August, 2010

Things are very busy (organizing).  We continue to sign contractors, mostly highway/road contractors, that is where the majority of the work seems to be coming from.  In fact, if you have skills in this area, you should be plenty busy right now as members becuase many of our curb contractors are looking for hands now.   I continue to work with the painters with our 'joint campaign' on that contractor whos workers filed to have an election, and voted overwhelmingly to be represented by a Union.  We also are attending pre job meetings, public forums and City Council meetings to try and drum up work for our members.  We are busy doing all we can for you guys.

Fraternally, Eric Coffelt

May, 2010

Things have been busy.  I have been working a lot with the painters to organize contractors that do both of our work.  My time is divided between top down organizing, Prevailing wage Compliance and bottom up organizing.  I have signed up two contractors withing the last week, there will be more to follow.  We also have members taking advantage of our Salting program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.

Sincerly,

Eric Coffelt

March, 2010

Lately, Ive been circulating L&I's Wage determination on Polishing of Concrete (which list us as the only correct P.W rate).  As it turns out, getting the determination was only the first step.  So I carry around a stack of these things to hand out to both General and Sub contractors.  Rebound is assisting me with 'educating' these contractors and coordinating it with L&I. 

We are also working with the Painters on some contractors that do some work of both of our trades.  Frequently dis-honest contractors will list the painters rates when doing work like epoxies or polishing of concrete, becuase the painters rates are considerably cheaper then ours.  So I am working with them to help prevent these incidents from getting out of control.

Most importantly, I spend much of my time trying to secure work for our contractors (members). 

As always,  you can contact me directly with any of your concerns.  We are also on Facebook now under : local 528 Cement Masons and Plasterers, so that is another way to keep in touch.

Thank you,   Eric Coffelt

Jan.2010   (job available below)

Pavement Management Analyst

Public Works Operations Division **APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ON-LINE FOR THIS POSITION.  You must also submit a cover letter and resume with your application in order for your application to be considered complete.** EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Full time w/benefits          SALARY RANGE:   $57,996 - $70,548 annually OPENS:    January 11, 2010 CLOSES:  January 29, 2010 5:00 PM Postmarks Not Accepted Apply for the Pavement Management Analyst position

Linda Birdsall, Office Technician III Administration|Employee Services 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032 Phone 253-856-5270 | Fax 253-856-6270 www.ci.kent.wa.us/employeeservices   PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT BEFORE PRINTING THIS E-MAIL

Updated January, 2010

I am working with the International agents and coordinating with other union leaders to try to get more work from Kroger on their QFC and Fred-Meyer stores. 

We are working diligently to protect and maintain our work.  It seems like we are constantly running into situations that, due to a number of different reasons, are hard to fix.  I'm finding that it is much easier to keep a contractor, than it is to get him back.  Once they go, they never forget why (even if it's just fabricated in their mind).  We cannot afford to lose or give away ANY MORE of our work.  You guys are our front line troops.  In most situations, any problems are best solved by you, on site. Jurisdictional problems, wage problems, grievance issues can all be dealt with best (most of the time) by you guys in the field.  The more productive you are, the more influence that you are going to have.    We are going to have to upgrade our skills, adhere to our code of conduct, weed through those who don't or won't produce and get involved in our union more.  Now, like never before, we are going to have to be productive, professional, and efficient to insure that our craft will be around for future generations.

Best wishes in 2010

Fraternally, Eric Coffelt

October-November

We had some EX- members try and steal some work from one of our Union subs...not on my watch!   They were systematically removed (like you would any termite or roach) and the work was returned to our contractor. 

There is some big infrastructure work coming to the area:

-520 pontoons in Aberdeen (several billion)

-'the braids' in Bellevue (couple billion)

-the viaduct replacement (couple billion)

-the Convention Center (700 million)

I also signed 33M $ contract with another Heavy highway company.

In addition to this, we finally got the Polish Concrete decision from Labor and Industries that we have been working on and waiting for, for 3 years!  This should help us make some more gains in the industry.  Please call if you have any questions,

Thank you

Eric Coffelt

August-Sept.

I attended Washington State Building Trades Convention.  The most notable event was a resolution that would create a commitee that would start dealing with organized labors biggest problem JURISDICTION.  The Resolution as written is not perfect, but its about time.

I Also was sent to Our Own 50th International Convention to represent local 528.  A couple highlights for me was:

- There was an election (first one in 20 years as I understand it).  The membership should be happy about this, no matter who the winner, because it shows that democracy is what guides our International.

- Secondly, out of ALL the resolutions, the one that came from this local, was by far the meat and potatoes of the entire convention.  The Resolution addresses several jurisdictional issues. (Many of which have effected this local personally).  There was great envolvement from the floor, including a member for 30 years (retired agent) that went on to say, "I just have to say, that we were dealing with these things way back when I was an agent, and I just want to thank whoever had the balls to finally address this problem".  Brought to you by local 528, YOU ARE WELL REPRESENTED.

  I also attended some trustee training (required to by law/trust).       I learned some things about withdraw liability which I intend to find out more about and apply them to some situations of ours.

Locally, I continue to work with local and International agents on this Kroger campaign.  We are working with other councils in the area like King County Labor Council to bring addtional pressure on Kroger (Fred Meyer- QFC), We also have State wide Teamster support, should we find the need to use it, its nice to know that they have our back. 

We have options to volunteer coming up,  Sept. 25th is the Grand Opening of the new Fred Meyer in Lynnwood on 164th, we need some people for that.   There are some other 'job action' opportunties coming up, CALL IF YOU CAN HELP!

In solidarity,

Eric Coffelt

July 2009

The lions share of this month has been bannering and hand billing the Ballard Fred Meyer (Because they are hiring out of state contractors (Polishers) to do our work and not giving our guys a chance).  We are coordinating this with our International guys who are also doing this in Oregon.  In the end, we would just like for our contractors (and members) to have a chance of doing the work.  Many thanks to members:  Shane Sifagaloa, Felix Navarrete and Christopher Beilke for volunteering for this effort.  We will be needing more volunteers in the future.  So if you want to get more involved in your local and fight to get work for our members, please call the hall.

I have also:  - defended our scope of work at an L&I meeting where the laborers where trying to get an new PW classification (Precast concrete worker).  It was shot down accordingly.

- assisted some other trades with a campaign at Issaquah School district, regarding using local apprentices and contractors.

- working with Rebound on a number of issues.

-attended the Washington State  Building Trades Convention in Wenatchee.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me,

In solidarity, Eric Coffelt

May-June, 2009

I have been continuing the tedious work of policing our work on Prevailing Wage jobs.  You think it would be real quick and easy to get contractors to obey the law (and L&I to inforce it) and pay the proper scale for doing our work, but this isn't always the case.  There is progress being made however.  You, (our members) remain our best tool to combat this.  Conducting ourselves in a efficient and professional manner in the field is the best way to head the problem off before there is one.

We (affiliates of the Olympic Penn. Building Trades) are working on getting billions of dollars of work that is being performed on the Elwha River  wrapped up in some sort of PLA (Project Labor Agreement) so that our people will have a chance to do some of that work.

Pt. Ruston has committed to using our contractors on that project on the waterfront on Ruston.  There is some 10 acres of decorative concrete slated for that project.  Let's make Local 528 proud if you get on this job, it took a considerable amount of work to make this happen.

I also attended this last Polishing class (Polishing 2 on Sat.) at our training center.  I'm happy to report that the word is getting out and more and more members are showing up to participate in these upgrade oppurtunities.  Polishing is developing into a big industry.  We are going to have to commit to upgrading ourselves if we intend to grow or even maintain ourselves.

As we look ahead to this winter, I think that members should consider saving as much money as you can, as we are waiting for the stimulas money to kick in.

In closing, know that other people have faced hard times too.....here is a quote from Thucydides (his book 'the Histories' about ancient Greece- this line is a peom about the Spartans-) it is quite simple:

300 here from the Pelops land........................................ against 2 million once did stand.

Things dont seem that bad after hearing that,

Sincerely, Eric Coffelt

April, 2009

More and More contractors are coming to the area to try to take our work.  My experience so far has been that some of the best intelligence of these occurences has been through our members in the field, please keep it up. 

I have been working on convincing 'union' contractors who are not signed with us (but the Laborers) who use laborers to do our work, to see the merits of working with us.  There are more and more of these contractors.  The problem probably stemmed from complacency (from all) on doing our work and protecting our jurisdiction.  IF the problem is to ever get rectified, it will take a Generational approach to be the best value in the field, by working hard and doing everthing that we are asked, defending our jurisdiction (from the top to the botom), and trying to re-establish labor harmony amoung the other trades.  Right now the Building trades (and AFL-CIO) are fractured, raiding and jurisdictional grabs are running rampent, they need to be stopped in order for Unions to flurish once again.  Im not sure what the answer is, but until there is a comprehensive plan to deal with these issues, we need to leave no doubt in contractors minds that we are to best trained and the best value to them.

I know this is not a feel good approach to the problems that face us.  But this is the truth as you deserve it, and I want you to know that we all possess the power to improve upon it.

The path of least resistance is what got us here, but it will not be what gets us out of here.

Sincerly, Eric Coffelt

March 16th, 2009

Brother Al Bluin and myself instructed the curb class this last week.  That is always a welcome and refreshing change from my 'normal' duties.  There is something to be said for bustin your butt with your buddies to finish whatevers in front of you, without dying so you can hurry up and come back the next day to do it again.  Believe it or not, there is a lot of theraputic value to being able to see the results of your efforts daily.

We are hosting a mini world of concrete this week at Our Apprentice Training Facility on March 17, 18 and 19th.  That will be a big event for us, and I will be there to pursue and  (hopefully  persuade) contractors.

We also are working with other Unions toward our common goal, to organize the unorganized,  this remains to be the area of greatest challenge.

Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns:

Fraternally: Eric Coffelt 

February 9th, 2009

I have been working with our new agent Andrew a good amount since he was hired here recently.  His presence tends to put the hispanics more at ease then they might be if I was there by myself.  Currently we have a couple campaigns that we are working together on. 

We are also working together with other unions (who we can trust) in an effort to organize the 'Open Shop' together.  This scenario is effective, but only when both entities can trust eachother, which is not always the case.

Additionally, we continue to meet with contractors, develope relationships and sign contracts (2 this month).

Sincerly, Eric Coffelt

January 19th, 2009

Most of the snow has melted but work is still some what slow do to flood damage in some areas.  Im tightening the noose on a few contractors that I have been working on for some time now.   I have also filed a grievance against one of our contractors in an effort to protect our work.  We are in the process of working that out now.  I attended our first real polishing class, a few weekends ago along with about 19 other brother finishers.  Great class, everyone got to work the machines and learn, hand on.  The Instructor was great, he even stayed late and missed his flight.  However, I realized that everyone there either had job or was retired.  Where were all the members who are unemployed? 

The times ahead of us may require some more participation from our membership.  You will likely get from it, what you put into it.

Check the website for updates on upgrade classes and up coming events, see you at the next one,

Fraternally, Eric Coffelt

December 22nd, 2008

The weather is slowing progress down for many of us.  In Addition to that what contractors that we do have on the ropes (for signing) are attending their holiday functions or encumbered by the snow.  But things look good for the future.  The Viaduct is getting closer to being a reality.  We are, along with King County Building Trades, supporting Frank Chops proposal which would have retail/office (ground), high way (mid) and park on top.  This option would provide the most work for our trade.

There is 18 Billion $ for Capital Projects to come to Washinton, but it takes some time to get these projects going, so hang in there.  In addition to that,  The new President has pledged funding for 'shovel ready' construction projects, which we have in abundance in the area.

Its time to hang in there and be thankful for what we do have,

Merry Christmas, Eric Coffelt

Nov. 10th, 2008

We continue to meet with polish contractors in an effort to work together.  When this does not work out, we are reserving our right to take economic action.  We are also pursuing efforts to establish a polishing contractors association, which would benifit the industry as well as contractors in the association.  We are now working and meeting with Architects to offer alternate applications as a substitute to some of the  proprietary applications that are being 'direct spec'd'

In addition to this we continue to work with the laborers on mutual benificial issues and contractors.

Things are slowing down, those who are willing to work and hustle will continue to work.  Its time to show them what we're made of.

The age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.
Edmund Burke

Respectfully, Eric Coffelt

October 13th, 2008

I spent this last Saturday at our Apprentice training facility for the Polish Concrete Class.  It was a great day to both network and learn a lot more about the polish industry.  The 'green jobs' fair on Friday was also good, we had several members there for the Pervious class.

We are still working hard in the polish industry with many of the same ongoing issues from last month.

The second annual 'Retirees luncheon' was a big success.  There were more people here this year, and everyone had a good time.  Look in the Pictures area for some Pictures of the event.

We have had several complaints about members and foreman (even) standing by as other trades are doing our work on job sites.  Be advised that you (as a member) who witness this, has the right to level charges against anyone who is letting this happen.  Our retirees have spent their working lives to defend our jurisdiction, and we will not let it slip away.  So consider yourselves 'made aware'.

In Solidarity, Eric Coffelt

September 4th, 2008

We (representatives from the International and Local 528) are working with several floor polishing contractors (currently non-union) on some local projects that we intend to have a long relationship with.  We are working hard to 'get out in front' of this industry, becuase there is big growth potential here.  We are just waiting for a few things to come together on this issue.

We have been protecting our signatory contractors and members by picketing non-signatory contractors who have refused to offer their employees health care and/or not paying area standards.  (Please contact the hall if you would like to partipate, its a great feeling.)  We will to continue to protect our members and contractors.  Picketing has been called the working man's way of communicating, and it is a protected right by the National Labor Relations Board.  Don't let anyone tell you different.

We also continue to sign contractors in the area.

I would like to thank the members that have called in and been our 'eyes in the field'.  They have contributed to the signing of many contractors. THANKS!

Be Safe and Efficient,
Eric Coffelt

August 6th, 2008

I recently attended  the Cement Mason conference in Lincoln City, Oregon.  There was much discussion about 'Green Jobs', which for us is Pervious Concrete and Polished Concrete.  There was a concrete polishing contractor there (recently signed in Oregon) to speak on the importance of the industry.  These jobs are going to be huge growth in the future, and we could benefit to get out in front of this industry, througout the International.

I also attended the Northwest Building Trades Conference, which was great.  The people who we help employ in Building trades are REALLY doing working families some good.  There was a spirit of solidarity there that I have not seen since I have taken this job, some 2 years ago.........I hope it's here to stay.  Unions should be working together.  When we don't, our members suffer, the very people we have sworn to represent.

Lastly, we have signed WCCI.  The Laborers and Cement Masons are working together to make a positive impact on the industry in the future. (Many thanks to all of those that have made this possible.)

Respectfully, Eric Coffelt

July 7th, 2008

I spent a Saturday (along with the rest of the finisher agents)  at the Cement Masons Training facility becoming knowledgable about Pervious Concrete - what a way to spend a nice Saturday!  The class was full, but there were mostly NON-union contractors there.  This troubles me.  We have to get onboard with these "green" jobs, as they apply to our industry.  The two biggest  Green aspects of what we do are Pervious Concrete and Polished Concrete.  We need to constantly upgrade our skills to stay on top of this market, or it will become something else we lose.

We have also been working on an arbitration with one of our contractors.  We are getting LOTS of cooperation from the Brickmasons on this issue (they are conceeding that the work in question is ours), which is a BIG deal, becuase most of the time other trades do not cooperate like this.  More news on this in my reports to come.

There are some pickets out there.  How would you like someone to act if you were picketing a job for a raise?.............Think about it. 
Eric Coffelt

June 12th, 2008

Continuing work with new, unsigned contractors.  We are making progress with getting our sub-contractors more work with the contractors we are working with.  We are trying to work more and more with the Laborers (and other trades) on 'joint efforts' in the area.   Remember, if you see anything weird, give us a call and give us a heads up..........Is Summer here yet?   See ya out there, Eric

May 8th, 2008

Shel Sherman, from the International, and I have been delivering new marketing materials to non-union contractors in an attempt to reach out to them and show them the benifits of becoming Union Contractors.  We signed a new contractor to a full agreement ( after he was persuaded by some picket signs).  We are working with a large sub-contractor who wants to be signed to us and the Laborers instead of just the Laborers.  We are working with the Laborers, in order to keep harmony in the Building Trades and enable this contractor to work unencumbered.  With any luck Labor and the Building Trades will be united again some day.  

Also, the bridge decks in Port Angeles will be poured by Bid-Well  sometime in June, so we will need plenty of guys for that. Keep up the good work, Eric Coffelt

March 17th, 2008

During this last month I have spent some time being trained as a new Trustee, and have spent some time at our JATC teaching the Curb and Gutter class to our apprentices (three full classes).  In addition to this, I have also maintained my standard duties of organizing (signed one new contractor that I will not name do to the current labor environment).  In addition to that contractor, we signed a one job agreement with a floor polish contractor that we have been chasing down for about a year now.  We intend for this to help us considerably with a grievence that we have.  (It will show that polishing concrete IS our work). I have also been busy defending our work jurisdiction.  This last issue is quite sensitive in nature and contributes to why there was an abnormal delay in my report.  I will be happy to answer any specific questions personally.  Thank you, Eric Coffelt

January 7, 2008

We are meeting with contractors in a 'top down' effort to persuade them to become signatory with us.  We continue to monitor contractors who continue to violate Prevailing Wage laws by paying Laborer scale to do higher scale work.  We are working with our compliance people to get those workers the money they deserve.  Remember, if you see anyone doing our work (Laborers or non-union) talk to them - let them know what they could be getting - or just call the hall and we will come and talk to them.  
Have a good new year.
Eric Coffelt

Things are quite busy.                                                          December 3, 2007

• Parson's has signed with us for the two bridges in Port Angeles.  They say they will need Finishers around Feb.
• Things are looking good so far concerning the grievence that we filed ( and ULP's that followed) against one of our General Contractors who has used non-union sub-contractors to do our work on at least one of their job sites.
• We are working on the non-union sub-contractor (listed above)  who is misclassifying their workers under a cheaper classification, giving themselves an unfair advantage when competing against our contractors (who pay a living wage).  We are working on many fronts to correct this issue.  We continue to find them working for our contractors (whom I continue to educate) they are being spect out by architects.
• 440 Laborers continue to harass and bother our contractors and reportedly tell them things like 'that's our work' and 'I could make all of you join our union if I wanted to' and 'the Cement Masons are a dying breed'.  Remember that the next time that you see one of their agents out on your job, if they talk to you.  Tell the General Contractor that they are preventing you from doing your work.
• As a defensive measure to what 440 is doing, make sure that you educate any of their members who are doing our work.  Tell them of our superior Health and Pension plans and wages.  Also, show them by pride of your work and the comradery that our members share.
• One of our subcontractors is performing work outside of the guidelines of our agreement.  We found them performing work and a audit shows them owing the Trust  more than 300 thousand dollars.  If you see anyone doing our work, go and talk to them, find out: who they work for, what they are being paid, and anything else you can, and pass that on to your agents (like me).  That will help us organize and get stronger and also hold contractors accountable, thereby protecting our good contractors.

Shel Sherman and I have been working to try and organize large civil contractors.  We have been exploring using Contractors' Associations to help leverage their general contractors to sign with us.  We have talked to our Business Manager to gain his support on this, and we are waiting on his approval so that we can move forward. 

We, as a union, have never utilized predatory practices or otherwise sought to expand our work jurisdiction by taking over other trades' work.   However, we will not just roll over like dead salmon while our work and livelihood are taken from us.  We CANNOT be primadonnas any more.  When asked to do something, we CANNOT and MUST NOT respond with, "that's not my work".  We cannot count on some of the other trades (indicated above) to know what is and what IS NOT their work.   As long as we are dealing with these kinds of people,  we must operate by the lowest common denominator , and show these contractors that we really are a better deal for their dollar - we are motivated, skilled and we work like a well oiled machine.  We must leave no doubt in their minds!  

It is my honor to serve and represent you.

 In Solidarity,

Eric Coffelt