Massachusetts Building and Construction Trades News

Bay State Labor Leaders Ask Lynch To Reconsider Vote

mbtc2 — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:52:27 -0400

More than 20 Massachusetts labor leaders made a last-ditch appeal to US Representative Stephen F. Lynch late yesterday, urging him to “do the right thing’’ and vote for a national health care overhaul.

Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety Corrects Inconsistency in Calculation of Prevailing Wage for Apprentices

mbtc2 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:05:24 -0400

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.

New England Regional Council of Carpenters Open New Headquarters

mbtc2 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:53:13 -0400

"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.

Trade Talk - Frank Reflections/Frank Sullivan - The Boston Bulletin

mbtc2 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:50:13 -0400

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

Opposing Views On Sheet Metal Regs - Worcester Business Journal

mbtc2 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:34:55 -0400

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.

Freetown Considers 'Responsible Employer' Bylaw - SouthCoastToday.com

mbtc2 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:27:48 -0400

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.

BHI Poll Biased - Boston Herald Letter To Editor

mbtc2 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:57:38 -0500

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.

Feds Vow Crackdown On Misclassified Staff

mbtc2 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:54:00 -0500

With an eye on badly needed tax revenue, the Obama administration ramps up for an enforcement drive that could push many construction contractors to pay big penalties.

Contractor Cited for Violating Hiring Ordinance

mbtc1 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:57:53 -0500

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.

Regs For A Reason - Boston Herald LTE

mbtc1 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:45:50 -0500

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.