I would like to start by saying that this is a very difficult year for the agents and members alike. We had hoped that the work load would have been greater than it has turned out so far. We are trying everything possible to make sure that all members receive the hours that are needed. However, it is still very discouraging to receive a call from a member about work and when asked about certain certifications or qualifications they still do not have them and make excuses as to why they have not obtained them. If we are going to keep the high level of expertise in Local 545 we have to get to the Training Site and participate. This goes for highly skilled members to apprentices. I cannot stress the importance of this enough.

 

             On a lighter note work is starting to pick up, slowly. We have also contacted our neighboring

locals in hopes of finding work. Most are in the same situation as we are. 

 

             I would like to thank everyone who participated in the golf outing. It was another success and we raised a good amount of money for the Bernie De Joseph Foundation.

 

             I would also like to thank everyone for their support and understanding during the difficult times we all face. I will look forward to talking with you at the meetings and seeing you at the Training Site while we work on our skills. As always feel free to call at any time.

             Work in District 2 has been sparse this summer, as project after project

seems to have been delayed, mostly due to a lack of funding.

 

             Economy Paving has had plentiful work in several different parts of the

District, and has provided good work for numerous operators. They continue bidding

aggressively, and should continue picking up their share of the work. Along with Economy,

CFR Paving has also gotten much work in the area as well.

 

             PLC and PowerLine have remained busy, despite the recent lull in windfarm

activity. In Utica, we’re making good progress working out a PLA for the Utica Schools

projects, which will total around $187 Million.  Industrial Contracting has gotten work on

the Griffis Airbase. We recently signed an Albany area contractor- Rozell Industries-and

picked up a couple small jobs. Our area crane companies- Rig-All, C&S, and Clark to

name a few, have all been quite busy, too.

 

             Amazingly, we continue having trouble placing some members onto jobs requiring HAZ-MAT, OSHA, and Forklift certification, as well as CDL’s. In a year such as this, we all need to have as many skill sets as possible, in order to make ourselves more employable. Please see or call Rich Dobie to update your certifications. See you on a jobsite.