Vol. 69, #10 October 2011 page 6 For The Good & Welfare By Russ Burns, business manager

Local 3 in action

It’s hard to believe it’s already that govern our great union. The fall. Though Oct. 15 is typically the implementation of the Bylaws deadline most contractors shoot for Committee was an idea brought forth by page 19 to wrap up their projects, many of our this administration to further improve districts have projects scheduled to run transparency between the decisions of through the winter, with several set to the Local 3 officers/Executive Board start. The big Antlers Bridge project in and the union membership as a whole. the Redding District is continuing, as I have received positive feedback about is the mining boom in Nevada District this committee and the decision to 11. Rail work continues in Utah, there form it. I think you will agree that the is tens of billions of dollars worth of changes the committee has made are infrastructure work in the Burlingame good ones. They came about through and Oakland districts and Yuba, Sutter thorough discussions and intense Contents and Butte counties in District 60 are attention to detail. In other words, full of work as well. In fact, nearly every these men mean business. Report & Review...... 4 district is posting greatly improved Following the same lines of action, Health News...... 5 dispatches since this time last year, there is no time like the present to Semi-Annual Meeting...... 6 and that is always the best proof of how get involved in political races in your Public Employee News...... 8 we are doing. districts. However small these elections Credit Union...... 10 Even though it has been a volatile may seem compared to the presidential economy this year for our industry one in 2012, every single political office News & Notes...... 11 and the entire nation, in true Local held, from small local boards to state ATPA...... 12 3 form, we have persevered. Our governors, has a direct impact on your Letters to the editor...... 12 Organizing Department signed several ability to keep working. We can only Organizing...... 12 new contractors (please see page 12 do so much through our skill sets, our Rancho Murieta ...... 13 for details), our mobilized pressure negotiation tactics and our unity to Looking at Labor...... 14 against the anti-union Santa Cruz secure jobs. The truth of the matter is, Port District (SCPD) director gained we don’t get work unless there’s money Fringe Benefits...... 15 community-wide support and forced to fund the projects, and that funding If you build it, they will come...... 16 the district to agree to come back to the comes directly from legislation. One of District Reports...... 18 table and our public-employee business the more notable races coming up is Resolution to amend the Bylaws...... 24 agents won back some monies for our the one for San Francisco mayor. (We Meetings and Announcements...... 28 members, and I don’t have to tell you have endorsed Leland Yee.) For details Swap Shop...... 31 how tough the current environment on how you can help us get more union has been for them. jobs on the books, call your district I was e-mailed a recent report office and visit the Politics Page at Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 claiming that construction employment www.oe3.org. Our volunteer program, Russ Burns Business Manager fell in late summer in response to state Voice of the Engineer (VOTE), is and local governments cutting back offering great prizes again this year for Fred Herschbach President on infrastructure improvements and those who give a little extra to help the Carl Goff Vice President the Federal Stimulus funds all but whole (see page 4). Jim Sullivan Rec. Corres. Secretary drying up. We can focus on changing I’d also like to draw your attention Dan Reding Financial Secretary reports and the blame-game drama of to a business agent who is being Pete Figueiredo Treasurer so many politicians, or we can focus on highlighted this month for “giving a performing our work to the best of our little extra.” See who I mean on page 14. abilities, getting better trained when I’d like to close with a reference to Engineers News Staff we aren’t working and sticking together our Bylaws, Article 1, Section 2, page Russ Burns Editor Carl Goff Editorial Adviser to elect the right politicians. I hope you 7: “All members and their families Mandy McMillen Managing Editor choose the latter plan of action. and all working men and women [are Jamie Johnston Associate Editor Speaking of action, it was nice to encouraged] to actively participate Dominique Beilke Art Director see all of you at the last Semi-Annual in the political life of their respective Event. You can check out the rundown communities, and to register and vote.” and photos of the day on pages 5-7. As That is your part. We officers promise, usual, folks had a good time, and more as indicated in the Bylaws in the same www.oe3.org importantly, an affirmative vote was section, “to assist organized labor in Engineers News (ISSN 1069-2185) is published monthly reached by the membership on the every lawful way in the achievement of by Local 3 of the International Union of Operating resolution to amend the Bylaws. The all of its legitimate objectives,” which Engineers, AFL-CIO; 1620 South Loop Rd., Alameda, resolution will now move on for a vote includes but is not limited to improving CA 94502. Periodical postage paid at Alameda, CA in each district at the upcoming round working conditions, supporting union and additional mailing offices. Engineers News is sent of District/Special Called Meetings (see ideals and protecting and promoting without charge to all members of Operating Engineers page 28 for dates and locations). your rights and aspirations as working Local 3 in good standing. Non-member subscription price is $6 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address The Bylaws Committee has done men and women. We have done this changes to Address Change, 1620 South Loop Rd., an incredible job of maintaining and and will continue to do so. See you all Alameda, CA 94502. improving the important Bylaws at the meetings this month.

2 | Engineers News Talking Points By Fred Herschbach, president

Remembering the Loma Prieta Which way is up? earthquake On a daily basis, it seems like we fix one problem and 10 more Member worked on repairs to I-880 in Oakland pop up. In this topsy-turvy world we live in, nothing is normal, It was 22 years ago this month when the 7.1 Loma or there seems to be a new normal. Is the unemployment rate Prieta earthquake rattled the Bay Area. Sixty-three going to be 9 percent? (In reality, it’s probably more like 15-20 people were killed, a 50-foot section of the Bay Bridge percent.) Is that normal? collapsed and $7 billion I just got off the phone with a member who I’ve known for worth of damage was 20 years. He is without a doubt one of the premier blade hands tallied as a result. we have to offer, and the company he works for just told him It’s a time that Retiree that he can no longer operate the blade because of excessive Alfred “Bud” Anderson wear-bar damage on the slide. He’s only put 40 hours on this will never forget. particular blade. Is that normal? The 48-year member I received an e-mail from another brother about the was one of the many comparisons between the everyday, middle-class American and operators who was Congress. For example, someone who serves our country for 20 dispatched to repair years receives 50 percent pay at retirement. Politicians, on the I-880 in Oakland, the site other hand, receive full pay after serving just one term. Other hit hardest by the quake. examples include the fact that members of Congress specifically When the earthquake hit, the uprights As the ground shook exempted themselves from the many laws they pass: They can’t that held up the top deck of I-880 violently on Oct. 17, be prosecuted for sexual harassment, and the new health-care separated and let the top deck fall. 1989, a 1.25-mile stretch reform laws don’t apply to them. Where is common sense any of the double-decker freeway collapsed, crushing cars on more? the road below. Another thing to consider: Why does Congress get to go Anderson went to work on a Caterpillar 973 and was on hiatus or vacation, or whatever they’d like to call it, when recognized by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) we’ve got millions of folks looking for work? And although I’ve of California-East Bay District for his efforts. He received said it plenty of times before, our infrastructure is in the toilet. a certificate for his “courage and dedication in going I’m not a college grad, but common sense proves that when above and beyond the line of duty during this sudden construction workers are employed, everyone gets a piece of and unprecedented time of need.” the pie. We buy things – clothes, barbeques, food and cars – As we reach the 22-year anniversary of the disaster, and taxes are generated. Parents have extra cash, so their kids we recognize Anderson again, as well as the many other play football, join cheerleading, etc., and they go on vacation. operators who responded to the call for help. Congress needs to do something (not vacation!) to get us jobs. Everything is upside down. My thinking is pretty simple. Take my position, for example. The membership elected me to do the very best that I can to represent their interests. And by doing that, if everything goes according to Hoyle, I get re-elected and continue representing the membership. Whether you are a labor leader, senator or member of Congress, if you get too wrapped up in yourself and all you’re concerned about is how to get re-elected, you have to go. You need to stand up and work for the people who elected you, because the people who put you in that position are counting on you to represent them to the best of your ability. I don’t see that mentality in Washington, D.C. With the stock market and employers trying to take advantage of these down times, this could be the perfect storm for our undoing and some politicians’ gains. It’s not our parents’ world. In these 24/7 times Above: Retiree Alfred “Bud” Anderson stands next to the equipment he we live in, we need to be able to change on a moment’s notice. operated to repair the damage to I-880 caused by the 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake on Oct. 17, 1989. He was honored for his work with an There are so many variables that come into play. For example, award, below. let’s look at the new health-care law. It is being interpreted on a daily basis, so as Trustees, we try to figure out how to best manage our Trust Funds in accordance with the laws, but when we make a decision, somehow the health-care act, which was supposed to help us all, gets in the way. With the Pension, it’s the same thing. We think we have a solution, then work hours drop, but the stock market maintains. Then the stock market tanks, and work hours go up. At some point, we need to find a happy medium and be consistent in our everyday life, so we can find “which way is up” and maintain some form of normalcy. In the meantime, stay strong, enjoy your family and be positive. In solidarity.

October 2011 | 3 Report & Review By Carl Goff, vice president We listened to your concerns; made changes to health-care plans To keep our top-of-the-line Health and Welfare Plans solvent other states as well. It will be available with the same incentives and continue the great benefits our members receive, we had to non-Medicare, Indemnity Plan Retirees and their spouses to implement some changes recently. Some were good, and starting Jan. 1. unfortunately, some were not so good – many of you made that To make it easier to schedule an appointment, two new loud and clear! hospitals have joined the Health Dynamics network. Members As officers, we welcome members’ feedback, and when can now also go to the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in something can be done, we try to make it better. Because of the Napa and the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. For a complete list times we’re in right now, that’s not always possible. The bottom of participating facilities and more information, visit the Trust line is we need to save money, and it’s our job to find ways to Fund’s website at www.oe3trustfunds.org or call the Trust Fund do that by not affecting the membership too much. Remember: Office at (800) 532-2105, the Fringe Benefits Service Center at These changes affect us too. (800) 251-5014 or Health Dynamics at (414) 443-0200. With that in mind, last year, the Board of Trustees In discussing the Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) allowance implemented a Health Dynamics Preventive Care Program for adopted by the Pensioned Health and Welfare Plan, the our active members and their spouses. The program offers consensus was that the $30/$90 level could be a hardship for almost 20 health screenings, from a body-fat-composition test many Retirees, so the maximum allowance for PPI drugs was to a cardiovascular fitness test, and for participating, members increased to $50/$90 through Dec. 31, 2012. In 2013, the and their spouses each receive a $200 reduction in their annual $30/$90 rate will go back into effect, unless another extension deductible. The thinking behind this is that if members detect is agreed to by the Board of Trustees. problems early, they can treat them early, and therefore live Again, we officers appreciate your feedback and hope some healthier and save the Fund money in the long run. of these changes will offer you some financial relief. We look On July 18, the Board of Trustees voted to offer this program forward to seeing you all soon at our fourth-quarter round of through the Pensioned Health and Welfare Plan too. At this District Meetings and Retiree Meetings, which starts this month. time, it is only available in California, but we are looking at the For times and locations, see page 28.

Business Manager Russ Burns is pleased to announce the 2011 VOTE Program. The program is designed to recognize and reward members who volunteer their time to Local 3 activities.

To begin earning awards or for more information, contact your District Office or visit our website at www.oe3.org.

4 | Engineers News Health News Diagnosis is good: Women operators, spouses take advantage Women’s health of free health tests at Semi-Annual It’s important to follow the proper guidelines when it comes to your Many of the diseases that affect women can be prevented, if detected early, and health. Here are a few diseases that many times, that detection can be done by a simple blood-pressure or cholesterol can be easily treated, if detected test. Luckily for our operators, these are two of the free screenings offered to early: them and their family members at the Local 3 Semi-Annuals, and many of them took advantage of this at the Sept. 18 event. Engineers News caught up with a few of these women, and here’s what they Breast cancer had to say: According to the American Cancer Society, annual mammograms are recommended once a woman turns 40. If there is a family history of breast cancer, some doctors say a woman should have her first test done 10 years before the age her family member was when diagnosed with the disease.

Cervical cancer Women should first be screened for this disease no later than age 21, with follow-up tests every other year until they turn 30, and then every three years, if test results are good. With five daughters and many nieces, 10-year member Maria Muro, center, knows a thing or two about women’s health. Joining her at the Semi-Annual is, from left: Daughters Allison, 15, and Mireya, 14, niece Emma, 12, daughter Laisha, 7, niece Alyssa, 10, daughter Anisa, 16, and family friend High cholesterol Catherine, 16. “It’s one of the most important things here,” Muro said of the Adults – men and women – 20 health fair. “I’m telling everyone to get checked. It’s free!” Twenty-seven-year and older are encouraged to get member Juanita Douglas, regular blood tests to check their a surveyor, makes sure cholesterol levels. If levels are high, she visits the Semi-Annual tests should be done annually. If health fair every year to keep track of her blood “normal,” doctors say tests can be pressure. done every five years.

Under- or over-active thyroid Gradesetter Sabrena Rosenberg gets her cholesterol tested at the Semi-Annual. “It kind A blood test can also determine of updates me on where I’m at. … It may pick a woman’s thyroid health, which up something; if I’m falling out of range, or if I’m should be checked every two years, going in the right direction.” if a woman is over 35 or shows symptoms, like muscle and joint pains, swelling in the neck, hair and skin changes, weight changes and fatigue.

High blood pressure Job Corps instructor and 23-year member High blood pressure can be an Theresa Anders early indicator of heart disease and packed her lunch to kidney failure (for men and women), stay healthy when she so one’s blood pressure should be worked in the field as a gradesetter. Today, checked regularly. This non-invasive she continues her healthy habits: procedure is usually done very “I still try to eat right.” Her father, Third-step Apprentice Tricia Miles gets her blood quickly, with results available Tom Ruiz, is a member, as is her pressure checked. “I think it is important to get immediately. father-in-law, Andy Anders, her check-ups on a regular basis, not just for your husband, Lloyd Anders, and her physical well-being but also for your mental daughter, Sativa Vasquez. well-being. It helps you be relaxed and focused so you can do a better job at work. Good health is a big key in success.”

October 2011 | 5 From left: Thirty-eight-year member Manuel Farinha and his nephew, 35-year member Michael Rodrigues, catch up at the Semi-Annual.

From left: Treasurer Pete Figueiredo, Financial Secretary Dan Reding, Vice President Carl Goff, Business Manager Russ Job Steward Jeff Young tries to knock down a bowling Burns, Rec. Corres. Secretary Jim Sullivan and President Fred pin as part of a test in the Equipment Rodeo. He was Herschbach open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. the first-place winner in the backhoe competition. Operating Eng ineers Local 3:

Seven-year member Quinten Coffey Sr. brought his wife, Dawn, and Up to the chal lenge sons Quinten, 9, and Gage, 8, to the Semi-Annual to enjoy the day’s When Business Manager Russ Burns festivities. addressed the membership at the Sept. 18 Semi-Annual Meeting at the Rancho Murieta Training Center (RMTC), it was anybody’s best guess what he might discuss. Labor’s political and financial environment has been as volatile as the stock market, and with the presidential election looming amid a national jobs crisis, folks braced for grim reports. So, when he announced that the union was up “more than a million man hours from last year,” and that “this is the first time since 2007 J.R. and Lupe Saldana take a break from the we are having trouble filling jobs,” the crowd sun to enjoy the barbecue lunch. erupted in applause. They also applauded after he announced that throughout the local’s four-state jurisdiction, there is more than $33.6 billion worth of work on the books, meaning our industry may well be “on the right track to recovery.” Gus Carrillo tests his skills in the Equipment Rodeo. He was the first-place winner in the At this year’s Semi, it did seem as if things crane competition. were improving for the membership. Families young and old gathered in groups. They ate popcorn and waited in line for a blood-test result or a child’s face to get painted. They shared picnic tables while enjoying hamburgers, hotdogs or chicken sandwiches. Seven-year member Rick Flint picks up a free koozie to keep his soda cold. Some purchased Local 3 hats or T-shirts. Some members competed in the Equipment Rodeo. Couples Rex and Pleo Matthews and Ken and Wilma Francek actually met at a Semi-Annual Meeting a few years back and have continued the tradition, looking forward to visiting with each other twice a year at the events. For Larry and Laura Harrison, the meeting was their first at RMTC, and they hoped to meet some new people during the day’s activities. Excavator/Loader Operator Saul Lozano brought his family to the Sept. 18 For 70-year member Russ Swanson Semi-Annual Meeting, including wife (see page 15), this was one of hundreds of Lupita, sons Saul Jr. and Emilio, 6, and From left: Rex and Pleo Matthews and Wilma and Ken Semi-Annuals he’s attended, so when he daughter Emma, 2. Francek met at a Semi-Annual several years ago and continue to meet at the events twice a year to catch up. 6 | Engineers News Steve Trombly talks with Operating Engineers Federal Credit Union (OEFCU) Rep. Gail Bruno to set up an A member since 1997, Chris Horning account for text banking. brought his kids, Cassidy and Marshall, to this year’s Semi, so they could get their faces painted and check out the equipment.

Operating Eng ineers Local 3: Up to the chal lenge

addressed the membership during the Good of the Order and stated what a fine job the Member Glenn Vander Plaats and family members Member Greg Plympton gets his blood current officers were doing, he knew what Kira and Christina fix burgers at the barbecue lunch. pressure checked at the free health fair. he was talking about. And even though Apprentice Julio Vasquez doesn’t have nearly the experience as Swanson, his words, that “being a part of this [Local 3] has been a great experience,” carried no less weight. Along with positive reports, Burns discussed weighty issues for the local, explaining that recent changes to the Health and Welfare Plan were brought about out of necessity to keep the Fund solvent, since the union was down more than 10 million man hours from 2006 to 2010 and is still dealing with the effects of those losses. He mentioned Twenty-one-year member Kathy the ongoing attacks on labor, such as the push Hulbert, right, and her daughter, for communities to become charter cities, the Samantha, 19, model two of the media’s misrepresentation of public employees T-shirts for sale at the Semi-Annual. Juan Soto sits with his daughter, Isabella, 3, while she and the recent funding issues for airport gets her caricature drawn. projects in the Bay Area. He called upon the membership to come together, “not one, not six, but all of us, all 35,000-plus needs to come together” to ensure that labor remains strong. One need only attend a Semi-Annual to see that the membership is quite capable of being up to the challenge of coming together. This was proven when the resolution to amend the Bylaws was approved by the membership during the meeting. The resolution will now move forward for a vote of the members at each district. Four-year member Jesus Burns closed by emphasizing that Local Vasquez enjoys a free 3’s 14-member, elected Executive Board massage before the meeting. maintains a strict code of checks and balances and that “these are men of integrity.” The union’s Semi-Annual Meetings are full For more photos from of folks with this same integrity, and the act the Semi-Annual, visit us online at www.oe3.org. of coming together at these events drives that point home. Jerry Sherfy tests his skills on the crane during the Equipment Rodeo. He took second place in this activity.

October 2011 | 7 Public Employee News By Carl Carey, director Environment of impasse and imposition By Art Frolli, business representative

In the North State, I have noticed a change in the way employers are interacting with represented employees Stress relief a must during the negotiations process. This is partly due to the Over the past couple of years, you, but I can share personal amount of leniency toward employers that is occurring we have all had to endure stresses experiences that have helped me by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). that we normally would not have get through trying times. Believe Municipalities have grown bold because of recent had to. Because of the economic me, my wife has told me on more decisions handed down by the PERB. The most damaging downturn, we have had to endure than one occasion that I have decision was when “hard bargaining” was determined to financial hardships that are brought the job home, and the be legal. Before this decision, employers and employees unprecedented, at least in our family didn’t cause what I was were required to modify each proposal to reflect lifetimes. In our employment, we upset about. movement toward a compromise. Now, in the name of have had to accept reductions in When I get home at night, hard bargaining, employers can enter into negotiations salary, furloughs, loss of benefits regardless of what transpired and never modify their original offer. This decision has and the ire of our elected officials during the day, I look at my created an environment of abuse, and employers in and the general public for the family and give thanks for being the public sector have no incentive to even attempt to simple fact that we are public as fortunate as I am to have bargain in good faith. employees. them. If it were not for them, In cases where this unethical tactic is used, For more than 23 years, I I would ask myself: “Why am I negotiations are short with no real attempt to negotiate was a public employee, and I am working?” I try to remember that on the part of the municipality. For those who agree proud of the service I provided they too have concerns that they to mediation, it is only for appearances. They have no to the citizens of the county I face every day, and they look intention of arriving at a fair compromise. The system is worked for. No matter what our to me to help them solve those being abused by municipalities, and their end goal is to occupation, public employees issues as well. This has allowed place themselves in a position to impose the salary and provide vital services to the us to be a close family, support benefit reductions listed in their opening proposals. communities in which we work each other in our endeavors and We can thank Gov. Jerry Brown for signing the and live. If the water in your hopefully be successful. legislation that allowed public employees the right to faucet turns brown, who do you There are many things you can collective bargaining during his first term in office. call? Public employees. Potholes do to relieve stress. Participate However, the legislation did not go far enough. Why is it need to be filled, police and fire in something that is completely that when a municipality imposes terms on an organized services are called on for safety, non work-related. Read a book, bargaining unit, we must bargain as if we agreed to those parks need to be maintained – go to a baseball game, participate terms during the next cycle? Why is the employer not the list goes on. in a sport or play cards with the required to start subsequent negotiations from the last When one continually family. It doesn’t matter what it agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)? hears the barrage of insults, is, just as long as it is something This is a balance that the system desperately needs, name-calling and lies regarding you enjoy and don’t consider providing labor with a fair, fighting chance. public employees, frustration a chore. Concentrate on that Since municipalities have started utilizing this and sets in, stress levels elevate and activity, not on the stresses of other unscrupulous negotiation tactics, I have seen an patience grows thin. We begin work. As we say around here: It increase in members who have lost their homes, single to lose perspective about why gives your batteries a chance to mothers who are unable to provide health care for their we work in public employment. recharge. Take advantage of time families and job losses. Those members who make the It sure isn’t for the money or off, whether it is a scheduled least are penalized the most. I am currently negotiating the prestige. As for the business vacation or an extra day off to with a municipality that wants to increase the percentage representatives who represent make a long weekend, anything of health-care costs paid by our members. These you, they must also work to give you a break. employees are some of the lowest-paid city employees. through this. It can be just as If you can accomplish this, The membership understands that the cost of health care frustrating to them as it is to you. you will be a happier person for is on the rise and offered to step up and pay their fair share. Sometimes you forget that every it. You will think with a clearer The municipality wanted to increase the percentage, so one of the public-employee mind, enjoy family, friends and it’s the same rate for all city employees. I made the case business agents have come out life much more and become an that since our employees made less money than the other of the public-employee arena. asset to those who are close to city bargaining units, the proposed increase consumed a With all of this madness you and your fellow workers. You larger portion of their usable income. Shortly following around us, I want to pose a have to remember that they too this statement, the city declared that we were at an question: What do you do to are facing the same frustrations impasse. relieve the stress and frustration you are. This is the position of many of the municipalities that has built up? If you do As I stated, we have all gone I negotiate with in the North State. I have yet to see nothing, stress not only affects through troubling times, but city managers and other high-ranking municipality you but the people around you. rest assured that things will officials offer to renegotiate their fat contracts to accept Sometimes our anger and eventually turn around. Don’t let reductions similar to those they are imposing on their frustration levels are at a point the frustration, anger or stress employees. I find it offensive that these individuals are where we can’t see the effect we get the better of you. still accepting salary increases, special incentive pay have on others. I can’t speak for and vehicle allowances, while drastically reducing the spendable income of their subordinates. 8 | Engineers News Paying forward By Michael Eggener, business representative At last: Positive news By Bill Pope, business representative These days, it seems every news broadcast and newspaper has at least one story that villainizes public employees. A barbeque was held Aug. 3 at the However, I recently came across an article published in the Central Service Yard in San Jose to Stockton Record describing the honorable actions of one of celebrate the graduation of former our members, Stockton Unified School District Police Officer Mechanic Apprentice Victor Ocanas Jr. Craig Schwarz. to journey-level status. The Mechanic Apprenticeship Program is co-sponsored According to the article, Schwarz and his partner were by the state of California, the city of San stationed at the back of the Stockton Arena after the high Jose and Operating Engineers Local 3. school graduation ceremony, when they were approached by Congratulations to Ocanas’ coworkers, department a student wearing a cap and gown. Schwarz recognized the new journey-level Mechanic Victor management, a representative from student as Marina Evans. She asked the officers for a ride Ocanas Jr. the California Department of Industrial home; apparently her ride had left without her. Later that Relations and a representative from day, after Schwarz and his partner had driven Evans home, Local 3 came to support him, joining the more than 150 he saw a news article about her, stating that she was the first people in attendance. high school graduate in her family in four generations. Ocanas spent four years attending night classes (on After Schwarz went off-duty, he went to Evans’ house and his own time) and on-the-job training. gave her a small gift and a note congratulating her for the Getting into the Apprentice Program is very competitive, so the fact that Ocanas was chosen for the accomplishment. Schwarz told me that when he was talking program is a testament to his work ethic and dedication. with Evans, he felt something was missing, and after reading We congratulate him. the article about her, he was so saddened that none of her In other news, Local 3 recently settled an arbitration family members had come to recognize her accomplishment. with the city of San Jose that provided two Local 3 Schwarz, a 25-year law enforcement veteran, told me he members with $1,700 each. A grievance was also settled believes in “paying forward,” meaning if you treat others that provided more than $2,000 to another member. respectfully, they will pass it on. Schwarz believes in being In this time when public employees have been vilified the best example he can be to the students he serves in the by the public, it is nice to be able to share positive news Stockton Unified School District, where he has worked for for once. the last 12 years.

Golden Gate Bridge no longer shines By Dave Gossman, business representative The Golden Gate Bridge is universally known as one of the to double- or triple-dip on medical benefits from the different greatest attractions worldwide. Visitors from all over the world boards they sit on. Another interesting fact is that management travel to tour and drive across the bridge on a daily basis. This encourages and helps employee groups decertify from their bridge was built and maintained by hard working, dedicated unions. Management’s intent is to make the Golden Gate Bridge union employees from various crafts, who were proud of what non-union. One example is that the patrol sergeants decertified they did. At one time, it was a great place to work. Unfortunately, and were rewarded with no break-in-service along with comp management personnel has changed, and so has its philosophy. time, unlimited time-and-a-half and double overtime. It is Management no longer supports union organizations working costing thousands of dollars in overtime. The bridge policy for on the bridge. unrepresented employees is The bargaining unit that they are not allowed double comprised of the coalition overtime. The discrimination of unions and Golden Gate continues between the management have been in represented and unrepresented contract negotiations since (management’s pets). The April. The Golden Gate injustice goes on and on. Bridge Board of Directors has The coalition of unions’ directed its negotiating team bargaining unit continues to take away retiree-vested the fight to save jobs that medical benefits and make management is cutting, save unjustifiable and unreasonable retiree-vested medical benefits changes in Pension benefits. and preserve Pension benefits, The Board of Directors is but there are obstacles. Union asking for more mandatory Golden Gate Bridge operators include, from left: Michael Fletcher, Aaron Kozlowski, members recently supported reductions at the Golden Job Steward Mario Territo, Rene Povar and Jeffrey Sylvester. the Carpenters’ informational Gate Bridge, as compared to picket at the bridge and did not the benefits given in the city of San Francisco and Marin and cross. Because of this, union members lost earnings and were Sonoma counties. threatened. Interestingly enough, the proposed changes to retiree Operating Engineers and the coalition will not give in and medical benefits will not affect upper management personnel will continue our fight to bring back the shining light at the or the Board of Directors. Bridge board members are allowed bridge, no matter how long it takes!

October 2011 | 9 Credit Union Do you believe in Bigfoot? Regardless By Jim Sullivan, of your answer, it’s a question some of Credit Union secretary/financial officer our District 40 members contemplate & recording - corresponding secretary on a regular basis. Humboldt and Del Norte counties are considered “Bigfoot country,” and sightings of Sasquatch Get balanced have been reported there since the early The downturn in the economy has Develop a plan 1900s. no doubt affected the construction If there are errors on your credit In fact, one of the earlier sightings industry and each member of this local was reported by Bulldozer Operator report, have the credit bureaus union. The effects of a credit crisis can investigate and correct them. Jerry Crew, who claimed to see the linger for months and sometimes even beast’s huge footprints while working years. For those needing help during Correct past mistakes in an isolated area in Bluff Creek, Calif. these difficult times, financial advice (Del Norte County) in 1958. is available from Balance, a strategic If you recently filed bankruptcy Because our members work all over partner of your Operating Engineers or don’t have any open credit, it is this area, and in honor of Halloween Federal Credit Union (OEFCU). Balance necessary to have new, positive items this month, we asked them the same provides a financial fitness program being reported on your credit report. question: offering a variety of free services to Try to obtain several new accounts, assist our members. All phone calls and such as a secured credit card, or Do you believe in Bigfoot? meetings are completely confidential. become an authorized user on someone I’d like to share with you some else’s account. The lower your starting information from Balance on rebuilding credit scores, the more you need to “No. I’m a hunter – I credit. have positive items reporting. can’t believe it is out For secured cards, never carry there.” Know your starting point over-balances. Purchase one thing on – Jim Bradbury, credit that you would normally pay 23-year member Obtain a copy of your credit report cash for, and as soon as the bill arrives, from all three credit bureaus, so you pay it. If paid in full during the grace have a clear understanding of what it period, no interest is charged. Follow says about you and your current credit this practice consistently, and never scores. You may obtain a free credit “I don’t disclaim miss a payment. anything – anything report from each of the credit bureaus could happen. If I do once per year through Annual Credit Keep older accounts open see him, I’ll tell him to Report Request Services. You may be If you already have credit open, get on the scraper.” charged a fee for ordering a credit report – Larry Hoerner, directly through the credit bureaus, so keep the accounts you have had for the 27-year member please inquire before ordering. longest period of time.

Annual Credit Report Request Make your payments on time – Services always To order a credit report: (877) “I don’t know – if it 322-8228 Pay down your credit card were out there, you P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA balances would think it would be 30348-5281 Try to have the total amount of spotted more often.” www.annualcreditreport.com outstanding, revolving debt at 40 – Chris Canevari, percent or less of the total available 15-year member • Equifax credit limits. To order a credit report: (800) 685-1111 Looking for more financial advice? “Never seen such a To report fraud: (888) 766-0008 Balance’s certified counselors can thing, and I’ve been on P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 answer your questions, review your this earth 59 years.” www.equifax.com credit report and help you create – John Beugler, a budget. Call (888) 456-2227 or 27-year member • Experian visit www.balancepro.net for more To order a credit report or report information. fraud: (888) 397-3742 We welcome our members’ P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013 comments, suggestions, concerns www.experian.com and compliments. Contact our “I never excluded it as a member-service representatives at possibility.” • TransUnion (800) 877-4444. Visit our website at – Aaron Burns, To order a credit report: (800) www.oefcu.org for more information fifth-step apprentice 888-4213 on our products, services and other To report fraud: (800) 680-7289 members-only benefits. 2 Baldwin Place, P.O. Box 2000, (Source: Balance) Chester, PA 19022 www.transunion.com 10 | Engineers News News & Notes By Dan Reding, financial secretary It’s good to see members working At the time of this writing, we are finishing our third-quarter politicians. From the start, both sides should have focused on round of District Meetings, and I want to thank all the members jobs to get this country back on track, but that didn’t happen. who attended. There have been a lot of questions and a lot of Now, the president is trying to put plans together to create jobs, information shared, and it’s always great to see all of you. When and the Republicans are rejecting every one. When asked what I was a business agent, I was able to spend a lot of time hitting their plan is, they say they don’t have one, yet they are not jobsites and seeing the members, but my schedule as an officer going to support anything the president comes up with. They has me going in so many different directions that a lot of the have said that if they can keep this country in a recession, they time, the District Meetings are my best chance to catch up with can win the White House back in 2012. It’s not about what’s members. right for the American people. It’s all about who has the power. When I was in Redding recently, I was able to visit the big When are we going to get representatives who care about the Balfour Beatty job on the river, where a lot of our operators people, not the party? are working. It was really good to walk the job and see them in I heard that the Republican candidate for president out of action. Texas claims he will create jobs and fix health care, but a recent So far this year, the rollercoaster economy doesn’t seem to broadcast stated that Texas has the largest group of uninsured be letting up. Our work hours are well above last year’s at this people in the United States, and this candidate has created the time, and in June, the stock market was doing great. It looked most minimum-wage jobs in America. So, under him, we’d “fix” like things were really turning around. Then came the fight over health care by simply getting rid of it, and we’d do away with the raising the debt ceiling and the collapse overseas in Greece. middle class, because there will be no unions. Under his plan, Our politicians are not going to agree on anything, so the stock we will all be working for minimum wage. He’s doing it in Texas, market went from good to ugly. so why not everywhere else? We need a better plan. Hopefully we don’t certify until Dec. 31, and hopefully it Be safe. will bounce back by then, but it’s hard to keep any faith in our

October 2011 | 11 ATPA Angle Dear Editor: By Bob Miller, Associated Third Party Administrators (ATPA) senior account executive Just wanted to let you know I went to my urologist (Dr. Stephen Taylor at John Muir Medical Center in Concord) last Retirement application tips week for a follow-up to the prostate Last month, we discussed the effective date, it will include any and all surgery I had on April 4. My Prostate retirement application process. The goal missed payments. Specific Antigen (PSA) numbers were for Business Manager Russ Burns, the If you wish to work after you begin undetectable, which is what I really other officers and Associated Third Party receiving your Pension, you must notify wanted to hear. No radiation or chemo Administrators (ATPA) is a zero-error the Trust Fund Office immediately. for now and hopefully ever. rate, leading to 100 percent membership Failure to do this can mean up to one The article [printed in the August satisfaction. After all, a lifetime goes year’s suspension of benefits. You will Engineers News Health News section] into building your Pension, and after need to provide a written request stating was just great, you did wonderful on retirement, the benefits will define your exactly what you wish to do, a letter it. It was accurate, but most of all, it quality of life. You deserve the best, and from your potential employer, including conveyed a message. If one person is Local 3 provides the best. job name, description, classification moved enough to get a check up, the The following are tips on changing and work hours, and a letter from your effort was worth it. retirement dates, work after retirement last employer with your exact past Thank you again, and keep up the and the Delayed Retirement Incentive: work history. You will receive a written good work. If you apply for Pension benefits decision based on the Plan rules per the Greg Miller, Reg# 1535217 but decide to change your date of Summary Plan Description booklet, and retirement, please notify the Trust Fund you cannot work and draw your Pension Office immediately at (800) 251-5014 without an affirmative answer. Dear Editor: to ensure our calculations are based on If you retire on a Service Pension, you Treasurer Pete Figueiredo’s the correct date. This will save much will be notified about three months after “Looking at Labor” column has been time and frustration. You may not work your effective date of retirement, if you very interesting lately, as he looks at beyond the last day of the month prior to are eligible for the Delayed Retirement labor law and how it affects our union your effective date of retirement. If your Incentive. and the politics and politicians whose first Pension check is issued after your decisions influence our working lives and our ability to make a living. I’m old enough to remember Organizing Ronald Reagan as governor and then By Bruce Noel, director as president of the country, and I am always amused when some elements Twenty-eight new contractors signed within the media try to portray him Unlike the stock market, union might actually be concerned about their as a latter-day George Washington or interest among workers has been on a well-being. They are influenced by the Abraham Lincoln. It’s fair to say that he steady rise. We have been responding constant attacks on unions and organized was beloved by some, but certainly not to more and more calls from workers labor. Unions are not perfect, however, as by all. who are tired of being the whipping post a membership, we need to stay together Pete’s examination of Ronald for their employers. Employers who and stay positive. Unions, especially this Reagan’s anti-labor policies and how are struggling to make a profit often great union, offer a much better way of he and his administration turned the put a higher demand for productivity life. History proves this. We need to send very elements within the government on their employees, while at the same a message to workers on the other side that were created to help working time reducing their pay and benefits. of the fence that unions provide many people against us, [printed in the It has also become a common practice benefits through solidarity that can never August edition of Engineers News] is for employers to point the workers who be achieved on their own. a refreshing and honest look at that complain about the changing conditions For example, during the last two period of our history, in contrast to the of employment toward the filing cabinet campaigns where workers sought Local usual pablum that’s dished up when full of resumes, and then show them the 3 representation, those workers saw Reagan’s name is mentioned. door, just in case they want to leave. substantial gains in wages and Fringe I would encourage Pete to continue Unfortunately, these “at will” employees Benefits. You can imagine the smiles on his educational columns, and applaud have very few options. their faces after negotiations resulted in his attempts to expose the truth of our This is where we, the union, can help. increases of more than 54 percent in one recent past history. It’s our job to educate these workers contract and more than 90 percent in the There are plenty of politicians in about their right to organize. We know other. Organizing is not an easy process, office right now who share Ronald they have a need – that’s obvious – but but nothing of value is ever achieved Reagan’s anti-labor views, and I hope it can be difficult to gain their trust. without significant effort and sacrifice. that the Engineers News will continue Many of them have deeply rooted Thanks to the support and efforts of to shine some light upon them and their philosophies that inhibit their ability this administration, staff and membership, union-busting policies. to allow union representatives to help we are able to provide additional work Stephen Breacain, Reg# 1963480 them. We tell them about the dignity, opportunities through organizing. solidarity, integrity and transparency Organizing results through June are Visit www.oe3.org for rules on a union provides. Many times, these as follows: sending a letter to the editor. seem like foreign words to them – they • 28 new contractors signed have spent a large portion of their lives • 99 Project Agreements looking out for their own interests. It’s • 47 new members hard for them to fathom that someone • 403 member dispatches 12 | Engineers News Rancho Murieta Training Center for apprentice to journey-level operators By Tammy Castillo, director of apprenticeship Everything you need to know about applying to RMTC

Apprentice training and journey-level, minimum-qualification questions, contact me or your district apprenticeship coordinators testing at Rancho Murieta Training Center (RMTC) is in full swing. listed below. For those of you who have family members and/or friends interested in applying to the California Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Apprenticeship coordinators Program, you may not be familiar with the application process Patrick Grisby, Senior Apprenticeship Coordinator, Yuba changes. The Apprenticeship Program is governed by the City: (530) 742-9240; Redding: (530) 221-3203; Eureka: (530) state, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and the 308-4883 federal government. All apprentices are required to abide by the George Steffensen, Burlingame: (650) 652-7970; Rohnert Park: apprenticeship standards as well as 20 rules, regulations and (707) 585-3430 procedures. Holly Brown, Fairfield: (707) 429-5337; Oakland: (510) To apply for this free training opportunity, candidates must be 748-8320 at least 18 years of age, be a resident within Local 3’s jurisdiction, Randal Miller, Oakland: (510) 748-8320 possess a valid California driver’s license and have reliable Debra Carrell, Stockton: (209) 944-5603; Fresno: (559) transportation. 229-4603 An applicant can call RMTC at (916) 354-2029 and request an Jesus Vasquez, Sacramento: (916) 993-2066 application by phone, pick one up at a district office or complete Butch Cabrera, Morgan Hill: (408) 465-8279; Fresno: (559) and print one from the Local 3 website: www.oe3.org. (Click on the 229-4603 “Training” tab.) Mail the completed application to RMTC at 14738 Cantova Way, Sloughhouse, CA, 95683. Once RMTC receives the Have a safe and prosperous work season. See you on the next application, a letter will be sent to the applicant acknowledging one. receipt. Next, the applicant will be contacted via mail with a scheduled date for a System Assessment for a Group Evaluation (SAGE). In 2008, the apprenticeship standards were revised, and Take it to the next level – go online and practice! RMTC no longer uses the zero to 10 point system to rank the Take a practice test before taking the real one. Practice exams applicants. In the letter, the applicant will also receive a response are available online through the LearningExpress Library at card with three options: www.saclibrary.org. 1. The applicant is accepting the test date. Here’s how: 2. The applicant is not accepting the test date and must call 1. Visit www.saclibrary.org me at (916) 354-2029, ext. 7933 to schedule a new test date. 2. Click “Catalog” 3. The applicant is no longer interested in the Apprenticeship 3. Click “Knowledge Center” Program. (Marking the third box removes the applicant’s 4. Under “Colleges and Careers,” click “LearningExpress name from the waiting list.) Library” A SAGE is a basic-skills assessment test including reading, 5. Click on “New Users” basic mathematics, vocabulary, spatial and shape recognition Registration is free and easy. Start with “Adult Skills and eye-hand-foot coordination. The branch of training that the Improvement,” and continue from there. applicant selected will determine the minimum score required to Candidates with the highest scores are admitted into the be placed on a waiting list. The branches include: Construction Apprenticeship Program first, so if you’re serious about a career Equipment Operator (CEO); Crane Operator; Dredge Operator; with the Operating Engineers, make your testing opportunity Heavy Duty Repairperson (HDR); Mobile Concrete Pumper; Rock count. Study and practice. Sand and Gravel and Vertical Horizontal Driller 33.3; Lubrication Technician 33.10; and Gradechecker/Gradesetter 29.70. If an applicant doesn’t achieve the minimum score required for the Winter 2011-2012 branch of training he or she selected but did achieve the minimum requirement for one of the other branches of training, he or she California Hazwoper safety training schedule can elect to be placed on the appropriate waiting list. If not, the To sign up for the California eight-hour Hazwoper refresher, applicant will get one opportunity to retest. All applicants who pass call the District Office where the class is being held. All classes the test are placed on a waiting list by district, score and branch. start at 7:30 a.m. The next point of contact will be for a scheduled panel interview. Stockton: Saturday, Nov. 19 If selected, the applicant will be scheduled for a mandatory Burlingame: Wednesday, Dec. 7 substance-abuse test. Once the substance-abuse monitor receives Fairfield:Saturday, Dec. 10 a negative result, the applicant will be scheduled for a five-week Sacramento: Saturday, Dec. 17 orientation at RMTC. (Please note: Medical marijuana cards will Morgan Hill: not be accepted as a valid excuse for a positive result.) Saturday, Jan. 7 After completing the orientation, the newly indentured Rohnert Park: Saturday, Jan. 14 apprentice will be added to the out-of-work list. Once dispatched, Redding: Wednesday, Jan. 18 the apprentice will begin receiving on-the-job training hours. After Alameda (Oakland District): Saturday, Jan. 28 receiving 1,200 hours, an apprentice in any branch of training will Alameda (Oakland District): Wednesday, Feb. 1 be scheduled for two weeks of mandatory Supplemental Related Stockton: Saturday, Feb. 4 Training (SRT). Two-year programs have a total of 240 SRT hours Morgan Hill: Wednesday, Feb. 8 to complete, and the three- and four-year programs have a total of Eureka: Friday, Feb. 17 320 SRT hours to complete. Sacramento: Saturday, Feb. 18 Hopefully this has answered your questions regarding the Fresno: Saturday, Feb. 25 Apprenticeship Program requirements. If you have additional Alameda (Oakland District): Saturday, March 3

October 2011 | 13 Looking at Labor By Pete Figueiredo, treasurer Shifting gears Staff Spotlight: Dave Harrison Lately, my articles have Business agents are Dredging/Safety Rep. Dave Harrison is being honored referenced historical events negotiators. They are also this month for his tireless efforts in pressuring the Santa that have shaped labor’s ralliers, coaches, counselors Cruz Port District (SCPD) to honor the dredge team that current position politically and and most importantly, friends. has kept the harbor safe economically. This history is Therefore, I want to honor the for more than 25 years, critical to our industry, because best of the best starting this as the first contract to know where we are headed, we month in a special Staff Spotlight between the port and must know where we have come section. I want to be clear that Local 3 was signed in from. This month, however, I these agents will be selected 1986. Harrison and want to shift gears. by you, the members, because the dredge crew have Since so much negative no one knows better than you called upon the SCPD news surrounds us today (the which agents are really taking to negotiate with them economy, unemployment, stalled care of you. in good faith and state and federal budgets), I want The particular agent honored approve a fair contract. to focus on something positive, this month (at right) is Dredging/ Recently, the issue has Dredging/Safety Rep. Dave Harrison gained community and and I want to do this regularly by Safety Rep. Dave Harrison, who speaks with Santa Cruz Sentinel reporter highlighting a Local 3 business has led a long-standing charge J.M. Brown during a rally at the Santa media attention, yet agent who has gone above and against the Santa Cruz Port Cruz Harbor in August. Harrison has developed beyond what is expected. District (SCPD) director and the a strong relationship Times are tough right now. elected officials who hired her with the crew since 2006, when he was put in charge of We have to fight tooth and nail for failing to bargain in good faith dredging. He has been working on the campaign against to protect every single piece of and then terminating the skilled the port’s injustices for more than a year, after elected equipment out there from the dredging crew at the harbor. You officials hired a new port director who cut the crew’s non-union and other crafts. We will agree that Harrison deserves wages in 2010 and then terminated them in late June. also have to fight for every slight to be honored, and the members Since then, Harrison has coordinated a community-wide improvement to every contract he services explain why. rally, weekly picket and media campaign against the that is up for negotiations. Your Let us know if an agent port’s unwillingness to bargain in good faith. business agents spend so much has really impacted your life, His efforts have not been in vain, as the crew time putting out fires (I know whether through negotiations, continues to gain local support through signed petitions, this to be true, because I was settling a grievance or regularly which were presented to the commission in late an agent for four years before calling and visiting you to see September. The SCPD has agreed to return to the table, becoming the Oakland district how you are doing. Call our so stay tuned. rep), and yet they manage to Public Relations Department at Harrison remains an example of brotherhood and maintain the service you expect (916) 993-2047, ext. 2505, or strong leadership put into action by going far beyond and deserve. Many of our agents e-mail [email protected] and his regular job duties. The well-being of his members is travel thousands of miles and tell us why your agent deserves his life. log hundreds of hours, covering to be highlighted. far-reaching jobsites across Local Remember: We work for you. Background: Dredgeman from 1995 to 2005; Fairfield 3’s jurisdiction, and then they Let us know who is doing it right. business rep from 2005 to 2006; dredging rep from 2006 attend city council meetings and to 2008; dredging/safety rep from 2008 to present political rallies in the evenings or weekends to ensure we maintain Recent achievements: Secured ship-dismantling work a position of strength within the at Mare Island in Vallejo; spearheaded successful media political field. campaign against the SCPD for unfair treatment of harbor dredge crew

Local 3 families: Tell us about it What the members say: “I’ve worked together with business agents for 25-plus years, and Dave Harrison We know Operating Engineers are the best of the best, but for is the hardest working, most active one I’ve ever met. every member in the field, there is usually a supporter elsewhere. I’m very impressed [with Harrison]. He has helped me Perhaps this person packs the member’s lunch, or drives the children be a believer in unions and helped us feel that union to school. Maybe this person washes dirty clothes after a hard day’s people really help as a team, part of a family. He is really work or is just understanding of the long hours, night shifts and traveling schedule of an Operating Engineer. We so often highlight passionate about what he does.” – Dredge Capt. Jim the operators, but what about those who keep them going? Riley, 26-year member Are you a son, daughter or spouse of an Operating Engineer and would like to share your story? E-mail us at [email protected], write us at Engineers News, 3920 Lennane Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834 or call us at (916) 993-2047, ext. 2505.

14 | Engineers News Fringe Benefits By Charlie Warren, director

How does your hour bank work? Retiree Association Meetings Hour banks allow active members covered under the Operating Engineers Health Retiree Association Meetings start this and Welfare Trust Fund to continue coverage for themselves and their families at month. The Local 3 officers look forward no additional cost during the off-season. Members can accumulate up to 990 hours to joining Retirees and their spouses for (1,320 hours for members who established eligibility prior to July 1992) of coverage. concise reports, good refreshments and Once eligibility is established, maintaining your benefits requires 120 hours per plenty of fellowship. Check the schedule month (for most contracts). Any hours worked in excess of 120 hours are stored in on page 28 or keep an eye out for the your hour bank. For months in which you work less than 120 hours, hours are drawn postcard inviting you to the meeting in from your hour bank to make up the difference. your area. See below for an hour-bank example for California after initial eligibility is established:

Work Hours Eligibility Hours Required Hours Applied/Deducted Hour-Bank Month Reported Month for Eligibility from Hour Bank Balance Retiree Post June 180 August 120 +60 60 July 200 September 120 +80 140 Whistlin’ Dixie August 20 October 120 -100 40 September 40 Not Eligible* 120 +40 80 Retired since 1981, Russ October 170 December 120 +50 130 Swanson has plenty to whistle November 0 January 120 -120 10 about. His classic car, “Dixie,” was December 120 February 120 0 10 recently displayed at the Rohnert *insufficient hours for November eligibility Park District Picnic with him at the If you have any questions about your hour-bank balance, contact the Trust Fund helm; however, Swanson gained Office at (800) 251-5014 or the Fringe Benefits Service Center at (800) 532-2105. more praise than the car, for he Hour-bank requirements are different for the Hawaii, Nevada and Utah plans. For received his 70-year pin at the information on those plans, please refer to your Summary Plan Description book or event, making him one of Local 3’s contact the Fringe Benefits Service Center at the following numbers: Hawaii: (800) oldest and finest. 660-9126, Nevada: (775) 857-4440, Utah: (801) 596-2677. His father, the late Vic Swanson, was Local 3’s first business manager. Russ Swanson started as an Medicare Q and A oiler in Richmond in 1937 (he October is was 16 years old) and worked his What happens when I become eligible way up from dispatcher in District for Medicare? breast cancer 01 to district rep in District 10 Members and spouses covered by the awareness month: and eventually became financial Pensioned Operating Engineers Health secretary in 1950. and Welfare Trust Fund and eligible for Get informed You could say he’s had a good Medicare benefits must enroll in parts A There have been run. and B of the Medicare program. Failure 230,480 reported According to Swanson: “There to enroll will result in the Plan denying cases of breast cancer is strength in numbers. You have 10 any charges that would have been paid in 2011 so far. Therefore, it is [people], you have a union. Helping by Medicare, regardless of whether the never too late to get informed people is the important thing.” eligible member or spouse has enrolled about this type of cancer, which, For 70 years, Swanson has done in the Medicare program. From the when detected early enough, can be just that! point the member or spouse becomes successfully treated. eligible for Medicare, the Pensioned The National Institutes of Health Health and Welfare Trust Fund becomes (NIH) offers lots of free health the secondary payer. This means information, resources and advice Medicare will pay first, and the Trust Fund will pay the appropriate balance about breast cancer at www.cancer.gov, of covered charges. such as the online booklet What You Kaiser members and spouses eligible Need to Know About Breast Cancer that for Medicare benefits must enroll in the contains important information about Kaiser Senior Advantage Plan if they possible causes, screenings, symptoms, wish to remain with Kaiser. diagnosis, treatment and supportive care for breast-cancer patients. What if I have Medicare, but my Information specialists can also spouse isn’t old enough for Medicare? answer questions about cancer at (800) 4-CANCER. From left: Business Manager Russ Burns If the spouse or member is not yet and Retiree Russ Swanson celebrate eligible for Medicare benefits, the Plan For more information on health, see Swanson’s 70 years in Local 3. will pay the appropriate portion of the page 5. covered expenses. As soon as the spouse or member becomes eligible to enroll for Medicare, they must do so or suffer the reduction in benefits described above. October 2011 | 15 Gradesetter Jesse Blessing. Blade Operator Bruce Miller.

Story and photos by Mandy McMillen, managing editor

“Field of dreams” may be a perfect description of Redding’s invested) and now have a price tag of $70 million for taxpayers city-developed, 700-acre Stillwater Business Park, a fully at full build-out. While the first tenant of the park, Southern permitted (zoning and environmental) development with Aluminum Finishing Company (SAF), signed an agreement in 100-plus-acre parcels for office or industrial use. The park, December 2010, the recession has since delayed things, and the complete with wetlands and running trails, is intended to provide latest tenant, Southwest Paper USA, has had some issues with local employment opportunities and business investment in the funding as well. community, while drawing businesses by what the city hopes will When the economy turns around, hopefully the businesses be Redding’s lure: Its location as a gateway to western markets. will come. The park is one of a kind for Northern California, because “The kids leave,” said Vanderpol. “It’s a tough economy its zoning and utilities are already in place. The Redding City here. This could help.” Council is also offering many incentives to businesses choosing Despite the uncertainty of the local and to locate there, including $1,500 job credits per employee to state economy (“California has lost 630,000 companies creating 10 or more jobs, electric-rate discounts, state manufacturing jobs over the last 10 years, a tax credits and traffic-waiver fees. majority before the recession started,” said Yet, currently it sits empty … waiting. an expert in the state’s manufacturing According to District Rep. Bob Vanderpol, a local resident, and technology industries), one the project has been controversial all along, because of funding thing is for sure: The park is (yes, an old story in today’s economy). The plans originally called developed with an end date for $10 million, then $20 million (which the city has already in sight (2012), thanks to

16 | Engineers News Blade Operator Bruce Miller. Operator Joe Muse. Scraper Operator Compactor Operator Gary Excavator Operator Apprentice Trevor Meyers. Tarvin. Michael Morón.

Operating Engineers. J.F. Shea was responsible for the first phase, Providing unusual slope work on the project was Meyers and main contractor Shasta Constructors with subcontractor Earthwork’s Blade Operator Bruce Miller, a 14-year member. Meyers Earthwork is responsible for the subsequent phases. Taking time out from a precarious position (tipped on the edge The first phase included the entry roads, one of of the slope he was leveling), he was humble about his obvious two bridges, trenches, power lines and utilities. skills: “I just make it work,” he said. The final phases consist of the second bridge, more Shasta Crane Operator Casey McCoy was also onsite, working road-access work, including one for fire trucks, and in the 100-plus-degree Redding heat, while driving pile for the reclamation. bridge. Regardless of what the future holds for the park, the These crewmembers, like so many, expertly build what is crews responsible for its construction are visibly happy for asked of them, without knowing how the project may be utilized the work, which calls for a little bit of everything: Scrapers, (not unlike that fabled baseball field). dozers, excavators, compactors, gradesetters and even a crane. “Hopefully, if we build it, they [businesses] will come,” said Third-step Apprentice Trevor Meyers, with Meyers Vanderpol. Earthwork, paused briefly while operating a scraper up and down steep hills to comment that the work has been “excellent” and he has enjoyed “building a bridge like no other.” Gradesetter Jesse Blessing said the job has been “real good” and intends to work “until winter, until it rains.”

October 2011 | 17 oakland I 1620 South Loop Road, Alameda, CA 94502 • (510) 748-7446 In the spotlight: California Generator Service District 20 would like to take this By maintaining a small-business, District 20 appreciates the company’s opportunity to highlight one of our family atmosphere, the company has hard work and hopes for continued success employers, California Generator Service remained competitive in the marketplace in the future. based in Oakland. against larger corporate entities and has Founded in June 2005, California built a reputation of excellence in the Apprenticeship Spotlight Generator Service set the foundation emergency-generator field. Congratulations to Construction for a knowledgeable and experienced Equipment Operator (CEO) Jose Cervantes management team. The company is for completing the Apprenticeship Program made up of 13 highly skilled and qualified on Aug. 22. He is currently working for journey-level field technicians and a Evans Brothers. project administrative staff. Congratulations also go to CEO Brenda California Generator Service started Schaible, who journeyed out last month. with only two customers and has grown into a more than $4 million a year service company with clients such as Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Medical Center, Applied Bio Systems and Chevron U.S.A. California Generator Service is a collection of the best and brightest in the world of electrical power generation. The company’s expertise is in industrial and CEO Jose Cervantes. CEO Brenda Schaible. commercial generators, controls, automatic transfer switches, uninterruptible power supply, programmable logic control, switch Members work for California Generator Service. gear, instrumentation and engines. nevada I 1290 Corporate Blvd., Reno, NV 89502 • For all branches, call (775) 857-4440 District 11 welcomes new agent This season in Northern Nevada turned Q&D Construction is busy with Crane is staying busy out to be surprisingly busy. With work on projects from Elko to Truckee, Calif., at the mines and the Ruby Pipeline ending and the future of including downtown Elko street projects around the Elko area. the economy so uncertain, the prospect of and waterline work in Hawthorne. The Q&D Construction upcoming work looked bleak. Thankfully, company has also been busy around Reno is very busy on Idaho work for the state, counties and the with the RTC bus stations up and down Street in Elko, where Regional Transportation Commission Virginia Street. Q&D Construction is also crews are five weeks (RTC) helped make it a successful season working on the Reno Tahoe International ahead of schedule. for many members. Airport runway aprons. Q&D Construction is also starting on the Tom McLane works for Granite Construction is the general We would like to thank all our members Merit Electric. contractor on a design-build project who helped with the many new contract waterline project in on I-80 through Reno and has been negotiations this year and encourage Elko. busy finishing the U.S. 395 northbound anyone who is interested in participating Frehner Construction is working expansion project. The company also in future negotiations to come by the Hall on I-80 between Elko and Wells and has some RTC projects and is working or contact your business agent. was awarded the airport jobs in Battle on the runway apron at the Reno Tahoe District 11’s Annual Golf Tournament Mountain and Eureka. MKD Construction International Airport. at D’Andrea Golf Course in Sparks was a is working in Lamoille on the waterline job Sierra Nevada Construction has been great success. The proceeds of more than and was awarded the Talbot Creek Bridge. busy this year with chip-sealing jobs across $8,500 will benefit the Boys and Girls Club Valentine Surfacing is working in Elko the state and several RTC street-rehab of Truckee Meadows. We would also like County, and Parr Electric is installing new projects. to thank everyone who participated and lights on Idaho Street. volunteered their time for this. Our Newmont Gold members are very Remember to mark your calendar busy, with gold at an all-time high, recently and attend our next District Meeting on up to $1,824.90 per ounce. We want to thank all our members at Newmont for Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Our Retiree working safely. Meeting is on that same day at 2 p.m. District 11 welcomes new Business Agent Bill Bodin, who will represent the From Elko members at Newmont. Work is still going strong in the Elko area. The Newmont membership meeting is Ames Construction is working at Cortez on the first Wednesday of the month at 6 for Barrick Gold and at Independent Hill p.m., and the construction membership north of Carlin, crushing for Newmont. meeting is on the second Wednesday of the N.A. Degerstrom, Inc. is working at the month at 6 p.m. Spirit Mine north of Wells and the Rossi If you have any questions, please call Mine north of Carlin and is finishing work Bodin or Business Rep. Allen Strong at the Members with Q&D Construction work on the at Firecreek in Crescent Valley. Sterling Elko Hall at (775) 753-8761. roundabout on Nugget Avenue in Sparks.

18 | Engineers News district reports Hawaii I 1075 Opakapaka St., Kapolei, HI 96707 • For all branches, call (808) 845-7871 Vote for Hirono, Hanabusa On Aug. 24, union leaders from both public and private In late August, a 40-hour Hazwoper class was held on Kauai for sectors gathered together as a sign of union strength to commit to 19 members, who received classroom instruction and hands-on an early endorsement of two candidates running in congressional field training. This was the first class held on the island of Kauai. races in 2012. An endorsement was given to Mazie K. Hirono, Classes are normally held at the Kahuku Training Facility on who is running for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Daniel Oahu. In an effort to reduce cost, Training Administrator Mitchell Akaka, who is not seeking re-election. An endorsement was also Kealoha and his staff will be taking the class to the outer islands given to Colleen Hanabusa, who is seeking re-election to the for larger groups. House of Representatives District 01. An endorsement for House For a list of important meetings in Hawaii this month, please of Representatives District 02 to replace Hirono is forthcoming. see page 28. These endorsements from both sectors show the power organized labor has in Hawaii. yuba city I 468 Century Park Drive, Yuba City, CA 95991 • (530) 743-7321 More than $70 million worth of work in Butte County There is a lot of work upcoming or and it’s a hard decision, to say the least, district and assuring contractors honor currently under construction in District when the time comes to voice our opinion. their agreements. They rely on you for 60, with more in the design phase, Do we confront our boss? Do we call the assistance and information. including $55 million in Yuba and Sutter business agent? Will the company lay us counties. In Colusa County, we have $19 off and never work us again or make our million in work, plus a 14-mile natural-gas job miserable until we quit? Your business pipeline project. There is $7 million worth agent can help you with any questions of work in Glenn County and more than you have. They work candidly to get $70 million in Butte County. In Sierra and answers for you and make sure contracts Plumas counties, we have $4.5 million are enforced fairly. Remember: A business worth of work. agent will not file a grievance on your For current updates and specifics, behalf or contact your boss unless you ask. come see our job board at the Hall. Also remember, during negotiations, both sides agree to abide by all terms Grievances and conditions written in contracts. Grievances are a disciplinary policy for Since a contract is of little value unless employers. Many of us have had a grievance it is enforced, your business agent has The Vacuworx attachment is made for lifting pipe on with our employer at one time or another, the responsibility of policing jobs in the the Central Valley gas-storage project.

Eureka I 1213 Fifth St., Eureka, CA 95501 • (707) 443-7328 Members stay busy at Arcata Airport As work remains steady in District 40, we would like to Steelhead Construction is busy at the $1.4 million Elk River welcome Fluor Construction as the new general contractor for the Rancheria expansion, which addresses safety concerns at the decommissioning of the Humboldt Humboldt Road intersection. The Bay Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) company is also working hard at the Power Plant. $1.2 million Klamath River boat-basin Golden State Bridge continues expansion. working long hours to stay on track J.F. Shea is wrapping up on the on the Mad River Bridge project. Garberville slide on Hwy. 101. Crews The company will be working did a fantastic job beating the weather steadily until the Oct. 15 deadline. to get that job finished. Granite Construction started Mercer-Fraser has been extremely work outside of Bridgeville on busy throughout the district with the $4 million Hwy. 36 road Hwy. 101 north and southbound realignment, which will keep five paving in Eureka, the $1.4 million to six operators busy. District 40 Bald Hills Road paving, the $4.4 would like to wish Kurt Van Dyke million Klamath Martin’s Ferry Bridge a speedy recovery from back and work and the $4.3 million phase hip surgery, so he can return to of the Martin Slough Interceptor. work at the Granite Smith River Mercer-Fraser’s rock quarries have Mercer-Fraser paving crewmembers include Terry King and Elaine Bryant. hot plant and rock quarry. been very busy producing aggregate Wahlund Construction is and asphalt, and the company was staying busy on median projects throughout the district, at the the low bidder on the Rio Dell Water Treatment Plant upgrade at Ferndale Water Treatment Plant and at the $1.4 million Arcata $10.4 million. Airport runway stabilization. The company is also performing District 40 would like to remind everybody to Slow for the bridge-deck repair throughout Del Norte County. Cone Zone, as our Caltrans brothers and sisters are working on West Coast Contractors was the low bidder at $5.4 million highways throughout the state. We’d also like to remind everyone for the Trinidad Pier replacement, and Dutra Dredging Company that registration on the out-of-work list is only good for 84 days, was the low bidder at $7.8 million for the inner boat basin and so call the Hall and renew it and ask about the local work picture. rock-slope protection in Crescent City. district reports October 2011 | 19 fresno I 4856 North Cedar, Fresno, CA 93726 • (559) 229-4083 CIFAC makes sure local contractor gets zoo project Our work picture has really picked up this year. In the Merced Dawson Mauldin is working in downtown Fresno. Another local area, the long-awaited, brand-new Bellevue High School has contractor was awarded the construction of the new seal exhibit finally started, putting Teichert on the dirt-work portion of the at the Fresno zoo, thanks to Michelle Tucker with Construction job. RGW is still working on the Hwy. 99 overpass project on the Industry Force Account Council (CIFAC), who made sure city north end of Merced and started on the $28 million state Route money is used for that type of work. Teichert is finishing up and 140 overpass on the west side of town. ready to open eastbound state Route 180 in Fresno. Tri-County Rockford started a Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) pipeline- has work in and around Fresno and Clovis, and Emmetts, CDS, replacement project in Santa Nella that will also include work Mass X, American Paving and Agee Construction have several from the Sacramento area to Barstow. Jaxon Baker is repaving jobs throughout the district. a section of Hwy. 99 from Hwy. 152 past Chowchilla. Kroeker is District 50 would like to wish member Nick Dodson the best working at the Raymond Rock Quarry, crushing for the Crane of luck in his move to the Bay Area and a very happy 95th birthday Valley Dam project at Bass Lake. Kiewit is the general contractor to Local 3 member Harry Smith, who was awarded a 70-year pin on the project and will hire a dredging company soon. at our August District Meeting. morgan hill I 325 Digital Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 • (408) 465-8260 One for all, all for one Work is starting to pick up in District 90. We have seen Los Gatos. The project involves grinding, paving and underground increases in hours this year compared to 2010. We have also work for new storm drains throughout this busy stretch of Hwy. encountered changes throughout our industry – in collective 17. bargaining agreements and labor disputes. The Port of Santa Cruz Granite Construction is paving, grinding and working days dredging operators have been locked out and laid-off from their and nights throughout Santa Cruz County. Golden State Bridge jobs. Some of these crewmembers have been here for 25 years. is coming along on a big bridge project in Lucia, and just north of On Aug. 17, we had a great turnout for a rally at the Santa Cruz this project, Condon-Johnson is finishing a retaining wall on Hwy. Harbor to show support for our dredging operators and get the 1 that had been washed out for many years. MCM Construction port director to come back to the table and bargain in good faith is working in Monterey County on several bridge projects with for a decent contract. The event showed unionism at its best. Granite Construction and DeSilva Gates. In the northern part of United we stand, divided we fall; we will stay strong, shoulder to shoulder. District 90, RGW continues to work day and night shifts on Hwy. Several new projects have started in District 90. Papich 101 and Tully Road, building new bridges and northbound and Construction started work at Fort Hunter Liggett with grading southbound on-ramps. RJ Gordon is working in Gilroy, restoring underground and building new roads. The Department of Defense slopes at the landfill on Hwy. 152. Gordon N. Ball has several is building areas for explosives training. Papich Construction of grading, paving and underground projects in the San Jose area. Monterey will construct new buildings on the base. Local 3 wishes everyone a safe season. We hope the flurry of Graniterock/Pavex Construction is working nights along Hwy. new projects will continue well into the future. If you have gone 17 from the Santa Cruz County line north and southbound into back to work, please call the Hall for your dispatch. redding I 20308 Engineers Lane, Redding, CA 96002 • (530) 222-6093 Red Bluff dam project is homecoming As another season comes to a close, some We would also like to thank Vice President Carl Goff and will retire, some will take some much-needed Financial Secretary Dan Reding for recently visiting Balfour time-off and others may continue training to Beatty’s diversion dam project in Red Bluff. It was a homecoming further their careers as Operating Engineers. for Reding, as he was able to visit with many former coworkers Whatever you choose, the District 70 staff and project managers. hopes you have a good, safe winter. Thanks to all our members for putting their best feet forward. We have held our own this season, putting many members Balfour Beatty Superintendant Don to work on paving projects, bridge jobs and Perry. even a few dirt jobs. (See pages 16 and 17.) We are optimistic that many projects will resume and a few new projects will start next season. Word is the $10 million curve-alignment project on Hwy. 299 will begin this spring, and that project will put some dirt hands to work. The $30 million paving project on I-5 at Dog Creek has started, but peak employment will begin in the spring. The Antlers Bridge job will continue. An $8.2 million water-system project will also begin in the spring. Therefore, we hope you look to next year as a positive thing, ease your minds a little and enjoy your winter. Thanks to all who attended our Aug. 24 District Meeting. A good attendance means members are getting involved, and that is what it’s going to take to keep our membership strong. From left: Members John Beck and James France, Financial Secretary Dan Reding, We look forward to seeing all of you at the next District Meeting Vice President Carl Goff and member Danny McCoy at the Red Bluff diversion dam on Oct. 19. project.

20 | Engineers News district reports utah I 1958 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 • (801) 596-2677 Rail work continues through state Work in Utah has been strong again Work on the National Security Agency Provo. Most of the grade work is completed. this year, with several pipeline projects (NSA) building has kept crews from As fall sets in, remember that we must involving U.S. Pipeline, Associated Jacobson Excavation, W.W. Clyde & all get involved in politics. We need to elect Pipeline, Abercrombie Pipeline and Co. and Geneva Rock busy. Bragg Crane representatives at the city, county, state Snelson Pipeline. and Shurtleff & Andrews have cranes on and federal levels who will look out for this project. Ames continues work on the the working class. We need to find funding I-15 Core project, Murdock Canal and avenues for continued transportation and Kennecott. The Kennecott expansion is infrastructure projects. Please register to also keeping crews from W.W. Clyde & vote, get informed and vote. Co. and Granite Construction working. During the slower season, schedule Kiewit Western is working on the Geneva some training at our site on the west side Road widening project in Orem and the of the Salt Lake Valley. We have acquired Mountain View Corridor project with W.W. newer equipment and are in the process Clyde & Co. and Granite Construction. of being able to train on GPS. There will Rail work in the state continues. also be Occupational Safety and Health KHP completed the Mid-Jordan line but Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety continues work on the Draper line. Stacy and Health Administration (MSHA) and Witbeck/Kiewit completed the West Valley first-aid training available. Watch for the line and is working on the Airport North winter training schedule in an upcoming Temple line. The viaduct bridge on North edition of Engineers News. Training and Temple is complete, and North Temple is improving your skills is an investment in now open to traffic going to downtown Salt yourself and your union! Lake City after being closed for 16 months. CRC is continuing work on the Commuter Rail line from Salt Lake City to

Twenty-three-year member Steve Jaques sets pipe to enclose the Murdock Canal.

Fairfield I 2540 N. Watney Way, Fairfield, CA 94533 • (707) 429-5008 A wind-wind situation Solano County will soon have 142 new windmills in the Rio working on a very aggressive schedule to complete the project Vista/Hwy. 12 area. This work has been split into three projects: by early November, wind permitting. The operators on White Blattner Energy has Montezuma II with 34 turbines, Michels Wind Construction’s dirt crew did a great job digging all 54 foundations Energy has Solano III with 54 turbines and White Construction for the windmills without one grade bust. Way to go, gang! has Shiloh III with 54 turbines. White Construction and Michels Between White Construction and Infrasource, there are about 50 Wind Energy are well underway, while Blattner Energy is getting operators working on Shiloh III. started. All three windmill projects have been in the permitting Helping Michels with road construction is subcontractor process for quite some time, and we must thank our activists Knife River Construction. Mag-Con General Engineering is who attended all the planning commission and council meetings working on the new substation to get power to the grid. In all, and the elected officials who helped get these projects through about 40 operators are working on the project. Windmills should planning and permitting to actually employ our members. be erected soon, and Michels is expected to complete the project A reminder to our Retirees: The next Retiree Association by the end of the year. Meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the White Construction is self-performing all phases of its project Suisun Hampton Inn (2 Harbor Center in Suisun City). Our except for laying the power cables from the windmills to the fourth-quarter District Meeting is also on that day at 7 p.m. at the substation, which was subcontracted to Infrasource Underground Fairfield-Suisun Masonic Building (412 Travis Blvd.). Hope to see Construction. With windmills already up, White Construction is you all there.

Operator Tim Bankus.

Scrapers work on one of District 04’s three windmill projects.

D8 dozer operators Tim Vargas and Chris Fink finish a 14-foot cut.

Operator Rich Espinosa. district reports October 2011 | 21 Rohnert Park I 6225 State Farm Drive, Suite 100, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 • (707) 585-2487 Slide-repair work offers beautiful views With all the severe damage done by storms this year, the state ensure good soil stabilization. Team Ghilotti also laid down fiber of California released quite a bit of money for improvements mesh in the main body of the fill to ensure good compaction. on almost all of District 10’s highways heading west toward the Members Jim Reagan Jr., Mike Sciacca and Terry Newhart have coast. At the northern end of Hwy. 1 (considered the Lost Coast), kept things safe for traffic. Valentine Corporation is performing a slide repair. Members have been working on two retaining walls overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The north wall is pushing just over the 200-foot mark, and the south wall reaches slightly over the 300-foot mark. Members have been putting in 6-by-12 lagging and 50-foot-long, soldier-pile H-beams. Member Jim Noone has been with Valentine for 15 years and thinks he has the best view anyone could ask for. Operator James Lee is also on the job. Another slide repair is being performed on Hwy. 20 by Team Ghilotti, which has kept members busy for several months. This job consists of new construction on a retaining wall nearing the Member Jim Noone works on a slide-repair 300-foot mark. Crews have removed more than 1,000 yards of job for Valentine Members Mike Sciacca, Terry Newhart and Jim Reagan Jr. dirt and brought it back after laying down Geo-Grid every foot to Corporation. work for Team Ghilotti. sacramento I 3920 Lennane Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834 • (916) 993-2055 Traffic relief in the city of Galt Teichert Construction was awarded There is a misguided message to the Pay particular attention to how these the $21 million contract to reconstruct general public of Sacramento that PLAs petitioners disguise their aim. They solicit the existing overpasses across Hwy. 99 at and prevailing wage are not good for the no tax for online purchasing, support for A and C streets and upgrade C Street. The public, the city or the county. Anti-union battered women, no dues deduction from project started in April with tree and brush Associated Builders your paycheck and clearing, K-rail setting, lane widening along and Contractors other coercions. the center divide and shoulder demolition. (ABC) claims the But the true driving To build the new overpasses and on- city and county force behind these and off-ramps, Teichert Construction can save big money petitions is to lower must import 400,000 yards of dirt from Elk by lowering the your wage. Grove, Galt Park and a borrow field. Peak prevailing wage and If you see any workload will keep 22 operators on two stopping PLAs from petitioners, please crews building and placing the approaches being signed. call the anti-ABC and ramps. MCM Construction will build What type of hotline at (916) the overpasses, with Folk & Associates people believe that 812-4023 (Bud) Inc. overseeing the layout of the project, prevailing wage and or (916) 812-4024 which should continue into 2013. PLAs are wrong From left: Matt Carstensen, Dwight Hicks and Sean (Kevin). Please give Lately, there has been a big push for for the general Robinson work for Teichert Construction. them the time, date, stopping Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) public? Non-union location (nearest in the city and county of Sacramento. contractors, folks who have not been cross streets) and gender of the signature educated on this process and people in collector. Don’t fall for this scheme, office who do not care about the working because that is exactly what it is. American. PLA projects are good for the Stay safe, and we appreciate your help. general public, because they finish on time and/or under budget. There are no work Apprenticeship Spotlight stoppages, and labor compliance is met. District 80 fifth-step Heavy Duty Today, “fair and open competition” Repair (HDR) Apprentice Edet Adakama petitions are circulating around the city is working on the Southland/Tutor and county of Sacramento. ABC and Perini tunnel project two ex-Sacramento City Unified School in Sunol. Master Board members, among others, are the Mechanic Rick Cook simple minds behind these petitions. said Adakama is doing They say that fair and open competition a good job and was is for allowing the non-union to bid on the most experienced public-works projects, but this argument apprentice he has holds no merit, because it’s already a law had on this project. through the Public Contract Code: Anyone Adakama loves to can bid on public-works projects, as long Fifth-step Apprentice learn about different Edet Adakama. as they are qualified and responsible. The equipment and law has been in place for years. recently made repairs to the Mitsui Miike Please, do not sign these petitions! In (aka the Big Mike). Adakama said his crew doing so, you support lowering the wages hit a rock wall, and the Big Mike was the From left: Third-generation Operating Engineer and fringes for yourself and your fellow machine for the job. Nathan Nottnagel and member Evan Trujillo work for brothers and sisters. MCM Construction.

22 | Engineers News district reports stockton I 1916 North Broadway, Stockton, CA 95205 • (209) 943-2332 Another Hetch Hetchy project awarded As of August, the work picture in the projects throughout our district. Tom about the work going on in your area Stockton District is much better than last Mayo Construction has paving projects in and get involved and informed about the year. Our dispatches and work hours are Amador County. Proven Management is business of your union. The meeting will way up thanks to federal still working on the $10.1 start at 7 p.m. at the Italian Athletic Club stimulus investments and million Tulloch Lake (3541 Cherryland Ave.). We hope to see public agencies wanting Tri-Dam electric project. you all there. to get the most bang for Rock & R Construction their buck by putting is working hard to finish projects out to bid in this grading and paving at competitive market. Sonora Elementary. In August, RGW Granite Construction Construction started started the Arch Road the $6.2 million Hwy. 26 Prison hospital project. realignment project. Ford Contri Construction was Construction has the $1.9 awarded the $45.2 million million slope repair at the eastern segment of the top of Carson Pass on Bill Martello works for Ford Construction. Hetch Hetchy pipeline, Hwy. 88 and the $2 million traveling 6.7 miles Rock Creek Landfill closure in Calaveras downstream from the Oakdale portal. Knife County. Teichert Construction is doing River Construction was awarded the $22 the $2.7 million paving repair and overlay million pressurized irrigation system for in Tamarack on Hwy. 4. Sierra Mountain the South San Joaquin Irrigation District Construction is working on the Tuolumne (SSJID), installing about 13 miles of pipe County Law and Justice Center infrastruc- and constructing two storage basins and ture-improvement project. George Reed two pump stations. Excavator Operator Jeremy Wilson removes large Construction has more than $18 million Don’t forget to attend the Oct. 11 boulders on a vertical slope at the top of Carson Pass in overlays, realignments and widening Stockton District Meeting to find out more on Hwy. 88 for Ford Construction.

Burlingame I 828 Mahler Road, Suite B, Burlingame, CA 94010 • (650) 652-7969 Vote Leland Yee for San Francisco mayor In District 01, the rate of hiring has Hospital project, the $1.5 billion UCSF since people have recently retired, thus steadily increased this year. This is one of Mission Bay project and the $5.5 billion creating new jobs for people in Marin and the major benefits of New Bay Bridge. These projects have kept Sonoma counties. having labor-friendly members from all over Northern California Since work is picking up, don’t forget to politicians elected. It and beyond working through the deepest upgrade your Hazwoper, rigging/signaling, means living-wage jobs recession since the 1930s. CPR/first aid and any other training you for working families That is why the San Francisco mayor’s may need that is offered through Local who spend money in race is so critical for all of us. All of the 3. This way, you’ll be ready to take any their communities projects named above were supported by dispatch that comes along. See page 13 for and improve the San Francisco mayors who were endorsed details. quality of life for that by Local 3. We have to make the political We hope everyone had a good summer. Oiler Donna Carter community. As more effort today to help guarantee that the Don’t forget the District Meeting at the works on the SFPUC people are put to work, stream of major infrastructure projects Unity In Marin in Novato on Thursday, Sunnydale Tunnel project. more communities keeps going. There are several projects Oct. 13. feel those benefits. in the billions of dollars that are still Operating Engineers rely heavily on making their way through city hall, like infrastructure projects to keep us busy, the Cathedral Hill Hospital ($1.9 billion), particularly in these times when the private waste-water projects ($4.5 billion), work picture is so fragile. Therefore, Treasure Island (more than $5 billion) we need to be politically active. A great and Hunters Point shipyard (more than opportunity to do this is the upcoming San $4 billion). These projects will provide Francisco mayor’s race. San Francisco is jobs for years to come and build the known as a union town, and we have to infrastructure we need. Let’s elect a mayor keep it that way by voting for state Sen. who will push these projects through: Yee. Leland Yee, a longtime friend of labor and Call the Hall to see how you can help us especially of Local 3. It is a race that we and help yourselves! can win if we do what we do best – work Other work in the district includes together. the $24 million High Occupancy Vehicle We have almost $20 billion worth (HOV) project with Ghilotti Bros./RM of work in just seven projects already Harris Joint Venture (JV) in Marin County. underway – the $4.6 billion in San Travelers should give plenty of time when Francisco Public Utilities Commission driving through Novato. It looks as though (SFPUC) Hetch Hetchy projects, the Reyes Construction will be working on $1.1 billion Doyle Drive project, the $4.2 the marina improvements in Sausalito billion Transbay Terminal, the $1.4 billion through the end of the year. Caltrans is Thirty-year member Vince Marcum works on the Central Subway, the $1 billion General slated to hire six new Local 3 members, demolition portion of the new Transbay Transit Center.

district reports October 2011 | 23

Resolution to amend the Local Union Bylaws

A number of the recommended changes to the bylaws are considered housekeeping in nature. These changes include updates of Officers names, office addresses, consistency of terms, and edits to clarify. In no way are any of these housekeeping changes meant to change the intent of these bylaws.

NOTES

1. Wherever the phrase “Political Action and Grievance Committee” appears will now be changed to “Political Action Committee”.

2. The Officers’ page will be updated to reflect the current administration.

3. The list of offices on the inside back cover will be updated.

4. The table of contents and index will be updated with correct page numbers.

5. If language is changed any place in the document, where there is similar language throughout the Bylaws the change will also be made.

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Page 6 of 17 Page 7 of 17 24 | Engineers News Page 4 of 17 Page 5 of 17

Page 8 of 17 Page 9 of 17 Continued on page 26 October 2011 | 25 Resolution continued from page 25

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Page 16 of 17 Page 17 of 17 October 2011 | 27 Please note: The resolution to amend the Operating Engineers membership at the Semi-Annual Meeting, and the resolution will now Local 3 Bylaws was presented for a vote by the membership at the move for a vote of the members in each district at District Meetings Sept. 18, 2011 Semi-Annual Meeting in accordance with Article XXX, and Special Called Meetings held this month, in accordance with Section 3(a) of the Bylaws. An affirmative vote was reached by the Article XXX, Section 3(c).

DISTRICT MEETINGS All meetings convene at 7 p.m. October 2011 13th District 90: Morgan Hill 20th District 60: Marysville 11th District 20: Martinez Operating Engineers’ Building Veterans Memorial Center th Plumbers 159 325 Digital Drive 211 17 St. 1304 Roman Way 18th District 04: Fairfield 25th District 11: Reno 11th District 30: Stockton Fairfield-Suisun Masonic Building Operating Engineers’ Building Italian Athletic Club 412 Travis Blvd. 1290 Corporate Blvd. 3541 Cherryland Ave. 18th District 40: Eureka 25th District 17: Honolulu 12th District 50: Fresno Best Western Bayshore Inn Operating Engineers’ Building Cedar Lanes 3500 Broadway 1075 Opakapaka St., Kapolei 3131 N. Cedar Ave. 19th District 10: Rohnert Park 26th District 12: Salt Lake City 12th District 80: Sacramento Operating Engineers’ Building IBEW Local 354 Operating Engineers’ Building 6225 State Farm Drive 3400 W. 2100 S. 3920 Lennane Drive 19th District 70: Redding November 2011 13th District 01: Novato Operating Engineers’ Building No meetings scheduled Unity In Marin 20308 Engineers Lane 600 Palm Drive December 2011 No meetings scheduled

October Special Called Meetings For vote on the resolution to amend the Bylaws October 2011 th th 11th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 13 Retiree/Special Called Meeting 25 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 20: Oakland – 10 a.m. District 90: Freedom – 10 a.m. District 11: Reno – 2 p.m. Oakland Zoo – Snow Building VFW Post 1716 Operating Engineers’ Building 9777 Golf Links Road 1960 Freedom Blvd. 1290 Corporate Blvd.

th th 11th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 13 Retiree/Special Called Meeting 25 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 17: Kapolei – 2 p.m. District 20: Concord – 2 p.m. District 90: Morgan Hill – 2 p.m. Operating Engineers’ Building Centre Concord Operating Engineers’ Building 1075 Opakapaka St. 5298 Clayton Road 325 Digital Drive

th th 26 Retiree/Special Called Meeting 11th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 18 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 12: Salt Lake City – 2 p.m. District 30: Modesto – 10 a.m. District 04: Suisun City – 2 p.m. Hampton Inn IBEW Hall Tuolumne River Lodge 3400 W. 2100 S. 2429 River Road 2 Harbor Center th th 26 Retiree/Special Called Meeting th 18 Retiree/Special Called Meeting 11 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 17: Kona – 11:30 a.m. District 30: Stockton – 2 p.m. District 40: Eureka – 2 p.m. Best Western Bayshore Inn King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel Italian Athletic Club 75-5660 Palani Road, Kona 3541 Cherryland Ave. 3500 Broadway th th 26 Town Hall/Special Called Meeting th 19 Retiree/Special Called Meeting 12 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 17: Kona – 7 p.m. District 10: Ukiah – 10 a.m. District 50: Fresno – 2 p.m. King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel Hampton Inn Cedar Lanes 75-5660 Palani Road, Kona 3131 N. Cedar Ave. 1160 Airport Park Blvd. 27th Retiree/Special Called Meeting th 12th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 19 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 17: Hilo – 11:30 a.m. District 80: Auburn – 10 a.m. District 10: Rohnert Park – 2 p.m. Hilo Woman’s Club Auburn Recreation Center – Lakeside Room Operating Engineers’ Building 7 Lele St., Hilo 3770 Richardson Drive 6225 State Farm Drive, Ste. 100 27th Town Hall/Special Called Meeting th 12th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 19 Retiree Potluck/Special Called Meeting District 17: Hilo – 7 p.m. District 80: Sacramento – 2 p.m. District 70: Anderson – 1:30 p.m. Hilo Woman’s Club Operating Engineers’ Building Frontier Senior Center 7 Lele St., Hilo 3920 Lennane Drive 2081 Frontier Trail 28th Retiree/Special Called Meeting th 13th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 20 Retiree/Special Called Meeting District 17: Maui – 2 p.m. District 01: Burlingame – 10 a.m. District 60: Marysville – 2 p.m. Maui Beach Hotel Transport Workers Union Hall Veterans Memorial Center 170 Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului th 1521 Rollins Road 211 17 St. 28th Town Hall/Special Called Meeting th 13th Retiree/Special Called Meeting 24 Town Hall/Special Called Meeting District 17: Maui – 7 p.m. District 01: Novato – 2 p.m. District 17: Kauai – 6 p.m. Maui Arts and Cultural Center Best Western Novato Oaks Inn Kauai Beach Resort One Cameron Way, Kahului 215 Alameda Del Prado 4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue 28 | Engineers News Meetings & Announcements Town Hall Meetings Credentials The following meetings will be held at Rigging/Signal – CCO – Class A CDLs the District 11 Hall in Elko (1094 Lamoille with endorsements Highway) at 6 p.m. If you have obtained a rigging and signal credential from an agency other than the October 2011 Rancho Murieta Training Center (RMTC), 5th Newmont Mine Meeting please let the dispatcher at your district office know. If the dispatchers do not have your valid 12th Construction Meeting credentials in our computer system, you will be skipped over for a job that requires them November 2011 and we will have problems filling orders for Questions about your benefits? 2nd Newmont Mine Meeting employers requesting operators with certain credentials. Visit the Local 3 Trust Fund website 9th Construction Meeting This is true for all credentials obtained (www.OE3TrustFunds.org) to get details about outside the RMTC. If you renewed your Certi- your Health and Welfare and Pension benefits. December 2011 fied Crane Operator (CCO) card through an Make sure to register on the website to gain outside agency or computer center, you need 2nd Newmont Mine Meeting access to your personal information, calculate to let us know. The same applies with a Class A your Pension benefits (current and expected) 7th Construction Meeting driver’s license or added endorsements. With- and much more. out us knowing what credentials you have, we cannot dispatch you to jobs that require them. Fourth-quarter District Membership Go paperless Meetings – Dues Card Engineers News online option available New Members Rec. Corres. Secretary Jim Sullivan would Members who would rather read their like all members to carry their current Local District 04: Fairfield award-winning Engineers News online instead 3 dues card when attending the fourth-quarter Sean Birkhofer of receiving it in the mail, can go paperless. District Membership or Special Called Dandre Fabillaran This format will save the union printing and Meetings. Your current dues card offers proof Zachary Sinclair mail costs and will cut down on waste. of your good-standing status as a member If interested, please send an e-mail to of Local 3 and will help verify your right to District 10: Rohnert Park [email protected] with your name, mailing vote on the resolution to change the Local 3 Andrew J. Camozzi address and union registration number. Bylaws. District 20: Oakland Brent Dutton Join our online users Shriners hosts free screening clinic Chris Mart We invite you to join us on the Web. By Retiree George Slack, a Local 3 member Joel McWhirter registering on our Members Only website, since 1962, is also a member of the Shriners. you’ll have access to important, confidential One of his volunteer duties for the organization District 80: Sacramento information. Visit www.oe3.org to get started. includes putting together a free screening Joshua Crawford Please also join our E-mail Campaign. clinic for children in Mendocino County. Bernie Edens E-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll This clinic, available Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to Steven Ingles send you up-to-the-minute information 3 p.m. at the Alex Rorbaugh Center at Grace Matt Thornton regarding upcoming elections and political Hudson Elementary School (825 N. State St., events, district meetings, job actions and Ukiah, CA), will evaluate children in need of important legislation. We will continue to specialized services for orthopedic conditions, use “snail mail,” but through e-mail, we can burns, spinal-cord injuries and cleft lip and communicate faster and cheaper about the palate. Acceptance is based solely on a child’s things that matter! medical needs – regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. For more information regarding the screening clinic, please call Slack at Free real-estate consultations offered (707) 485-0274. to union members For a list of other free clinics and Twelve-year member John C. Ortega has information about this resource for children been a licensed Realtor since 2004. He knows and their families, visit the Shriners website From left: New members Bernie Edens, Steven Ingles, many people are concerned about their at www.shrinershq.org/ShrinersHQ. Matt Thornton and Josh Crawford get sworn in during properties and confused about what to do the Aug. 3 Sacramento District Meeting. during these financially tough times. So, he’s Service Pins offering free information to Local 3 members regarding loan modifications, foreclosures, In honor and remembrance of years of Honorary Membership bankruptcy, short sales and strategic defaults, service in Local 3, service pins are available The following Retirees have 35 or more etc. For more information, call him at to members with 25 or more years of years of membership in Local 3 as of August (916) 214-8334, e-mail him at membership in Local 3. These pins come 2011 and have been determined eligible for [email protected] or visit his website at in five-year increments from 25 through 70 Honorary Membership effective Oct. 1, 2011. www.johncortega.com. years of service. Please contact your district Thomas G. Adkins office to receive your pins. 1601628 A gallery of some service-pin recipients District 11: Nevada can be found online at www.oe3.org. Gary J. Bitz 1256927 Correction District 30: Stockton Fifty-year member L.C. Kent of Vacaville Joe Locicero was inadvertently left off the list of 50-year 1030415 members in the July edition of Engineers District 80: Sacramento News. Kent initiated into Local 3 in September Jose L. Ojeda 1960. We congratulate and thank him for his 1600941 many years of service. District 30: Stockton

Meetings & Announcements October 2011 | 29 Departed Mestrovich, Ronald Deceased Judd, Marjorie. Members Aiea, HI Dependents Wife of Judd, Donald Operating Engineers District 17 (dec) Community Service Fund Alcorn, Cheryl 07-26-11 Bowyer, Vivian. 04-04-11 Oakland, CA Wife of Bowyer, B.W. CASH Analysis as of June 30, 2011* District 20 Mulder, Ted (dec) Legras, Michelle. 07-16-11 Clearlake Oaks, CA 07-08-11 Wife of Legras, District 10 Pierre (dec) CASH AMOUNT Cox, Leroy 06-30-11 Brown, June. 07-01-11 Vail, AZ Cash Accounts $25,118.08 Wife of Brown, Savings $12.11 District 99 Pickering, Wendell George Lewis, Barbara. 07-26-11 Enterprise, UT 07-01-11 Wife of Lewis, Merchant Account $426.98 District 12 Douglas (dec) Money Market $339,209.26 Fehilly, James 07-12-11 Brown, Laree. Orland, CA 05-10-11 Certificate of Deposit $15,297.70 Wife of Brown, District 60 Aid to Distressed Workers Checking $22,367.19 Reichert, John Robert (dec) Lightner, Betty Rae. 08-04-11 Modesto, CA No. Nevada Charity Checking $17,873.44 05-30-11 Wife of Smith, District 30 Utah Charity Checking $34,197.12 Ferrier, Charles William 07-20-11 Chico, CA Bruce, Rosemarie. 07-11-11 Wife of Bruce, District 60 Rinkle, Larry TOTAL CASH ON HAND AS OF June 30, 2011 $454,501.88 Robert Moore, Genevieve. 07-18-11 Waipahu, HI 06-22-11 Wife of Moore, Chas Frost, Paul District 17 (dec) Blanchard, MI 07-09-11 Brune, Peggy. 06-29-11 Investment Analysis as of June 30, 2011 n/a Wife of Brune, District 99 Sheridan, F Timothy Nakamura, Florence. 07-11-11 Wallace, CA TOTAL INVESTED AS OF June 30, 2011 n/a 08-02-11 Wife of Nakamura, T Guardanapo, Seraphi District 30 (dec) Jr. 07-01-11 Cappellano, Toni. 08-03-11 Total Fund Assets $454,501.88 San Jose, CA Ex-wife of Dye, Shively, Shawn District 90 Michael Novosel, Betty. Lockeford, CA 07-06-11 07-23-11 Wife of Novosel, District 30 Michael (dec) 07-03-11 Ivie, Tracy Christman, Tena. 07-29-11 Lindon, UT Simpkins, Robert Wife of Christman, Operating Engineers Local 3 District 12 Prentice, Ninah. Carmichael, CA Walter (dec) 07-15-11 Wife of Prentice, Scholarship Foundation District 80 07-08-11 John (dec) Kahunanui, Steven 07-16-11 CASH Analysis as of July 31, 2011* Clements, Linda. 07-05-11 Wailuku, HI Smith, Jeffrey Wife of Clements, District 17 Presto, Virginia. CASH AMOUNT Hidden Valley Lake, Leon 07-11-11 Wife of Presto, CA 07-19-11 Liberat Regular Checking $10,608.00 Landegl, Lothar District 10 David, Ivy. 07-01-11 Savings $5.00 American Canyon, 07-09-11 Wife of David, Merchant Account $212.03 CA Ray, Dixie. Spittler, Robert Samuel (dec) Money Market $50,472.75 District 04 Pioneer, CA 07-30-11 Wife of Ray, Russell Certificate of Deposit $15,297.70 07-05-11 District 30 (dec) Durham, Sharon. 07-09-11 Leslie, Newton 07-28-11 Wife of Durham, TOTAL CASH ON HAND AS OF July 31, 2011 $76,595.48 Honaunau, HI Taaffe, James Robert Reynolds, Leslie. District 17 Angels Camp, CA 06-27-11 Wife of Reynolds, C 06-27-11 06-13-11 District 30 Ferry, Roberta. Investment Analysis as of July 31, 2011 Massey, Marvin 07-25-11 Wife of Ferry, Earl Sadler, Frances. Smith Barney Investment Account $1,008,163.62 Clearlake Oaks, CA Thompson, Bill (dec) Wife of Sadler, Lester District 10 Kerman, CA 05-22-11 (dec) TOTAL INVESTED AS OF July 31, 2011 $1,008,163.62 07-08-11 06-06-11 District 50 Giambastiani, Mathis, Gary 07-26-11 Beatrice. Streit, Linda. Total Fund Assets $1,084,759.10 Yuba City, CA Watts, Ralph Wife of Wife of Streit, Leroy District 60 Chico, CA Giambastiani, Louie (dec) *Disclaimer: Both the Operating Engineers Local 3 Scholarship 06-28-11 District 60 (dec) 07-24-11 Foundation and the Operating Engineers Community Service Fund are IRS 07-21-11 06-20-11 McDonell, R Whitemore, Jean. registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that have independent Boards Terra Bella, CA Winsley, Alex Green, Melba. Wife of Whitemore, of Directors. The union does not control either charitable organization. The District 50 Seattle, WA Wife of Green, Dale Robert union cannot access or use the monies controlled by these independent boards. 07-13-11 District 99 06-13-11 07-10-11 These independent boards can only use the monies shown for activities in 07-04-11 furtherance of charitable purposes. McGuire, Robert Hochgraef, Janet. Whitney, Margaret. Lincoln, NE Wife of Hochgraef, Wife of Whitney, District 99 Ronald Burke (dec) 06-17-11 07-04-11 07-20-11

Come with us to the Western Caribbean Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Voyager of the Seas sails Prices* start at: from New Orleans on Feb. 25, 2012 for a seven night cruise. • Inside Cabin – $549 per person, double occupancy BOOK NOW - SPACE IS LIMITED. OE3 members, Retirees, • Inside Promenade View Cabin – $679 per person, double occupancy their families and friends are invited to come along on a wonderful cruise from • Outside Cabin – $719 per person, double occupancy • New Orleans to the Western Caribbean with stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman Balcony Cabin – $829 per person, double occupancy and Cozumel. Your participation benefits the OE3 Scholarship Fund, as a tax- A pre-cruise hotel and transfer package will be available. deductible contribution is included in your fare. *Space is limited; other cabins and rates for third and fourth persons sharing are available; To see the ship and all it offers go to www.rccl.com. rates are guaranteed; government taxes will be added at final payment. For reservations, call (888) 713-0441 Deposit is $250 per person or $500 per cabin and is fully refundable until final payment is due Dec. 3, 2011. After that date, RCCL cancellation penalties begin to apply.

30 | Engineers News Meetings & Announcements heat pump/air conditioner. number bed. $27,000. (541) trolling motor and 4 hp Suzuld with 2 velvet transmission. Swap Shop ads are offered Attached, oversized two-car 661-1423. Reg# 1142922. with fuel tank. One-axle All Mahogany wood, sleeps free of charge to members in garage with cabinets and galvanized rogue trailer. six, electric head and sink, good standing for the sale or FOR SALE: 2008 Jayco Super trade of personal items and/ storage 24-by-24 workshop/ Eagle Lite 30.5 BHS 5th Eagle Ultera depth finder, two-burner stove, refrigerator or real estate. Please notify barn with cool room corrals wheel: $19,200. Excellent two walker down riggers, and sink, two canopy back the office if your item has and other outbuildings. Young condition; only used four walk-through windshield, windows and sides, electric been sold. Business-related fruit trees. (208) 733-5089 times. Below NADA RV storage tackle center, rod anchor wrench, suto starter offerings are not eligible or (435) 225-3184. Reg# pricing. Four bunks in rear, holders, spare prop anchor. for 110v generator. Restored for inclusion in Swap Shop. 0848252. table sleeps two, pull-out Lift for crabbing. More. with all original parts. Berthed Engineers News reserves the FOR SALE: 2001 11-½-foot couch sleeps two, master $9,000. (530) 365-2036. Reg# in Isleton, Ca. $3,500. No right to edit ads. Deadline Arctic Fox Slide In Camper suite sleeps two. Large slide 1194996. trades. Call Dan at (209) 1st of the month. Will run with 11-foot electric slide-out out in main living area for FOR SALE: 12-inch digital 470-7029 . Reg# 1774822. the following month. Limit room. 11-foot awning, electric sofa, dinette. Hitch included. caliper, Mitutoyo (digimatic). FOR SALE: 2003 30-foot two ads per issue. jacks with remote control. Remainder of five-year$110. Also: A Fowler 0-1-inch Wellcraft Martinique boat To place an ad, type or print Two solar panels, two door warranty. Pictures available. micrometer with syltvac with 2007 Nextrial trailer. legibly and mail to: fridge, water cooler, storm Call John at (209) 513-7840 digital 6-inch caliper. $110. Excellent condition. 2-by-10 windows. Two radios; one or [email protected]. (530) 622-7026. Reg# swim deck. White with full Operating Engineers with CD player; other cassette Reg# 2657282. 1051395. black canvas enclosures. Local Union No. 3 player. In good condition. Large salon, wraparound 3920 Lennane Dr. FOR SALE: Generator. FOR SALE: 2001 Ford F350 $13,000. Call Don at (575) Portable; gas-powered. Five 4x4 Quad Cab Black over lounge, portside lounger seats Sacramento, CA 95834 388-9620. Reg# 0900556. eight adults; sleeps eight. 310 ATTN: Swap Shop* hours of use. Pro-Source Sand Ext. 80-gallon fuel tank FOR SALE: 14-inch-by- UG2300. 2,000 watt, 5.5 hp. with pump SuperChip two hours on twin 5.0 Mercruiser MPI motors (305 chev) and Or call: 40-inch Clausing Lathe: Output: 120 v ac, 12 v dc. sets tires and wheels. 150,000 Bravo 3 drives. Lots of extras. (916) 993-2047, ext. 2506 $3,500. Samson vertical mill Great condition. $180. (510) miles. Also: 1999 Seebreeze (Bridgeport style): $3,000. 278-2936. Reg# 2577104. 5th wheel dual slides 4k $59,995. Call Ken at (559) Or fax ads to: Swap Shop Scatchman Jet Ironworker: onan gen. solar panels cover 960-4966. Reg# 2149218. (916) 419-3487 FOR SALE: 2006 34-foot $1,500. Also many grinders, Presidential 5th wheel with and tripod awnings and slide FOR SALE: Gates crimp on Or e-mail to: saws and other shop tools. 2006 F350, Super Duty covers. $21,000 for all. (530) hydraulic fittings. Various [email protected] All located in Beowowae, Combo. Both are in excellent 587-8193. Reg# 2407711. sizes. Call Tony to make an Nev., about 40 miles west of condition. Call for more FOR SALE: 302A John Deere offer at (209) 786-2736. Reg# *All ads must include Elko on I-80. (415) 492-1476. details. (707) 778-3160. Reg# Tractor. Bucket in front, 1144803. Member Registration Reg# 1098479. Number or ad will not 1826093. hydraulic tilt on scraper and FOR SALE: 1990 F350 appear. FOR SALE: 2006 Athens Park FOR SALE: 1982 GMC Sierra rippers, safety cab; set up for service truck. Original owner. Royal Mobile Home located Classic 4X4. Rebuilt motor, backhoe; has reconditioned Long frame, V8 International WANTED: Mazda MX3 GS. in Elko, Nev. trailer park. heads, heavy-duty pump engine diesel. Automatic Running or not. ’92 to ’95. All 20,000 miles on new motor, Unit can be kept in park fresh paint, new tires 35X12.5 for backhoe, new valves, transmission with overdrive. of the frontend sheet metal, or relocated and is in good injectors, diesel fuel pump, 57,000 miles. Royal utility bumper, trim, lenses, air dam, all-terrain, full power, dual condition with some work tank, short bed, smog legal. booster pump and starter, bed with seven cabinets grill, hood, etc., from the doors needed. $19,900. (New, these good tires. Ready to go to and stand-up bottle cabinet. forward, and all components $3,500 OBO. (510) 551-7933. units go for $70,000.) Call Gig Reg# 2387132. work. $9,500 OBO. Will take Newer Lincoln 250 stick in the engine compartment, or Susan at (775) 738-8071 or smaller tractor in trade. (916) welder with leads. 8-inch must be complete and virgin John at (866) 259-6630. Reg# FOR SALE: 1974 Chevy 991-1530. Reg# 0486196. Wilton vice on rear bumper. or factory-replacement parts. Step Side dual tank need 2553692. FOR SALE: 1928 five-window Large custom storage box. White in color earns extra restoration, complete some Air compressor. Too many consideration. Leave message FOR SALE: Rebuilt 1972 parts. $1,500, trade, OBO. coupe Model A Ford. Restored. Ford 351 Cleveland. Standard 76,000 actual miles. $12,500 tools to list. Best offer. (415) at (510) 278-2936. Reg# (510) 551-7933. Reg# 897-9125, (415) 320-9126 2577104. pistons, four-bolt main, 2387132. OBO. (916) 991-1530. Reg# crankshaft connecting 0486196. or (415) 230-9125. Reg# FOR SALE: D4J Cat, rebuilt FOR SALE: 2003 35-foot 2188998. rods and pistons balanced, FOR RENT: 2 bd/2 ba engine, new clutch, battery, aluminum Edel Brock Montana 5th wheel. Three FOR SALE: 25 acres, 3 bd/2 alternator, D2 fuel tank, slides, new hot water heater ocean-front condos in Maui. intake manifold. Chrome Both units are right on the ba home with sun room, running gear good. New valve covers. Mild camshaft. and Dominic refrigerator. closed-in deck, living room, seat. $3,000. 540 3-cylinder Clean. $20,000. (530) ocean at Sugar Beach in Aluminum belt pulleys. Maalaea Bay. Full kitchens, dining room, kitchen, industrial Ford tractor. Hedman hedders. Needs 343-2070. Reg# 1862038. dishwasher, smooth-top Cannon scraper. Front loader. laundry. Sleeps six. Visit carburetor and distributor. FOR SALE: Like new 2004 www.MarysMauiCondo.com stove, refrigerator, washer New tubes in rear tires. New More than $3,500 invested. seadoo bomardie sportster and dryer, daylight basement, seat. Contact Bob at (707) or call (707) 480-4121. Reg# $1,800 OBO. (510) 303-5228. 4-tec 20 hours or less. 0782777. fantastic view, 3,200 square 326-1544. Reg# 0711800. Reg# 2380873. Contact Mary at (707) feet, 78 Gl. minute in well, FOR SALE: Marble collection. 480-4121 or vpd412@aol. FOR SALE: Condo in Maui, 30-by-40 shop and 18-foot FOR SALE: Acra mill. Sargon 2 bd/2 ba. Ready to move Approximately 4,200, all in electronics. Three-phase com. Reg# 0939949. side, concrete floor in in or use as a vacation shop, barn, fence and cross antique fruit jars with zinc generator. Runs on 220-1 FOR SALE: A Denon rental. Comes furnished. fence, pond. Worley, Idaho. lids. Some very old. Will send phase power. Table has no slop AVR2801 Amp, a Sony Ocean-front unit. (707) [email protected]. Reg# pictures if interested. $750 in both “x” and ”y” directions. STR-DE 2801 Amp, a Yamaha for all. (530) 223-4388. Reg# 747-6727 or vpd412@aol. 0883658. Comes with 6-inch Magnum HTR 5990 Amp, Sony 5.1 com. Reg# 0782777. 0827031. vise, 360-degree rotation speaker system with rear FOR SALE: 2001 Itasca FOR SALE: 1,900-square-foot, table, 50-plus colletts, tool speaker stands, Audio Vox FOR SALE: 1995 Dodge Sunrise, 30-foot motor 3 bd/2-½ ba ranch-style home holders and some tooling. 5.1 speaker system with rear Ram 2500 turbo diesel, home, Vortec V-8, 62,000 with in-ground pool. One $2,500 OBO. Also: Three speaker stands plus Kliptch automatic with overdrive, miles, 14-foot slide out, two block from beach. On Gulf Kurt 6-inch double vises, subwoofer. All remotes four-wheel-drive, regular roof airs, electric satellite Coast in Long Beach, Miss. model DL 640. Great for included with individual cab, equipped for 5th-wheel dish and locator, TVs, MP3 No Katrina damage. Multiple production machine work. owner manuals, plus speaker trailer, exhaust brake, pump player, 4,000-watt Onan listing number 243126. Paid $750 each. All three for wire, connections, etc. Will has been recalibrated to Gen, walk-around queen $179,000. Call Nancy at (228) $500. (510) 303-5228. Reg# accept any reasonable offer. Cummins specs, grill guard bed, Roadmaster air braking 547-6161. Reg# 1589183. 2380873. Located in Roseville, Calif. with bug shield, tow hitch system for tow vehicle, Gen front and back, bed liner, exhaust extension. Serviced FOR SALE: Reduced to FOR SALE: 2008 Montana Call Tim at (415) 559-6500. cab high insulated Snug Top 150 miles ago, all new jack $255,000 – 16.75 acres in 5th wheel. 35-feet long. Reg# 1986429. canopy. Well-maintained. springs. $29,000 or assume south Idaho. Fully fenced, Has electric fireplace and FOR SALE: 16-foot 1999 119,000 miles. $9,000 (510) loan at $476/month. (530) 34 shares of irrigation water. surround sound for movies Alumaweld Stryker with 40 537-6940. Reg# 0991220. 273-3891. Reg# 2253924. 3 bd/2 full ba. Master bath and stereo. Has hitch and hp Mercury four-stroke, low has garden tub. New fixtures portable side patio. Has hour outboard with happy FOR SALE: Vintage 1961 FOR SALE: D8H radiator throughout. New pressure two slides (bedroom and troller cut-off plate, 50-pound 30-foot Norwalk Cruiser. Twin core for 46A. $800. (209) tank, hot water heater, living room) and a queen Trust Minn Kota electric Chrysler straight 6 engines 401-7655. Reg# 2012178.

October 2011 | 31 Unit 12

Bridge crews repair, clean, seal and pave By Gladys Perry, business representative

The following is part of a series on the detailed tasks of assessment is made, it may take more than a few specialists to specialized Unit 12 bridge crews. get the job done. Then, special equipment must be transported One of the Caltrans bridge crews’ primary functions is in, etc. repairing bridge spalls, joints and cells. Their work is generated Bridge cells are hollow panels on the underbelly of the from a service request by the district office. Businesses, bridge. Some of the homeless population break into these areas residents, law enforcement agents and the public call in specific and live there. Bridge crews must access these areas to replace requests and needs. To make repairs, lanes are closed and traffic the panels. We highlighted some of these efforts in last month’s is diverted. Engineers News. Bridge spalls are voids or gaps in the concrete that need to Other bridge-crew tasks include sealing the cracks to avoid be cleaned and filled with a special quick-drying concrete mix. water damage and assisting the maintenance crews with paving. These voids occur because of the expansion and contraction of Bridge crewmembers work together as a team. They make the concrete, due to traffic or weather. an assessment, put a plan of action into motion and execute Bridge joints are like metal fingers, and there are various it. They do not bend from safety. It is important for them to types on every bridge. Joints often come loose and get damaged, look out for one another. Routine procedures must be followed. and they must be repaired or replaced. Routine joint inspections These guidelines are spelled out in Chapter 8 of their Safety are scheduled either by supervisors or the workers, if they see Manual. They must have their priorities in order. Their personal potential problems during the course of their workday. Some safety is foremost, followed by their partner’s safety and then repairs take several days, depending on the different types the public’s safety. The bridge crew cannot help the public, if of materials and equipment needed. For instance, after an they don’t look out for themselves.

Above: Members of the San Jose and Foster City bridge crews work together, including David Douglas, Will Stevens, Jack Barba, Francisco Cruz and Anthony Cortez. At right: James Ocampo uses compressed air to clean out a bridge joint on Durant Bridge 280.