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About Northwest labor press. (Portland , Ore.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (May 4, 2007)
NOLC’s annual awards dinner set for June 2 Painters get bonus checks for safety, skills training Members of Painters and Drywall Finishers Locals 10 (Portland), 78 (Longview), 360 (Vancouver), 724 (Salem) and 1277 (Eugene) don new Carhartt jackets and baseball caps — along with receiving individual checks for $575. It’s all part of a labor-management rewards program to inspire workers to complete safety training and skill advancement classes. A provision in the union’s contract with the Signatory Painting Contractors Organization qualifies journey-level painters who complete six classes and/or certifications, plus an additional 24 hours of skill advancement training over a one-year period for the bonus. The program is funded by employer contributions of 20 cents an hour into a special fund. Classes include first aid, CPR, fall protection, OSHA 10 and others. Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends at the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 5 Training Center in Northeast Portland. Approximately $40,000 was handed out to the union workers. “We hope more of our members will take advantage of this program,” said Business Representative Tim Carrier. “These are skills they can use for a lifetime.” Jason Broten, a 16-year member of Vancouver Painters and Dry- wall Finishers Local 360, was one of 56 union members to receive bonus checks for completing safety training and skill advancement classes at the union’s training center. After getting his check for $575, Broten immediately turned it over to co-worker Jerry Mataya, a member of Portland Painters Local 10, who has cancer. Mataya also received a bonus check, but he’s been out of work for a while for chemotherapy treatment. “I’m not looking for any publicity,” said Broten of Amboy, Washington. “It’s money I didn’t know I was getting. Someday, maybe some- one will do the same for me if I need it.” Broten and Mataya work for W.E. Given Contracting Inc. Broten said the company is matching all contributions to help Mataya. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 2, when the Northwest Oregon Labor Council hosts the 10th annual Labor Appreciation and Recognition Night at Westmoreland Union Manor. This year’s theme is “Hat Mad- ness,” so don your favorite lid for the dinner and awards ceremony, which serves as a fundraiser for Labor’s Community Service Agency’s Emer- gency Fund. The fund helps union members who have been laid off, are on strike, or experiencing some type of financial difficulty. Dinner tickets are $10 per person. Raffle tickets are sold for $1 each or seven for $5. Through May 18, the labor council will be accepting nominations for per- sons to be recognized for their contri- butions to the labor community. “You can recognize union mem- bers, shop stewards, service providers, whomever you feel is worthy,” said Judy O’Connor, executive secretary- treasurer of NOLC. The labor council also is accepting cash and prize donations for the raffle. For more information or to order tickets, call 503-235-9444. Broadway Floral for the BEST flowers call 503-288-5537 1638 NE Broadway, Portland NW Labor History confab set May 11-12 at IBEW #48 mer president of the “Preserving Union Oregon AFL-CIO. History: Saving The On May 12, a plenary Day” is the theme of session starting at 9 a.m. the 39th annual Pacific will feature Joseph Mc- Northwest Labor His- Cartin, associate profes- tory Association Con- sor of history at George- ference, slated Friday town University, who and Saturday, May 11- will talk about the the air 12, at the IBEW Local traffic controllers and 48-NECA Training how their mass firings in Center, 15937 NE Air- 1981 by President port Way, Portland. Ronald Reagan changed The conference the face of collective brings union members JOSEPH McCARTIN bargaining in the United from Oregon, Washing- States. ton and British Columbia together for Also speaking on Saturday will be a weekend of workshops, panel dis- Heather Mayer of Simon Fraser Uni- cussions and entertainment. versity; Trevor Griffey of the Univer- The annual awards banquet will be sity of Washington History Depart- held May 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. Ed ment; and Adam Klugman of the Barnes, retired business manager of Progressive Media Agency. Mayer IBEW Local 48, will be honored with will discuss the Wobblies and the 1907 the Labor History Person of the Year sawmill strike in Portland. Griffey will Award and the Labor Education and talk about working-class radicalism Research Center of the University of and the electrical workers in the Oregon will receive a special award. Northwest. And Klugman will make a Speakers that evening will include presentation on telling labor’s story. Oregon Labor Commissioner Dan For more information, call Ross Gardner and Tim Nesbitt, adviser to Rieder at 253-875-9498. Gov. Ted Kulongoski. Nesbitt is a for- MAY 4, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7
