participants in the Laborers’
District Council of Western Pennsylvania
Welfare Fund. UPMC is the biggest operator of hospitals in Western Pennsylvania.
The UPMC hospitals are in the Welfare
Fund’s Highmark network. A large number
of physicians in Western Pennsylvania are
affiliated with the UPMC hospitals, and are
also in our network.
ments, unless Highmark and UPMC reach new contract
agreements.
It is our understanding that the current HighmarkUPMC hospital contract expires at the end
of June, 2012. Highmark maintains that
the UPMC hospital contract has a provision which will allow Highmark to extend
it for one additional year, keeping all of the
UPMC hospitals in-network through the
end of June, 2013. The Highmark contract
with the UPMC-affiliated physicians also
runs until the end of June, 2012. Highmark
maintains that it can also extend that contract for an additional year; UPMC denies
that there is any opportunity for any extension of the physician contract.
Unfortunately, the continuing disputes
between Highmark and UPMC could have
a significant impact upon the access to hosPresident,
Business Manager
pitals and physicians by our members and
their eligible dependents, and the costs for
care
could
increase
for both participants and the Fund
UPMC has taken the position that it will not enter into
if these differences are not resolved. The Welfare Fund
any future contracts with Highmark that will allow HighTrustees and the Union are not waiting until the Highmark subscribers to utilize UPMC hospitals and physimark-UPMC contract expires to address the future health
cians on an in-network basis. The Union and the Welfare
needs of our participants. Because of our concerns about
Fund Board of Trustees have significant concerns about
access to care and the costs of such care, we are actively
whether our members and their families will be able to
addressing this situation and seeking solutions which are
continue to seek care at UPMC facilities and with UPMC
best for our members and their families. The Trustees have
doctors, while enjoying our in-network lower fee arrangeUPMC also operates as an insurer, in
competition with Highmark. Highmark, in
turn, has become an owner of the West Penn
Allegheny Health System, which operates
hospitals in competition with UPMC.
Philip Ameris
(Continued on page 7)
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WPA
AND LABORERS LOCAL 833
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
2
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WPA
AND LABORERS LOCAL 833
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011 3
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WPA
HOSTS ANNUAL VETERANS PICNIC
4
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
LABORERS 25TH ANNUAL
AUBERLE FESTIVAL OF FUN
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011 5
Attorney Talk ...
REMINDERS REGARDING THE NEW
CONSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA DRUG TESTING PROTOCOLS
by Gerald T. Pecora, Esq.
As many of you are aware, a new drug and alcohol
testing policy has been put into effect by the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP). This
policy applies for every signatory Constructors Association contractor, and for every Laborer sent out to work
for them.
If a member fails a drug and alcohol test, they will be
immediately removed from the work site. You cannot
be referred to any CAWP signature contractor until you
complete a mandatory rehabilitation program through the
Laborers Members Assistance Program (MAP).
If you fail a second drug and alcohol test for a CAWP
contractor, you will once again be required to complete
a mandatory rehabilitation program through MAP. Additionally, after a second positive drug and alcohol test for
a CAWP signatory contractor you will not be referred to a
CAWP contractor for a period of three years.
It is very important for you
to attend the rehabilitation
program through the Laborers, and not through some
other third party entity or a
program recommended by
a contractor. Brother Mike
Laquatra is overseeing members entering into the MAP
program. He can be contacted at 412-391-1712 with
additional questions regarding this matter.
Gerald T. Pecora, Esq.
You can see this is a very serious issue. Our Union
prides itself on the craftsmanship, professionalism and
safety of our members. There is no place for drug and
alcohol use in our industry.
Failure of a third drug and alcohol test for a CAWP contractor will result in a lifetime ban of your ability to be
referred to any CAWP contractor.
LOCAL UNION NO. 286
LOCAL UNION NO. 910
CONGRATS TO 50-YEAR MEMBER
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Front: Pete DeRose, 50 Year Member
Back (Left to Right) Lew Hosler, Retired Business
Manager, Merle Moody, Dennis Pazzabon, Business
Manager
Congratulations to our 2011 Scholarship Winners:
Jade Brocious – daughter of Douglas Brocious, and
Meghan Farmery – daughter of Dennis Farmery.
6
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
INFORMATION REGARDING
YOUR REQUIRED PHYSICAL
EXAM TO CONTINUE
ELIGIBILITY IN THE PREMIER
PLAN OF THE LABORERS’
DISTRICT COUNCIL OF
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
WELFARE FUND
If you or your spouse is making an appointment for a
Wellness Physical with MedExpress, you may be required
to have bloodwork. By fasting 12 hours (no food or drink,
except water) prior to your physical exam, the bloodwork
can be completed during your visit for a physical. If you do
not fast and bloodwork is required it will be necessary for
you to either return to MedExpress after you have completed
the fasting or you may request a form for the required bloodwork that may be taken to a lab service covered by Highmark. Please refer to your Benefit Summary Plan Description Booklet to review all of the necessary requirements for
the premier level of benefits.
MedExpress centers can be found in the following areas:
Altoona, Brentwood, Belle Vernon, Butler, Bloomfield, Center Township, Chambersburg, Greensburg, Hanover, Hermitage, Johnstown, Lancaster, Manheim Township, Mars,
Meadville, Millcreek Township, Monroeville, Moon Township, Muhlenberg Township, Murrysville, North Huntingdon, O’Hara Township, Pleasant Hills, Ross Township, Scott
Township, State College, Tarentum, Uniontown, Upper St.
Clair, Washington, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport.
IN MEMORIAM
LOCAL 603
Andre Horton
LOCAL 833
Mason Bacon
LOCAL 910
John Deao
LOCAL 952
Robert Emminger
LOCAL 1058
Randy Laverick
Denise E. Moore
James L. Pratt
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011 DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
REMINDER
The drug and alcohol policy between the Union and Constructors Association of Western PA is now in full effect.
A strict three strike policy is now in place for all members
who are employed with any signatory CAWP members. Any
member who tests positive under the new agreement must
submit to treatment with the Membership Assistance Program through the Laborers’ District Council of Western PA.
The company will notify the Union of a failed test and we
will handle your case from there. If you have been terminated
due to a failed test, contact your Local Union immediately.
If you are challenging the ruling of a positive test, you have
24 hours to file a grievance with your Local. NO exceptions
will be made to challenge a test after that 24 hour period.
In addition, your Local Union and the District Council are
here for you. If any member has a drug or alcohol problem,
contact your agent ASAP, regardless of a failed test. Please
do not let a problem spiral out of control. We will immediately help you find treatment and support through MAP.
Further questions can also be directed to Michael Laquatra
at 412-391-1712.
Dispute Between Highmark and UPMC
(Continued from page 1)
already directed Welfare Fund representatives, including
the Fund’s actuary, to hold meetings and commence negotiations with both Highmark and UPMC, as well as other
insurers which provide medical coverage plans in Western
Pennsylvania. We are also investigating joint arrangements
with other union welfare funds to provide the necessary coverages. The Welfare Fund will seek the most advantageous
terms to provide all participants good access to both UPMC
and non-UPMC facilities and physicians, under the best cost
arrangements possible.
There are pressures from many directions for UPMC and
Highmark to reach agreements on new arrangements to provide Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield participants continuing access to UPMC facilities and doctors on an in-network
basis. However, there is no certainty as to whether such
contract agreements will be reached. Rest assured that we
are actively engaged in efforts to guarantee that our members and their families maintain the best available coverages
under the Welfare Fund Benefit Plan.
Our members work very hard and are entitled to excellent
health care benefits for themselves and their dependents. You
are our number one concern. We will keep you advised of
any developments concerning this situation. All of my best
wishes to you and your family members.
7
W. PA LABORERS’ HEALTH CORNER
HEALTH TALK – OUTDOOR EXERCISE
by Mark Machi
With the end of summer humidity and high temperatures,
autumn is a great time to get up, and start moving. Remember,
winter is just around the corner so try to get outside to enjoy the
fresh air. Here are some great outdoor exercise programs.
WALKING. If you haven’t been active over the summer,
begin your fall exercise program with walking. Start out slow,
then build up to brisk daily walks. Walking is one of the best
lifetime sports. It’s easy on the joints, you don’t need a lot
of fancy equipment, and you can burn calories, even though
it’s a more modest amount compared to some other activities.
Current national guidelines recommend exercise (such as brisk
walking) for 30 minutes, most days in a week. According to
the guidelines, walking for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, at a
brisk pace (about 4 mph) will help ward off chronic disease.
Your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure go
down as a response to just increasing your level of physical
activity. If you’re trying to lose weight, you should shoot for
60 minutes of walking most days of the week. To keep weight
off, get 60-90 minutes of walking most days. It’s not as tough
as you may think. The trick is to incorporate walking into your
daily life and break the time into several manageable spurts.
Consider walking the kids to school or the bus stop in the
morning, hoofing it to pick up a bag of groceries or run errands
at lunchtime, and walking the dog or taking a stroll after dinner
each evening.
JOGGING/RUNNING. For those in better shape,
jogging is terrific for your heart and lungs, and it improves your
stamina. If you’re trying to lose weight, it can burn calories
more quickly than walking. On the negative side, running does
put more stress on the joints -- the knees, ankles, and hips. The
key is to start slowly. The general rule is to increase your time
or distance by no more than 10% each week. The reason is not
because the heart and lungs can’t handle it, but the joints and
muscles are a little slower to adapt to the stress of vigorous
exercise. Too much too soon, and you can develop tendinitis
or a variety of muscle or joint problems. If you are going to
jog, it’s important to get a good pair of running shoes, and, for
women, a quality sports bra. Pay attention to the surface on
which you run. Paths and grass are softer, but they’re uneven
and could have holes. Concrete is harder, but good shoes help
absorb shock.
8
CYCLING. Another great exercise is cycling. Not only
is bicycling an excellent cardiovascular exercise, but you
can really explore your community by cycling to different
neighborhoods or in parks, bike paths, or trails. While running
tends to target the hamstrings (the muscles in the back of your
thighs), cycling uses the quadriceps (the muscles on the front of
the thighs) more. It’s important to make sure your bike is fitted
properly to your body; otherwise, you’ll put too much stress on
your back or knees. If your gym offers spinning classes, they
can help you prepare for biking outdoors.
HIKING. This is another great exercise. It uses a lot of
up-and-down movement, so you get a tremendous leg workout
along with the cardiovascular benefits. Not only that, but hiking
provides a relaxing atmosphere for a workout that doesn’t seem
like a workout at all. Listening to the birds and enjoying the
cool breeze of the forest, provides a break from daily stresses.
No matter what activity you choose to do, here are some
pointers to keep you on task and safe:
• Exercise with a partner. When you go with like-minded
friends, an exercise outing might be more fun, more
productive, and provide the motivation to help you stick
with your plan.
• Make exercise a regular habit. Consistent practice is
more beneficial than haphazard bouts of physical activity.
It takes time, effort, and patience to establish a routine.
Eventually your efforts will pay off.
• Start slowly, and don’t overdo it. If you’re not used to
exercise, begin your cardio program with a short duration
of 10 to 15 minutes. Allow several minutes for a gradual
warm-up, and a gradual cool-down period at the end.
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Also, make sure
to have protective gear when being outdoors at night.
Dressing up for safety is an important and potentially
life-saving responsibility. By increasing your level of
visibility, you increase the awareness and ability of drivers
to avoid hitting you and causing you bodily harm. With a
few simple items, such as reflective clothing and/or wrist
and headbands, you can effectively dress up for safety.
However you choose to enjoy this autumn, stay safe, stay
active, and enjoy the outdoors.
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL UNIONS
LOCAL UNION 286
LOCAL UNION 373
Hope everyone is
having an enjoyable
summer. Here are
some important things
to remember:
September 30th is
the final day for members and their spouses
to have completed
Dennis Pazzabon their insurance surBusiness Manager
veys and to have gotten a physical to be accepted into the premier
plan. Those who haven’t completed these
requirements will be eligible for a lesser
plan.
August 1st is the first day of new insurance
hours. Concerning insurance coverage: it
will remain the same until July 31, 2012.
Members: remember to pay your dues.
They are $29.00 a month through the end of
the year.
All members are required to call themselves off and become eligible for work.
Work continues; there are no major jobs to
report, but contractors continue to call.
I would like to thank Philip Ameris and his
entire staff for all their help and support.
On behalf of all of
the officers and staff,
we thank all of you for
attending the Labor
Day Parade. Hopefully,
you and all of the families there had a good
time and a safe weekend. We would like
William Brooks
you to keep all of our
Business Manager departed brothers and
sisters in your thoughts.
With the last quarter of the year approaching, the work is finally starting to pick up
with more projects on the horizon. If our
weather is a little above normal, we should
have a good winter work season.
We thank our sister locals for always being
there when we need them and thanks to our
District Council for the steadfast leadership
throughout the year.
Do not forget your Highmark wellness
obligation to stay in the high tier coverage. If
you have any questions, pleae call our fund
office.
When yo are not working, please utilize
our Training Center. Contractors are now
requesting certifications for various tasks in
the construction field.
As always, if you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact the Business
Manager, Agents or staff.
Please follow us on our website: www.
local373.com, and on our Facebook page.
Please be safe out there at all times and
may God bless all of you.
LOCAL UNION 323
Business Manager
Furka reports work
is presently good in
Butler and Venango
Counties. There are
several projects still
underway and will
continue into the fall.
I wanted to remind
Robert Furka
our members to keep
Business Manager in contact with us.
When a member calls
in to be placed on the out of work list, making themselves available for work when they
receive a call, this should be top priority.
Our Contractors depend on us for workers,
so when they call, we need to do everything
we can to assist them. Please remember, it’s
not what our Contractors can do for us, it’s
what we can do for them.
I would also like to remind members to
take advantage of our Training Center. It will
benefit you on the job site as well as make
you more marketable for employment.
In closing, work safe, work hard, and help
your Union Brother.
LOCAL UNION 419
Hello from Laborers’
Local 419.
Work in the area is
pretty good at the present time. We are not
empty yet but with a
couple of projects starting after Labor Day
everyone should get
Richard Sheldon out to work. Looks like
Business Manager summer is over already
– where did it go? I
would like to thank those of you that worked
through that hot spell. Now you have to put
long sleeves on in the morning. Nothing real
exciting is going on. Flight 93 was a real
disappointment; however – thanks to Franco
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011 Masonry, we got a couple of Laborers on the
project.
I would like to thank Mr. David Weber for
all his help in the pipeline industry. It’s now
what it used to be. Thanks, Dave.
In closing, I would like to congratulate our
newest retiree – Scott Ohler.
Have a Happy Laborers’ Day and God
Bless. GO VOTE!
LOCAL UNION 603
Another summer has
slipped by. The Powell
Avenue Relocation still
has much work to be
done by subcontractors
and that is where our
employment opportunities will be. The Tullio Arena renovations
should start soon. GE
John Tretter
Business Manager is investing a lot of
money in their plant
and two of our contractors are very busy
there. Hamot has an around-the-clock difficult project coming up.
As this newsletter is being prepared, we
have received calls for 10 Asbestos Worker
positions which we have been unable to
fill. Local 603 must stop losing employment opportunities because we do not have
trained people to do work in our jurisdiction. I strongly suggest that the membership
take advantage of the training opportunities
available this winter at our Training Center.
Please contact the Training Center because
they are always very busy in January, February and March. If you want to get in on
classes I would strongly suggest contacting
them in November.
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery
to our President, Bob Uhlman, as he is on the
mend from arm surgery. We hope he will be
ready to go for the next work season.
The members of Local 603 lost a friend,
advocate, and proud Union Brother when
Howard Horton passed on to his eternal
reward on August 2, 2011. Brother Horton
served his country, his community, and his
Union. He raised a large respected family.
Brother Horton served on the Executive
Board and was a Delegate to District Council. He was a member of Local 603 for 59
years. Our sympathy is extended to Brother
Andre Horton and the entire Horton family.
9
NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL UNIONS
LOCAL UNION 824
LOCAL UNION 833
Business
Manager
John Peters hopes that
everybody had a nice
and relaxing summer,
and by the time you read
this, Labor Day will be
behind us, so take a few
seconds to remember
what the Labor Day
Holiday really stands
John Peters
Business Manager for, and then have a
great Holiday.
As for our work outlook and for the way
the economy is struggling, we are doing
really well right now. We have pipeline work
up North and a lot of work going on at the
new Rockview Prison. And moving on up on
Penn State Campus, we have the Steam Line
going on and the Henderson Building is getting ready to start on the Masonry part. M.A.
Mortenson has been talking to me about the
Pegula Ice Arena. They are going to perform
their own concrete work on the job which
will be good for Local 824. There are a handful of small jobs on Campus also. Down at
Lock Haven University, the 682 Housing
Bed units are moving along also.
Business Manager John wants to stress the
importance of having the OSHA 10 class
under your belt so when the Contractors
request OSHA 10 people you are ready to
go. And also please help yourself by getting
certified on scaffold erecting, forklift, flagging and also on rigging and signaling. It’s
going to be a hot ticket item for these big
jobs coming up. So it’s simple – if you have
the Certifications, you go to work first when
the Company requests the Certifications.
Time is running out on the wellness profile
forms for you to stay on the Premier Plan of
Blue Cross and Blue Shield. You and your
spouse must complete it to be able to stay
on the Premier Insurance Plan by September
30, 2011.
And on another note, please keep your
monthly dues paid in a timely manner to
avoid suspension. Dues are $29.00 per
month for 2011.
On behalf of myself and the Officers of
Local 824 and my secretary Pat, we would
like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe
Fall season.
The Recreation Committee for Laborers
Local 833 held the
annual summer picnic
at Waldamer Park in
Erie for the members
and their families on
July 23, 2011. A special
thank you goes out to
Michael McDonald all the members of the
CommitBusiness Manager Recreation
tee who worked hard
to make the picnic a success. I would also
like to thank the members who participated
in the Labor Day parade held in Pittsburgh
this year.
It is imperative that all members take
advantage of any opportunity to work including work that becomes available through
other locals or out of town. Work remains
slow in the county and I don’t expect it to
pick up until after the first of the year. Do
not forget to update your skills and contact
information along with keeping your Union
dues up to date. Please let me know if you
have any questions or concerns.
A special thank you goes out to Brother
Jason McDonald for spearheading another
fine community service project this summer
in Monaca, at the end of the Monaca-Rochester Bridge. I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank Brothers Randi Ricci
(833), Evan Pierce and Ryan Bosco (1058),
and two apprentices Joe Cozza, and Jason
Thomas for all their hard work to make the
community project a success.
Local 833 will have a few members and
friends running in the county/local election this fall. I am encouraging each of you
to support those members and friends who
have supported labor. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Union
hall. Get out the vote!
LOCAL UNION 910
Robert Kmecak
Business Manager
10
Work has been good
throughout the summer and should remain
good through the Fall.
With Labor Day past
us and Fall here, I urge
you to utilize our Training Center when you
get laid off. There are
always new classes
starting. The more skills that you can perform, the more employable you make yourself. Having more skills can help to keep you
on projects longer.
Elections are coming up and if you are
interested in helping with campaigns, please
let us know at the office. It is important to
elect candidates who support our goals and
working people. Your vote counts! Get out
and vote – it is important to our future.
Congratulations to our 2011 Scholarship
winners: Jade Brocious – daughter of Douglas Brocious, and Meghan Farmery – daughter of Dennis Farmery. Best wishes as you
pursue your education.
Congratulations to our recent retirees –
Michael Dishart and Paul Fritz. Our thoughts
and prayers are with our members in the military and their families. Thank you for your
service to this great country. We would also
like to express our condolences to the family
of John Deao who recently passed away.
Congratulations and thank you to our golfers for a great season and representing the
Local so well in various events.
In closing, I would like to remind you once
again to make sure your Highmark surveys
and physicals for you and your spouse are
completed. I hope you enjoy the Fall and its
many local festivities.
LOCAL UNION 952
With a work season
that started slowly,
Local 952 has progressed to a busy season
that has projects at various stages throughout
their jurisdiction.
The Sevenson Environmental Hazmat site
Mark Toy
Business Manager in Apollo has finally
gotten underway after
several delays. Francis Palo is busy working on five bridge projects, including Route
68 near East Brady and Route 66 at Leizure
Run. Landau has begun work on the new
YMCA in Kittanning which is targeted for
completion for the Spring of 2012. Michels
Pipeline Construction continues work near
Kittanning, Derry Construction Company
is working on their group jobs, and also a
project a project on Red Mill Road as I A has
work on Route 422 at I-80. Plum Contracting has completed work on the Garretts Run
project but continues in at the West Kittanning area – hoping to complete that project
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL UNIONS
in the Spring. The Velotta Company is moving at a slow pace on the Cochrans Mills
Bridge project.
Members are reminded to take advantage
of the Training Center any time you are not
working. The classes are available to you
at no cost as long as your dues are current.
Don’t miss out on a job because you didn’t
have the qualification required!
In closing, our thoughts and prayers go out
to the family of Brother Robert Emminger,
who recently passed away.
LOCAL UNION 964
I am pleased to report
that the work situation
in certain areas has
improved over the last
three month period.
Lawrence County continues to be the busiest county with Mercer County coming in
second and Crawford
Donald Mangino
Business Manager County having the least
amount of construction
projects currently in place. P.J. Dick has just
started to work on the Hopeman Science
Center at Grove City College and Wallace
Builders has also started work on the new
Christian Activity Center at the college as
well. P.J. Dick will also soon be starting
work on the Jameson Memorial Hospital
expansion in New Castle.
Case Avenue Elementary School in Sharon, PA, was recently demolished to make
room for the new elementary school to be
built on the existing site. Our road and bridge
construction continues at a steady pace in
Lawrence and Mercer Counties with a few
smaller paving and bridge projects wrapping
up in Crawford County. The proposed Tire
to Energy plant for Crawford County continues to be watched very closely by all the
Trade Unions. This project has the full support and backing of all of us and will bring a
much needed boost to the Crawford County
economy while supplying many good paying construction jobs, as well as all the
future permanent jobs for the local families
struggling to find work in that area. Massaro
Construction continues the renovation work
at Carr Hall at Allegheny College and Lindy
Paving continues reconstruction work on SR
79 in Mercer County.
The Four Hundred Fifty Million dollar
Harness Track and Casino Project proposed
LABORERS QUARTERLY FALL 2011
for Lawrence County is still alive. American
Harness Track has until September 12, 2011
to secure the financing necessary to build the
track. If they are successful they will then be
awarded the gaming license and would then
have a certain period of time to come up with
the financing for the casino. With the country’s financial stability in question it’s going
to be tough on American Harness to secure
the necessary financing. The clock is ticking
on this; we just hope it’s not too late.
Contract negotiations have stalled at
Union Area School District with many big
issues left unresolved. This process has been
very difficult due to massive cuts to education by Governor Tom Corbett that left all
school districts with no choice but to make
cuts everywhere. We will continue to work
towards securing an agreement that is fair
for all.
In mid September, we will begin contract
talks with the City of New Castle for our
Clerical and Public Works contracts that will
soon expire on December 31, 2011. With
the City being designated by the State as
financially distressed and put under Act 47
Trusteeship in 2007, there is no doubt we
are going to be fighting to keep what we currently have.
In closing, please remember to utilize the
training available to you at the Training
Center and be sure to complete the Wellness
Profile and Physical Examinations required
for you and your spouse to maintain premier
coverage in 2012.
LOCAL UNION 1058
Work continues to
be very good in our
jurisdiction. New skill
cards have been issued
and are available at the
Hall. If you have not
completed one, please
stop in at the Hall or
call to have one mailed
Joseph Laquatra, Jr.
to you. When you are
Business Manager
not out to work, be sure
to take advantage of the Training Center to
renew certifications and/or learn new skills.
As most of you are aware, there is a new
Drug Policy in effect through the Constructors Association of Western PA. Any member with problems can anonymously contact
the Members Assistance Program at 1-800331-1-MAP to address any substance abuse
issues they may have.
We would like to thank Brother Michael
Laquatra for his time and effort with the
Auberle Foundation, the Veterans Picnic and
the Labor Day Parade.
Any member experiencing legal issues is
welcome to contact Brother Gerald T. Pecora, Esq., for advice. He can be reached at
the Hall at 412-281-2640.
Also, please keep in your thoughts and
prayers the members who have recently
away, and their families as well. Please also
remember those who are battling major
health issues.
Thanks goes out to those serving our country here and abroad for their efforts in keeping us safe.
LOCAL UNION 1451
Summer sure went by
fast, work has picked up
nicely in Westmoreland
County. There are some
projects bidding this
fall; hopefully we will
stay busy. Anyone not
working should check
the Training Center
schedule for upcoming
Denis Mazzoni
Business Manager classes and take advantage of the courses
offered. The next Call In Day is November
7, 2011; if you are not working, call to get on
the Out of Work List.
By the time you are reading this, Labor
Day will be over. I hope that you and your
families enjoyed the holiday and attended
the Labor Day Parade to represent your
Local Union. Thank you to all the Locals,
District Council staff, Laborers Combined
Funds staff and Training Center staff for the
help they give Local 1451.
Congratulations to Brother Francis (Dee)
Mazzoni who retired September 1st with 33
years of service.
On a sad note, our condolences go to Sister
Debbie Finley and family on the loss of her
husband, Brother Gary Stevick and family
on the loss of Gary’s mother.
Get well wishes to all our Sisters and
Brothers who are battling health issues.
Remember Local 1451 Union meetings are
the third Thursday of the month at 8:00 p.m.
at the FOE, 215 Spring Street in Latrobe.
Monthly Dues are due on the first day of
every month.
Get out and vote in November.
11
LABORERS' QUARTERLY
Official publication of the
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL
of Western Pennsylvania
Forbes-Pride Building, 5th Floor
1425 Forbes Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
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