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.

Once again the Beacon Hill Institute releases a report that supports their position against PLAs.  It's not surprising  considering that they wrote the survey questions in so biased a manner the results are guaranteed.  Click here to read our Letter to the Editor exposing their tricks.

The Taunton City Council voted Tuesday night to penalize a New Bedford contractor working on the Taunton High/Parker School Project for failure to adhere to the City's so-called 50-50 ordinance.  Fernandes Masonry of New Bedford will lose 1 percent of its original bid amount, which is between $4.3 million and $4.5 million.

Improper installation of a kitchen exhaust duct system was one cause of the fire that killed two Boston firefighters.  The regulations are not a union or nonunion issue.  They are about keeping the public safe.

Despite its detractors, the evidence is clear: the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working and has helped our nation turn a corner through sound investments that are creating jobs, tax cuts for the middle class, and much-needed COBRA and unemployment insurance benefits for working Americans.