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
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