As a lot of our members found out this year it is necessary to have all of the certifications that you need for us to put you out to work (OSHA, Hazmat, Forklift, etc.) It is up to you to sign up for and attend these classes at the Training Site this winter.

 

             Do not forget that our next District 3 meeting is Thursday, October 15 at the Best Western in Canton at 8:00 P.M. I hope to see you there.

The training site has seen quite an active summer, partly due to the slow construction season. The new apprentices, especially, are showing up ready for their new careers. One apprentice recently took and passed his CDL Road Test.  The others have been working hard at increasing their skills on dozer, roller, backhoe, bucket loader, grader, and excavator. They are being trained on working safely around cranes and are learning rigging practices. Many thanks to all the volunteers who have been helping out at the site.

The New York State Crane Test was held at the Constantia Training Site this year. Local 545 now has eight new crane operators. This license helps the individual AND the local immensely. Most crane operators will tell you that getting their license was a great career move. We also recently held classes for forklift and OSHA Construction Safety.

I attended two conferences this summer, the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Conference in Boston, and The IUOE Safety and Health Conference in Miami. The International is putting together some very useful programs. We have already begun to utilize some of the new technologies that are being introduced.

In spite of a questionable weather forecast, the annual picnic was very well attended. Thanks to all who helped (and there were plenty) and thanks to all who attended.

The training schedule for our next training season is a work in progress. It will be published in the Christmas newsletter. No classes are scheduled prior to the New Year, however, if the need arises, we will try to accommodate you.  I have copies of the new National Pipeline Training Schedule for pipeline training  on excavator, dozer, side boom, pipe bender, vacuworxs pipe lifter, and John Henry rock drills. You must be nominated by Business Manager Terry Hogle to attend these classes. If you are interested, contact either Terry or myself.

             Feel free to stop by the site and polish up your skills, or to pass them on to someone else. I hope to see you at the site, or at the Union Meetings.

Liebherr Mobile Crane

Rod Smith and Bill Shelly

             Due to the state of our economy it has been a slow start to this construction season. Some projects that we  have going on are: Perras Excavating has picked up a large job with the Power Authority at Wilson Hill that hopefully will be starting soon. J.E. Sheehan is finishing up a project for Massena Central School District, Potsdam Hydro and United Helpers. They have also started work at SUNY Potsdam and Ogdensburg Airport. Tuscarora has some jobs in Louisville, Norwood and Black River. Harvey Excavating and B-S Industrial are working at Clarkson University in Potsdam. Bruce Roundpoint and Barber Corp. are working on Fort Drum. MacGregor Crane also has been busy in District 3. Fast Trek Steel has started work at SUNY Canton and D.A. Collins is having great success with their project at Alcoa-East.