DOS issued an Opinion Letter correcting the previous method of calculating the prevailing wage as being “not consistent with” the prevailing wage statute. The prior inconsistent method had provided a disincentive for employers to provide health insurance and retirement benefits to their apprentices.

"The Carpenters Center represents all aspects of our union - member representation, training, organizing, funds information, banking services and a vision center.  It is a member built facility to provide services for our members." said executive secretary-treasurer Mark Erlich.

The men and women of the MBTC not only lend their expertise to construction, they give of themselves to countless charitable and community endeavors throughout the Commonwealth. These union men and women open their toolboxes, their hearts and wallets for others. CLICK HEADING FOR FULL STORY

The new sheet metal rules put the public’s safety first and are not a union or non-union issue. The public deserves to be safe when they enter a building in the commonwealth and any additional training required by these regulations will be a worthwhile investment in saving lives.

Hiring above-board contractors for projects can be difficult without the guidance of a "responsible employer ordinance," said representatives from the bricklayers and carpenters unions during last week's Board of Selectmen's meeting, during which they presented officials with an example of a by-law that was recently enacted in Somerset.

Watch Bob Haynes' interview with John Keller on Keller @Large.

The U.S. Senate this morning passed (70-28) a jobs bill that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promises “is not the only jobs bill or the last jobs bill we will bring to the floor.”  The next step likely will be a 30-day extension of unemployment insurance benefits and COBRA health care subsidies for unemployed workers.

Flynn, who had served as President since 1999, expressed his thanks to his fellow Board members and the members of the Council for the opportunity to have served “this great Union” for so many years.

Federal and state officials, many facing record budget deficits, are starting to aggressively pursue companies that try to pass off regular employees as independent contractors.   President Obama’s 2010 budget assumes that the federal crackdown will yield at least $7 billion over 10 years.