Political Action – Northwest Carpenters Union https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:34:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.11 https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-PNWCarpenters-Primary-Emblem-Full-Color-transparent-sq-32x32.png Political Action – Northwest Carpenters Union https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is 32 32 Save Construction Apprenticeships! https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/save-construction-apprenticeships/ Sat, 17 Aug 2019 18:56:37 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=28085 Read More]]> Carpenters, Help Save Construction Apprenticeships! 

Friends and Family of the Trades 

Carpenters, help save construction apprenticeship by opposing the IRAP apprentice initiative – this is being by certain groups and only serves to WEAKEN our great apprenticeship programs and long term opportunity and quality of work.

The federal Department of Labor (DOL) has released new regulations governing Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).  IRAPs would pose a major threat to our union apprenticeship system if they become recognized in the construction industry.  The proposed rule would currently make our industry exempt from IRAPs, but anti-union interest groups are pushing to eliminate the exemption.  

This is the largest threat against the building trades from a presidential administration in more than a generation, and we must take it seriously.  This campaign to save our apprenticeships will only succeed with fast and successful action by local unions. 

What are IRAPs, and how will they hurt us?  IRAPs are loosely-regulated training programs that do not require the same quality of instruction, pay scales or journeyman graduation rates as our federally registered union apprenticeships.  If IRAPs enter the construction industry they will undercut our apprenticeships all over the country, costing us work to the nonunion sector and making every jobsite less safe.

Registered Apprenticeship vs. Industry Recognized Apprenticeship 

Registered Apprenticeship

  1. Clearly defined criteria for registering an apprenticeship program
  2. Strict standards apply to all federally registered apprenticeship programs
  3. Heavily regulated by the Dept. of Labor
  4. Must provide proof of journeymen graduation rates
  5. Nationally recognized certifications and credentials
  6. Require safety training
  7. Pay a living wage
  8. Admissions standards comply with anti-discrimination policies and fair hiring practices
  9. Current union apprenticeship programs

IRAP

  1. Loosely defined criteria for a program to qualify as an apprenticeship
  2. Lax standards; let the buyer beware
  3. Minimal oversight by the Dept. of Labor
  4. No graduation or completion requirements
  5. No widespread recognition of certifications or credentials
  6. No requirement for safety training
  7. No wage guarantees
  8. Exempt from the anti-discrimination policies and fair hiring practices our programs have
  9. Just a rebranded nonunion open-shop training program

Please go to www.saveconstructionapprenticeships.org and fill out the short form supporting our efforts. Thank you!

]]> Oregon May Primary Endorsements https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/oregon-may-primary-endorsements/ Thu, 02 May 2019 15:55:02 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=26108 Read More]]> Below are candidates endorsed by the Local Unions in Oregon. Ballots should arrive soon. Make sure you cast your vote by May 21st to ensure your voice is heard! #GOTV

NameOfficeArea
Patrick TrappPort of St. HelensSt Helens
Chris WigWillamalane Parks and Recreation Board of DirectorsLane
Yes on Measure 20-299Lane County Courthouse Construction BondLane
Raul MarquezSalem-Keizer Schools – Zone 2Salem-Keizer
David SalinasSalem-Keizer Schools – Zone 4Salem-Keizer
Chuck LeeSalem-Keizer Schools – Zone 6Salem-Keizer
Ana Gonzalez MunozReynolds School Board – Position 6Multnomah
Ricki RuizReynolds School Board – Position 7Multnomah
Yesenia DelgadoReynolds School Board – Position 5Multnomah
Amanda Orozco-BeachGresham-Barlow School Board – Position 7Multnomah
Dr. Maryra GomezGresham-Barlow School Board – Position 6Multnomah
Sumitra ChhetriCentennial School Board – Position 3Multnomah
Sahar Yarjani MuranovicDavid Douglas School Board – Position 4Multnomah
Andrew SpeerMt. Hood Community College – Zone 3Multnomah
Kenney PolsonMt. Hood Community College – Zone 5Multnomah
Courtney HelsteinMt Hood Community College – Zone 6Multnomah
LaVerne LewisMt. Hood Community College – Zone 7Multnomah
Andrew ScottPortland Public Schools – Zone 1Multnomah
Michelle DePassPortland Public Schools – Zone 2Multnomah
Amy KohnstammPortland Public Schools – Zone 3Multnomah
Michael SonnleitnerPortland Community College – Zone 3Multnomah
Chelsea ShottsForest Grove School BoardForest Grove SB
Heidi EdwardsTualatin Hills Parks and Rec District BoardNA
Jordan FerrisWest Linn-Wilsonville School BoardWest Linn-Wilsonville
]]> Tax Fraud Day of Action- April 15th https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/tax-fraud-day-of-action-april-15th/ Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:16:33 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=25860 Read More]]> Union Carpenters and their allies in are preparing for Days of Action events to bring attention to tax fraud in the construc- tion industry. The Carpenters union will hold 5 events in 4 states to highlight this crisis. Construction industry tax fraud is costing U.S. taxpayers at least $2.6 billion a year, according to an estimate done for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). Some 1.2 million construction workers are paid off the books per year, while another 300,000 are called indepen- dent contractors when they are really employees.

Press Release 4.2019Download

Fighting Tax Fraud
]]> WA State Legislative priority https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/wa-state-legislative-priority/ Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:21:11 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=24336 Read More]]> We all know that construction workers are more likely to have their wages stolen than other industries. That is why the Regional Council has been working with lawmakers to address this problem.

In short, HB 1395 and SB 5565 hold a general contractor responsible for the unpaid wages of the workers of it’s subcontractors on private construction projects. By holding general contractors responsible, a GC will be more likely to choose subcontractors who operate above board.

We are asking that all Washington state carpenters email their state representative. You can find their contact information through the link below. We are including sample email language to assist. Please see the PDF for more information on this important legislation.

Sample e-mail in support of HB 1395 & SB 5565  (feel free to highlight and copy)

Find your legislator here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder

Dear sir or madam:

Construction industry workers like myself have been dealing with the issue of wage theft for far too long. We must hold contractors accountable when they break the law, and that is why I support HB 1395 & SB 5565. 

The bill addresses the issue of Wage Theft in construction – one of the illegal practices that contractors commit to save money. Cheating contractors don’t pay worker’s compensation, benefits, unemployment insurance or the proper business taxes – both state and local. Studies show that construction workers like myself lose an average of 23% of their income to wage theft. 

This also makes it harder for those honest businesses in our communities to be able to compete. The contractors that I work for are important local businesses and they lose on work when they are underbid by these cheaters. 

Please support HB 1395 & SB 5565 and help workers and local businesses get ahead.  

Thank you, 

[Your name]

[Your city, State] 

HB 1395 & SB 5565 One pageDownload
]]> Washington state political endorsements https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/washington-state-political-endorsements-2/ Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:21:05 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=20976 Read More]]> Members across Washington have reviewed the records and issue platforms of candidates running for office. How you vote is up to you, but we hope that you will take these local union recommendations into account for when you go to cast your ballot. Election day is Tuesday, August 7 and ballots must be postmarked by that date in order to count.
Not sure which district you live in? Please go HERE to find out.

State Legislative Endorsements- sorted by district

 

Derek Stanford, Legislative District 1 Position 1

Shelly Kloba, Legislative District 1 Position 2

 

Marcus Riccelli, Legislative District 3 Position 1

Timm Ormsby, Legislative District 3 Position 2

 

Ted Cummings, Legislative District 4 Position 1

 

Bill Ramos, Legislative District 5 Position 1

Lisa Callan, Legislative District 5 Position 2

 

Kay Murano, Legislative District 6 Position 1

Dave Wilson, Legislative District 6 Position 2

Jessa Lewis, Legislative District 6 Senate

 

Matt Boehnke, Legislative District 8 Position 2

 

Matthew Sutherland, Legislative District 9 Position 2

 

Zack Hudgins, Legislative District 11 Position 1

Steve Bergquist, Legislative District 11 Position 2

 

Sylvia Hammond, Legislative District 13 Position 2

A.J. Cooper, Legislative District 15 Position 2

Evangeline “Bengie” Aguilar, Legislative District 15 Senate

 

Rebecca Francik, Legislative District 16 Position 2

 

Tanisha Harris, Legislative District 17 Position 1

Damion Jiles, Legislative District 17 Position 2

 

Kathy Gillespie, Legislative District 18 Position 2

 

Erin Frasier, Legislative District 19 Position 1

Brian Blake, Legislative District 19 Position 2

 

John Thompson, Legislative District 20 Position 1

Brennan Bailey, Legislative District 20 Position 2

 

Strom Peterson, Legislative District 21 Position 1

Lillian Ortiz-Self, Legislative District 21 Position 2

Marko Liias, Legislative District 21 Senate

 

Laurie Dolan, Legislative District 22 Position 1

Beth Doglio, Legislative District 22 Position 2

 

Sherry Appleton, Legislative District 23 Position 1

Drew Hansen, Legislative District 23 Position 2

 

Mike Chapman, Legislative District 24 Position 1

Steve Tharinger, Legislative District 24 Position 2

 

Jamie Smith, Legislative District 25 Position 1

 

Emily Randall, Legislative District 26 Senate

 

Laurie Jinkins, Legislative District 27 Position 1

Jake Fey, Legislative District 27 Position 2

 

Mari Leavitt, Legislative District 28 Position 1

Christine Kilduff, Legislative District 28 Position 2

 

Melanie Morgan, Legislative District 29 Position 1

Steve Kirby, Legislative District 29 Position 2

Steve Conway, Legislative District 29 Senate

 

Mike Pellicciotti, Legislative District 30 Position 1

Kristine Reeves, Legislative District 30 Position 2

Mark Miloscia, Legislative District 30 Senate

 

Cindy Ryu, Legislative District 32 Position 1

Lauren Davis, Legislative District 32 Position 2

Maralyn Chase, Legislative District 32 Senate

 

Tina Orwall, Legislative District 33 Position 1

Mia Gregerson, Legislative District 33 Position 2

Karen Keiser, Legislative District 33 Senate

 

Eileen Cody, Legislative District 34 Position 1

Joe Fitzgibbon, Legislative District 34 Position 2

Shannon Braddock, Legislative District 34 Senate

 

Noel Frame, Legislative District 36 Position 1

Gael Tarleton, Legislative District 36 Position 2

 

Sharon Tomiko Santos, Legislative District 37 Position 1

Eric Pettigrew, Legislative District 37 Position 2

Rebecca Saldaña, Legislative District 37 Senate

 

June Robinson, Legislative District 38 Position 1

Mike Sells, Legislative District 38 Position 2

John McCoy, Legislative District 38 Senate

 

Michael Petrish, Legislative District 40 Position 1

Jeff Morris, Legislative District 40 Position 2

 

Tana Senn, Legislative District 41 Position 1

My-Lihn Thai, Legislative District 41 Position 2

 

Pinky Vargas, Legislative District 42 Senate

 

Nicole Macri, Legislative District 43 Position 1

Frank Chopp, Legislative District 43 Position 2

Jamie Pedersen, Legislative District 43 Senate

 

John Lovick, Legislative District 44 Position 1

Jared Mead, Legislative District 44 Position 2

Steve Hobbs, Legislative District 44 Senate

 

Roger Goodman, Legislative District 45 Position 1

Larry Springer, Legislative District 45 Position 2

Manka Dhingra, Legislative District 45 Senate

 

Gerry Pollet, Legislative District 46 Position 1

Javier Valdez, Legislative District 46 Position 2

David Frockt, Legislative District 46 Senate

 

Debra Entenman, Legislative District 47 Position 1

Pat Sullivan, Legislative District 47 Position 2

Joe Fain, Legislative District 47 Senate

 

Vandana Slatter, Legislative District 48 Position 1

Amy Walen, Legislative District 48 Position 2

Patty Kuderer, Legislative District 48 Senate

 

Sharon Wylie, Legislative District 49 Position 1

Monica Jurado Stonier, Legislative District 49 Position 2

JUDICIAL        
NAME OFFICE REGION DISTRICT POSITION
Andrea Chin Municipal Court Judge Seattle Seattle 2
Joe Campagna District Court Judge King County Shoreline 1
Rhonda Laumann District Court Judge King County Southeast 6
Susan Owens Supreme Court WA   2
Steve Gonzalez Supreme Court WA   8
Sheryl McCloud Supreme Court WA   9
 

LOCAL

        
NAME OFFICE REGION   POSITION
Alicial Topper Treasurer Clark County    
Judy Chipman County Commissioner Clark County   1
Tye Menser County Commissioner Thurston County   3
David Green Treasurer Spokane County    
Mary Kuney County Commissioner Spokane County   2
Laurie Lebowsky City Council Vancouver   1
 

FEDERAL

    
NAME OFFICE  
Maria Cantwell U.S. Senate  
Suzan DelBene 1st Congressional District  
Rick Larsen 2nd Congressional District  
Carolyn Long 3rd Congressional District  
Dan Newhouse 4th Congressional District  
Lisa Brown 5th Congressional District  
Derek Kilmer 6th Congressional District  
Pramila Jayapal 7th Congressional District  
Jason Rittereiser 8th Congressional District  
Adam Smith 9th Congressional District  
Denny Heck 10th Congressional District  
]]> Oregon Political Endorsements https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/oregon-political-endorsements-2/ Thu, 03 May 2018 04:29:48 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=18984 Oregon primaries are just around the corner! Do you need to know who your Local thinks best upholds the values of organized labor? Here is the most updated list of endorsements to help. #GOTV

Candidates Local Endorsements 05-10-18

]]> 2017 General election endorsements • Washington https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/2017-general-election-endorsements-washington/ Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:16:18 +0000 https://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=9898 Read More]]> VOTE BY NOVEMBER 7
See below for the list of candidates endorsed by the Locals that cover Washington. Make sure your voice is heard, vote in this important election!

CENTRAL AND EASTERN WA
Web Endorse 10-23-17 East JW

SOUTH PUGET SOUND
Web Endorse 10-23-17 South JW

CENTRAL PUGET SOUND
Web Endorse 10-23-17 Central JW

NORTH PUGET SOUND
Web Endorse 10-23-17 North JW

SOUTHWEST WA
Web Endorse 10-23-17 SoWe JW

]]> WA State priority races https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/wa-state-priority-races/ Tue, 11 Jul 2017 21:14:02 +0000 http://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=7791 Read More]]> With the Washington state primary elections right around the corner, please see this list of candidates endorsed by the UBC Locals that cover Washington State. Please make sure you cast your vote, and when you do- make sure to vote pro-working family!

Feel free to print and make copies to take to job sites.

2017 WA Priority End

]]> PNWRCC- a sanctuary organization https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/pnwrcc-a-sanctuary-organization/ Thu, 08 Jun 2017 20:18:24 +0000 http://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=7554 Read More]]> At the May 20, 2017 quarterly meeting delegates voted to make our organization a sanctuary organization by adopting the following declaration:

We declare that the PNWRCC is a sanctuary organization that welcomes, defends, and fights to protect immigrants. We publicly affirm that we will neither collect nor reveal immigration or citizenship status except where required by law, and we will not cooperate with or assist any immigrant detention or deportation efforts or actions.

]]> PNWRCC Delegates pass a resolution against hate groups https://nwcarpenters.archive.s360.is/pnwrcc-delegates-pass-a-resolution-against-hate-groups/ Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:29:09 +0000 http://www.nwcarpenters.org/?p=6464 At the February quarterly meeting, the duly elected delegates of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters adopted a formal resolution against racist and fascist hate groups. Please see the attached for the full resolution.

Anti fascist resolution Feb 2017

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